20-Ingredient Easy Dinner Recipes: Deliciously Simple

Life gets busy, right? Between work, family, and just trying to keep up, the last thing anyone needs is a complicated cooking project after a long day. That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing 20-Ingredient Easy Dinner Recipes (No Fuss) – simple, delicious meals that actually fit into our real lives! I remember one evening, after a day spent exploring flavors from all over the world, I was exhausted but still wanted a great family dinner. I challenged myself to create something amazing using just 20 ingredients or less, and guess what? It was a huge hit! It reminded me that truly satisfying meals don’t need a mile-long ingredient list. I’m Isabella Moore, and I love showing how simple cooking can be a centerpiece for connection, even when time is tight.

Why You’ll Love These 20-Ingredient Easy Dinner Recipes (No Fuss)

Seriously, life is too short for complicated dinners! That’s why I’m so excited about these kinds of recipes. They’re designed to be your weeknight best friend, and here’s why:

• Super Speedy: We’re talking dinner on the table FAST. Less prep, less cooking, more time for YOU.
• Zero Fuss Required: Forget fancy techniques or hunting down obscure items. These recipes keep it simple and totally approachable.
• Packed with Flavor: Don’t let the short ingredient list fool you! These meals are bursting with deliciousness.
• Minimal Cleanup: Less ingredients often means fewer dishes. Hooray for that!
• Perfect for Busy Lives: Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just tired, these dinners are your secret weapon.

Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Chimichangas

Okay, gathering everything is half the battle, right? For these super simple chimichangas, you won’t believe how few things you actually need. We’re going to break it down into the filling and then what you need to get them fried up golden and delicious. Trust me, it’s way less than you think!

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup bacon grease or olive oil (bacon grease adds a nice flavor kick!)
• 2 cups shredded cooked beef, pork, or chicken (leftovers are a lifesaver here!)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cans (4 ounces each) chopped green chiles (for that perfect little zing)
• 1 large peeled boiled potato, diced (this is our secret for texture!)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro

For Assembly and Frying:

• 12 flour tortillas (about 12 inches), warmed
• Oil for frying (you’ll want enough to get a good depth in your pan)

Optional Toppings (go wild!):

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Lime wedges

Find more chimichanga inspiration here!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making 20-Ingredient Easy Dinner Recipes (No Fuss)

Alright, let’s get to the fun part! Making these chimichangas is honestly a breeze, proving that “20-Ingredient Easy Dinner Recipes (No Fuss)” aren’t just a catchy phrase – they’re totally achievable. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious meal on your table before you know it!

Prepare the Flavorful Filling

First things first, we need to get that amazing filling ready. Grab a large skillet and heat your bacon grease (or olive oil if that’s what you’ve got!) over medium heat. Toss in that diced onion and minced garlic and let them get nice and fragrant. Then, add your shredded meat, chopped tomatoes, green chiles, and that secret weapon potato. Stir in your salt, oregano, and chili powder. Let this little mixture simmer away for just about 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid has cooked down a bit. That’s it for the filling!

Assemble Your Chimichangas

Now, let’s roll ’em up! Grab your warmed flour tortillas – warming them makes them super pliable so they don’t crack. Spoon about half a cup of that delicious filling onto each tortilla, but don’t put it smack in the middle; place it a little off to one side. Fold up the edge closest to the filling first, then tuck in both sides, and roll it up as tightly as you can. If it feels a little stubborn, a quick toothpick can help keep everything in place while they fry.

Fry to Golden Perfection

This is where the magic really happens! Get your electric skillet or deep-fat fryer heated up to about 375°F (190°C). Carefully place your rolled chimichangas into the hot oil. You’ll want to fry them until they’re a beautiful golden brown on all sides – just turn them every so often to get that perfect color all around. Once they’re looking gorgeous and crispy, scoop them out and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels. This little step is key to getting that super crispy texture without them being greasy.

Serve and Enjoy Your Easy Dinner

And there you have it! Serve these beauties up right away while they’re hot and crispy. Don’t forget to pile on your favorite optional toppings – cheese, sour cream, salsa… whatever makes your taste buds happy!

Tips for Success with Your Easy Dinner

Want to make sure these chimichangas turn out absolutely perfect every single time? It’s all about a few little tricks that make a big difference! First off, don’t skip warming those tortillas – it makes them so much easier to roll without tearing. If you can, using leftover cooked meat is a total game-changer for speed. When it comes to frying, make sure your oil is nice and hot (around 375°F/190°C) before you put the chimichangas in; this helps them get crispy fast and not soak up too much oil. And for an extra boost of flavor, don’t be shy with those optional toppings – they really make the meal!

Looking for more simple ideas? You can always find more inspiration right here on my recipe page!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for 20-Ingredient Easy Dinner Recipes

Let’s talk ingredients, because sometimes you need a little flexibility! The beauty of these 20-Ingredient Easy Dinner Recipes (No Fuss) is that they’re forgiving. If you don’t have bacon grease, no worries – olive oil works perfectly, though you miss out on that smoky depth. Any shredded cooked meat you have on hand will work brilliantly, so don’t stress if you don’t have beef; chicken or pork are superstars here too! And if diced potatoes aren’t your thing, you can skip them or try a small amount of finely diced firm tofu for a bit of texture, though the potato is our little secret for a perfect filling texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Dinner Recipes

Got questions about whipping up these easy dinners? I totally get it! Here are a few things people often ask:

Can I make the filling for these easy dinner recipes ahead of time?

Absolutely! The filling for these chimichangas is perfect for making a day in advance. Just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’s ready to go when you are!

What are the best optional toppings for chimichangas?

Oh, the toppings are where you can really have fun! Go classic with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and salsa. Or get fancy with guacamole, crisp shredded lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime. Whatever you love!

Are there healthier variations of these 20-Ingredient Easy Dinner Recipes (No Fuss)?

You bet! For a lighter take, try baking them instead of frying until golden brown. You could also use whole wheat tortillas and load up on fresh veggie toppings for extra fiber and nutrients. Looking for more healthy ideas? Check out my list of healthy dinners!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate for one chimichanga, not including any optional toppings. It can really vary based on exactly what you use, especially the type of meat and how much oil gets absorbed. But it gives you a general idea!

• Calories: 343
• Fat: 13g
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 41g

Share Your Easy Dinner Creations!

I really hope you give these chimichangas a try! If you do, I’d absolutely love to hear what you think. Leave a comment below, tell me how it turned out, or share your cooking adventures with me on social media. You can even say hi through my contact form. Happy cooking!