If you’re craving a meal that wraps bold, comforting flavors in a warm embrace, then this Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a heartwarming dish that combines the perfect savory ground beef filling infused with spices and tangy green chilies, smothered with a luscious red enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Every bite sings with vibrant flavors and creamy textures, making these burritos an unbeatable choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here, just straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to build layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays an essential part, whether it’s the aromatic spices that give the beef its bold character or the cheeses that add that irresistible gooey richness.
- Olive oil: A couple of tablespoons to gently sauté the aromatics and brown the meat perfectly.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened just right.
- Garlic: Gives a fragrant boost that wakes up the entire filling.
- Ground beef: The hearty, protein-packed core of the burritos.
- Ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy base to the spice mix.
- Chili powder: Essential for that classic chili kick and smoky undertone.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
- Oregano: A touch of herbal brightness balancing the savory meat.
- Salt and black pepper: To season and bring all the flavors together.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For a little heat that tingles on the tongue.
- Diced green chilies: The iconic ingredient that delivers tangy zest and mild heat.
- Red enchilada sauce: The rich, smothering sauce that coats every bite with warmth.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and cuts through the spice beautifully.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, enhancing the savory goodness.
- Monterey Jack cheese: Provides smooth, mild melting magic.
- Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping all the deliciousness up.
- Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle on top that brings a fresh, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook it until it’s soft and translucent, welcoming a sweet aroma into your kitchen. Then stir in minced garlic for just 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—this sets the foundation of flavor that you’ll love.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spoon. Cook it until no pink remains and the meat is beautifully browned. This step builds that irresistible hearty base for your burritos, giving them rich flavor and satisfying texture.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together so the spices evenly mingle with the meat, spreading layers of smoky, earthy, and slightly spicy notes through the mixture.
Step 4: Add Green Chilies and Sauce
Pour in the diced green chilies and red enchilada sauce, folding them into the beef with care. Turn the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about five minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps all the flavors marry beautifully and infuses the filling with that signature tangy kick.
Step 5: Stir in Sour Cream
Once the mixture is simmered, stir in the sour cream until it’s smooth and fully incorporated. This addition creates a creamy texture that balances the spices and gives the filling a luscious finish perfect for stuffing your burritos.
Step 6: Prepare and Roll the Burritos
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Place your flour tortillas flat, then spoon about a quarter cup of the beef mixture onto each tortilla’s center. Top with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, then carefully roll the tortillas, folding in the sides to create neat burritos.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Lay the rolled burritos seam-side down in the baking dish. Pour any remaining beef mixture over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheeses. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top for a bright and fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
How to Serve Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro is a classic finish, but adding diced avocados, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños can elevate the experience. Each garnish either cools the heat or adds a fresh crunch, making your serving plate lively and dynamic.
Side Dishes
Pair these burritos with simple sides like Mexican rice or refried beans for a full meal, or try a crisp, tangy coleslaw to complement the rich, saucy burritos. A light salad with lime vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these burritos into a fun platter by serving them family-style with bowls of different toppings and sides, letting everyone customize their plate. You can also slice them into bite-sized pieces for party appetizers or wrap them individually for festive lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for about 3 to 4 days, and their flavors even deepen overnight, making next-day eating just as delightful.
Freezing
If you want to save the burritos for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh up to 2 months and are perfect for quick, satisfying meals later on.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated or frozen burritos, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F and warm until heated through, about 20 minutes (add a few extra minutes if frozen). Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying them out, covering them with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I make the Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for cooked beans, tofu crumbles, or sautéed veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious meatless version that still captures all the beloved flavors.
What types of cheese work best in this recipe?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack provide the perfect balance of sharpness and meltability. However, you can experiment with pepper jack for some heat or mozzarella for a milder, stringy texture.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe has a gentle to moderate spice level thanks to the green chilies and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper or substitute mild green chilies to tone down the heat or add extra jalapeños if you love it spicy.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
You can, but corn tortillas are less pliable and can break when rolling. To prevent cracking, warm them thoroughly before filling and handle gently; alternatively, serve the filling over folded corn tortillas like enchiladas.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the burritos?
Reheating in the oven covered with foil helps keep moisture locked in, preventing dryness. If microwaving, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe is a game-changer whenever you want something packed with flavor, comfort, and ease. It’s perfect for gathering around the table, sharing stories and smiles while enjoying every gooey, zesty bite. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 burritos
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Smothered Green Chili Burritos are a flavorful and satisfying Tex-Mex dish featuring seasoned ground beef simmered with green chilies and enchilada sauce, wrapped in warm flour tortillas, and baked with a cheesy topping. Perfect for a comforting family meal with a creamy and spicy kick.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Cheese and Tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Onion: Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, to develop sweetness and texture.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the flavor base.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Brown Beef: Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink, approximately 6 to 7 minutes.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for seasoning the beef mixture thoroughly.
- Mix Spices: Stir everything well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the beef.
- Add Chilies and Sauce: Pour in diced green chilies and red enchilada sauce, mixing to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Lower heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Combine Sour Cream: Stir in sour cream until fully incorporated, adding creaminess to the filling.
- Set Aside: Remove the skillet from heat and set aside the beef mixture.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the burritos.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Tortillas: Lay flour tortillas flat on a surface for assembly.
- Fill Tortillas: Spoon about 1/4 cup of beef mixture into the center of each tortilla.
- Add Cheese Inside: Top the beef with some shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a melty inside layer.
- Roll Burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortillas and roll them up tightly to form burritos.
- Arrange in Dish: Place the rolled burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish to keep them closed during baking.
- Pour Remaining Mixture: Spread any leftover beef mixture evenly over the top of the burritos.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the burritos for a golden crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes to heat through.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the burritos cool for a few minutes before serving to set and avoid burns.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top to add freshness and color before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño.
- Use low-fat sour cream to reduce calories.
- Flour tortillas can be warmed slightly before filling to make rolling easier.
- Leftover burritos can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
