Baked Chimichanga

In two weeks my wife and I are heading to Cabo San Lucas for a week long vacation of basking in the sun, drinking ritas at the pool and enjoying some authentic Mexican food.  Now in preparation for our vacation we have been trying to keep a healthy eating routine which unfortunately kept us away from our most favorite Mexican meals.  This weekend we gave in and splurged (but not too badly!) with my Baked Steak & Chicken Chimichangas and homemade Guacamole - that seriously gets better and better every time I make it!

Ingredients 

•    1 lbs chicken or steak (see seasonings in directions)
•    4 large flour tortillas
•    1 cup Mexican cheese
•    1 yellow onion and green pepper
•    1 can refried beans**
•    1 bag Knorr's Spanish rice (add 1/4 cup red pepper and yellow onion)
•    2 tablespoons butter
•    Guacamole **

Directions

I started by seasoning my top sirloin with equal parts salt, pepper, chili powder and cumin (about ½ teaspoon each).  Next marinate the chicken in ½ cup taco sauce, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon lime juice, touch of salt and pepper for an hour or two.  Put both on the grill, cook until chicken is just done and steak until its cooked medium.  Remove and set aside to rest then cut in slices.

While chicken is marinating, julienne half the green pepper and half the yellow onion.  Heat 1 tablespoon butter in sauté pan to high; cook peppers and onions for about 2-3mins adding a touch of cumin.  Remove and set aside for later.   Follow rice recipe, but also add ¼ cup diced onion and ¼ cup diced red pepper.

Set up a line of all the food (except guacamole) starting with the tortillas.  Start by spreading beans on tortilla, add cheese, rice, meat, pepper onion mix and roll the tortilla into a burrito shape.  Place in a baking pan and pour 1 tablespoon melted butter over all the burritos.  Bake in preheated oven at 400 degrees for 15mins and then broil until top browns (1-3mins). 

Plate Chimichanga, add a big scoop of homemade guacamole on top and beans & rice on the side. 

*Please keep in mind you can add, remove, increase or decrease any and all ingredients.

**My version of these ingredients will be posted soon!