Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe for Taco Tuesday

Crispy tortillas wrapped around tender meat create an irresistible smothered green chili burritos experience that’ll make you crave Mexican comfort food.

Authentic flavors burst through every bite of this hearty dish.

Southwestern cuisine rarely gets more satisfying than these incredible burritos.

Peppers dance with robust seasonings, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Layers of melted cheese and succulent meat ensure each forkful delivers maximum deliciousness.

Regional ingredients combine to craft something truly memorable on your plate.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this flavor-packed culinary adventure that celebrates bold, zesty textures and tastes.

Why These Burritos Are So Comforting

• Easily prepare this dish in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a hearty Mexican-inspired meal.
• Swap proteins like chicken, beef, or pork, and experiment with different beans and cheese varieties to match personal taste preferences.
• Packed with bold flavors and gooey melted cheese, these burritos satisfy both kids and adults, creating a universal mealtime hit.
• Assemble burritos in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, offering convenient meal prep for hectic schedules.

What You’ll Need for Green Chili Burritos

• Shredded Meat: Tender protein base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the burritos, traditionally made from beef or chicken.
• Refried Beans or Black Beans: Rich, creamy protein component that adds texture and extra nutrition to the filling.

• Cheese: Melty, flavorful topping that creates a golden, gooey layer on top of the burritos, preferably a Mexican-style cheese like queso fresco or monterey jack.

• Tortillas: Soft, flexible wrap that holds the burrito filling, best when fresh and pliable.
• Green Chili Sauce: Spicy, tangy sauce that covers and enhances the burritos with a signature southwestern flavor.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a deep, savory flavor profile for the meat mixture.
• Cumin, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that season and elevate the overall taste of the filling.
• Cooking Oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and prevents sticking during cooking.

Steps to Smother and Bake with Flavor

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Turn the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Onions
• Garlic

Cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Build Meat Mixture

• Shredded meat
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook until meat is thoroughly heated.

Step 4: Incorporate Beans

• Refried beans
• Black beans

Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble Burritos

Spread meat and bean mixture onto tortillas. Sprinkle cheese and roll into burritos. Place seam-side down in baking dish.

Step 6: Pour Green Chili Sauce

Cover burritos completely with green chili sauce.

Step 7: Add Extra Cheese

Sprinkle additional cheese on top of burritos.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

Add your favorite toppings before serving hot.

Tips for Keeping the Tortilla Soft and Saucey

• Meat Selection Magic: Choose tender, slow-cooked meats like pulled pork or shredded chicken for maximum flavor and easier rolling.
• Cheese Layering Technique: Mix different cheese types like monterey jack and cheddar for a more complex, rich taste profile.
• Sauce Splashing Trick: Warm the green chili sauce before pouring to ensure even distribution and help burritos heat more quickly.
• Bean Boost Strategy: Use homemade refried beans or drain canned black beans thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the burrito filling.
• Topping Transformation: Customize with fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado for added texture and flavor complexity.

Reheat Burritos Without Turning Them Soggy

• Store leftover burritos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
• Warm individual burritos on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to turn and distribute heat evenly.
• Restore crispiness by placing burritos in a preheated 350F oven, covered with foil, for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Wrap burritos tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months for future quick meals.

What Pairs Well with Green Chili Burritos

• Grab a crisp, cold Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Dos Equis to cut through the rich, spicy flavors of the smothered green chili burritos. The light, refreshing beer balances the heavy meat and cheese while complementing the green chili sauce.
• Create a tangy, crunchy side dish with shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of salt. The bright, acidic slaw provides a cool contrast to the warm, hearty burritos and helps cleanse the palate.
• Whip up a smooth avocado sauce by blending ripe avocados, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This cool, creamy condiment adds a luxurious texture and helps temper the spiciness of the green chili sauce.
• Grill or roast corn kernels and mix with diced red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. The sweet, charred corn salsa adds a vibrant, fresh element that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Creative Add-ins and Adjustments

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace shredded meat with roasted sweet potatoes or black beans, using the same spice blend for a hearty plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or cauliflower tortillas, keeping the filling and green chili sauce intact for a lighter meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use corn tortillas instead of flour, and ensure all spices and sauces are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, maintaining the creamy texture and flavor profile.

Burrito FAQs

• What type of meat works best for this recipe?

Shredded beef, chicken, or pork are excellent choices. Slow-cooked or rotisserie meats provide the most tender and flavorful results.

• Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot green chili sauce. You can also add extra chili powder or diced green chilies to increase spiciness.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your green chili sauce and spices are certified gluten-free to make the entire dish safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

• How can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Assemble the burritos and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil to maintain freshness.

Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy Mexican smothered green chili burritos bring sizzling Southwest flavors straight to dinner tables. Melted cheese, tender meat, and zesty green sauce create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or shredded chicken
• Refried beans or cooked rice (optional for filling)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin

Main Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 200 g (2 cups) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 500 ml (2 cups) chicken broth
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (or fresh roasted chilies, chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a precise 375 degrees for optimal heating.
2. Create a flavor base by sautéing diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet until they become translucent and aromatic.
3. Introduce shredded meat to the skillet, seasoning with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring the meat is thoroughly heated and well-coated with spices.
4. Incorporate refried or black beans into the meat mixture, stirring until completely integrated and developing a cohesive filling.
5. Lay out tortillas and distribute the spiced meat and bean blend evenly, then sprinkle a generous layer of cheese across each tortilla.
6. Carefully roll the filled tortillas, positioning them seam-side down in a prepared baking dish to prevent unraveling.
7. Cascade green chili sauce over the assembled burritos, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
8. Distribute an additional layer of cheese across the top of the sauced burritos for extra richness.
9. Seal the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes, allowing the cheese to become golden and slightly crispy.
11. Finish with preferred garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced tomatoes before serving hot.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and choosing mild or hot green chili sauce for different heat preferences.
• Prep burritos ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which makes this a convenient make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.
• Swap meat with shredded jackfruit or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that maintains similar texture and flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free tortillas and check bean and sauce ingredients to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg