Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they become translucent.

Step 3: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula.

Step 4: Stir in minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Pour in tomato sauce and water, then simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Take a tortilla and place a generous spoonful of the beef mixture in the center. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it tightly to form a burrito-like shape.

Step 7: Place the rolled chimichanga seam side down on a baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 8: Brush the chimichangas lightly with melted butter or oil to help them crisp up in the oven.

Step 9: Bake the chimichangas in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 10: While the chimichangas are baking, prepare any desired toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole.

Step 11: Once the chimichangas are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Step 12: Serve the Arizona chimichangas hot, topped with your preferred toppings and garnishments. Enjoy!

- Flour tortillas: You can substitute with corn tortillas or any other type of flatbread. Adjust the cooking time as needed since corn tortillas may require less time to crisp up.
- Beef chuck roast: You can replace it with any other type of beef roast, such as beef sirloin or beef brisket. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts of beef may require different cooking times.
- Green chilies: Substitute with canned or fresh jalapenos or any other mild chili peppers. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.
- Garlic cloves: You can use garlic powder or granulated garlic as a substitute. Use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder or 1/8 teaspoon of granulated garlic per clove.
- Onion: Replace with onion powder or granulated onion. Use 1/2 teaspoon of powder or 1/4 teaspoon of granulated onion per small onion.
- Ground cumin: Substitute with chili powder or a combination of equal parts paprika and ground coriander. Adjust the quantity to taste.
- Ground coriander: You can replace it with ground cumin or a combination of equal parts chili powder and paprika.
- Salt: Use any other type of salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, in the same quantity.
- Vegetable oil: Substitute with any neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil. Adjust the cooking time if needed, as different oils may have different smoking points.
- Shredded lettuce: You can use any other leafy greens like spinach or arugula as a substitute.
- Diced tomatoes: Substitute with canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: You can replace it with any other type of shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby. Adjust the quantity to your liking.
- Sour cream: Substitute with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
- Guacamole: You can replace it with sliced avocado or any other avocado-based spread. Adjust the quantity to your liking.
- Salsa: Substitute with any other type of tomato-based sauce or condiment like hot sauce or tomato ketchup. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.

- Refried beans and Mexican rice
- Guacamole and salsa
- Sour cream and shredded cheese
- Pico de gallo and jalapenos
- Mexican-style street corn
- Mexican Caesar salad
- Churros with chocolate sauce
- Margaritas or Mexican beer (such as Corona or Dos Equis)
- Horchata or agua fresca (such as tamarind or hibiscus)

1. Improve presentation:
- Serve the chimichangas on a bed of vibrant mixed greens for a pop of color.
- Drizzle a tangy cilantro-lime crema over the chimichangas for an elegant touch.
- Garnish with thinly sliced radishes and fresh cilantro leaves for added freshness and visual appeal.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a layer of melted Monterey Jack or queso fresco cheese inside the chimichangas for a gooey, creamy texture.
- Marinate the protein (such as chicken or beef) in a smoky chipotle adobo sauce before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Incorporate a mix of sautéed bell peppers and onions for a satisfying crunch and extra depth of flavor.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute regular ground beef with high-quality Wagyu beef for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Use fresh lump crab meat instead of traditional proteins for a luxurious twist.
- Enhance the flavor with a drizzle of truffle oil or sprinkle of edible gold flakes for a touch of luxury.

- Use whole wheat tortillas instead of white flour tortillas to increase fiber content.
- Opt for lean protein options such as grilled chicken or turkey instead of ground beef or pork.
- Incorporate more vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes for added nutrients and fiber.
- Bake the chimichangas instead of deep-frying them to reduce the amount of added fats.
- Use a small amount of heart-healthy oils like olive oil for sautéing instead of using excessive amounts of oil.
- Serve with a side of salsa or pico de gallo instead of sour cream or cheese to reduce saturated fat and calorie intake.
- For gluten-free diets, choose gluten-free tortillas or use lettuce wraps as a substitute.
- To reduce sodium intake, use low-sodium or no-salt-added seasonings and ingredients.
- For dairy-free diets, skip the cheese and sour cream or use dairy-free alternatives.
- For vegetarian or vegan diets, replace the meat with plant-based protein alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or black beans.

- Use whole wheat tortillas instead of white flour tortillas for added fiber and nutrients.
- Opt for lean protein options like grilled chicken or turkey instead of fatty meats like beef or pork.
- Bake the chimichangas instead of deep-frying them to reduce the amount of added fats.
- Use a small amount of heart-healthy oils, such as olive or avocado oil, to lightly brush the tortillas before baking.
- Load up on vegetables by adding a variety of colorful options like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes to the filling.
- Reduce the amount of cheese used or choose a lower-fat cheese option to cut back on saturated fats.
- Serve with a side of homemade salsa or guacamole instead of sour cream to reduce calorie and fat content.
- Consider adding black beans or lentils to the filling for an extra dose of fiber and plant-based protein.
- Season the filling with flavorful herbs and spices instead of relying on excessive salt or high-sodium seasonings.
- Enjoy with a side of mixed greens or a colorful salad to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.

1. Use store-bought tortillas instead of making them from scratch.
2. Opt for pre-cooked shredded chicken or beef to save time on cooking the filling.
3. Substitute canned refried beans for homemade ones.
4. Skip the deep-frying step and bake the chimichangas instead for a healthier and quicker alternative.
5. Use a skillet with a lid to cook the chimichangas faster.
6. Prepare a large batch of chimichanga filling and freeze leftovers for future use.
7. Replace expensive cheeses with more affordable options like cheddar or Monterey Jack.
8. Use vegetable oil instead of lard for frying to reduce cost.
9. Serve chimichangas with budget-friendly toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
10. Consider using leftovers or pantry staples as fillings, such as cooked rice or beans, to save on ingredients.

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