Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe

Smothered Green Chili Burritos are packed with seasoned meat, beans, and cheese, wrapped in warm tortillas, and then smothered with a rich, tangy green chili sauce. This Mexican-inspired dish is perfect for a cozy dinner that’s full of flavor and comfort.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the ground beef (or shredded chicken) and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Season with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. If using pinto beans, add them to the skillet and mix well. For refried beans, spread them on the tortillas when assembling.
6. Once the mixture is fully cooked, remove from heat.

Step 2: Make the Green Chili Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the diced green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
7. For a creamy sauce, stir in sour cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Burritos

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Warm the flour tortillas so they’re pliable, either in the microwave or on a skillet.
3. On each tortilla, spread a portion of the meat and bean mixture, a bit of cooked rice (if using), and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
4. Roll the tortillas into burritos by folding in the sides and rolling from one end to the other, making sure to tuck in the filling tightly.

Step 4: Smother and Bake

1. Arrange the rolled burritos in a greased baking dish, seam side down.
2. Pour the green chili sauce generously over the burritos, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the burritos from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes.
2. Serve the burritos with sour cream, chopped cilantro, and extra green chili sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Smothered Green Chili Burritos

• Add Some Heat: For spicier burritos, include some diced jalapeños or use a hotter variety of green chilies.
• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and load the burritos with black beans, corn, rice, and extra veggies.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can make these burritos ahead of time and freeze them. Wrap each burrito individually in foil, then bake them directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
• Customize Your Filling: Feel free to get creative with your fillings by adding ingredients like sautéed bell peppers, corn, or even sliced avocado.

Serving Suggestions

• Mexican Rice: Serve the burritos alongside Mexican rice or Spanish rice for a complete meal.
• Guacamole and Chips: Add a side of guacamole with tortilla chips for extra flavor and texture.
• Fresh Salad: A simple side salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado can help balance out the rich flavors of the burritos.

Variations

1. Shredded Chicken Smothered Burritos

Substitute the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter option that’s still full of flavor.

2. Pork Verde Burritos

Use slow-cooked pork verde as the filling, which pairs perfectly with the green chili sauce.

3. Breakfast Burritos

Turn this into a breakfast dish by using scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, and hash browns inside the tortillas, then smother with the green chili sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought green chili sauce?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought green enchilada sauce or green chili sauce as a shortcut.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the burritos ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then bake them when you’re ready to eat.

3. How can I reheat leftover burritos?

Reheat leftover burritos by placing them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through.

4. What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just make sure to wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

Conclusion

This Smothered Green Chili Burrito Recipe is a fantastic meal to satisfy your cravings for bold, Mexican-inspired flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it for a family dinner or preparing ahead for busy weeknights, this hearty dish is sure to become a favorite!

Yield: 6

Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe

Print

Smothered Green Chili Burritos are packed with seasoned meat, beans, and cheese, wrapped in warm tortillas, and then smothered with a rich, tangy green chili sauce. This Mexican-inspired dish is perfect for a cozy dinner that’s full of flavor and comfort.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or shredded chicken, pork, or beef)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• For the Green Chili Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Optional Toppings:
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Sour cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or meat of your choice) over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
   Stir in the taco seasoning, diced green chilies, and refried beans. Mix everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
   
2. Assemble the Burritos:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay out the tortillas and divide the meat and bean mixture evenly among them. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Roll each tortilla into a burrito and place them seam-side down in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
   
3. Make the Green Chili Sauce:
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Stir in the diced green chilies, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
   Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth and creamy.
   
4. Smother the Burritos:
   Pour the green chili sauce evenly over the burritos in the baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
   
5. Bake:
   Bake the burritos in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish the burritos with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and sour cream, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Custom Filling: You can substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, pork, or beef, or make it vegetarian by using sautéed vegetables and black beans.

Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less green chilies or including diced jalapeños in the filling.

Make Ahead: These burritos can be assembled in advance and refrigerated. Just add the sauce and cheese right before baking.