Smothered Green Chili Burritos are a hearty and comforting dish, loaded with tender meat, beans, and cheese, then wrapped in a soft flour tortilla and smothered with a flavorful green chili sauce. Baked to perfection, these burritos are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving bold, Southwestern flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with bold, smoky, and spicy flavors
- Easy to make with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly
- Customizable with different meats, beans, and toppings
- Smothered with rich, homemade or store-bought green chili sauce
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cooked beef, chicken, or pork (or use ground beef)
- Refried beans or black beans
- Green chili sauce (homemade or canned)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
- Add the shredded meat, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
- Stir in refried beans or black beans and mix well.
- Place a generous spoonful of the meat and bean mixture onto each tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Roll up the burritos and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour green chili sauce over the burritos until fully covered.
- Sprinkle more cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with your favorite toppings before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 burritos
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use sautéed vegetables or extra beans instead.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Green Chili Chicken: Use shredded chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Breakfast Burritos: Add scrambled eggs and potatoes for a morning twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Freeze the burritos individually for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought green chili sauce?
Yes, canned green chili sauce works well if you’re short on time.
What type of meat works best for this recipe?
Shredded beef, chicken, pork, or even ground beef all work great for this dish.
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the burritos and refrigerate them before baking. Just add the sauce when ready to bake.
Are these burritos spicy?
The heat level depends on the green chili sauce used. Use mild or spicy sauce depending on your preference.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas tend to break when rolling, so flour tortillas are recommended for this recipe.
How do I make homemade green chili sauce?
Blend roasted green chilies with garlic, onions, broth, and spices for a homemade version.
Can I add rice to the filling?
Yes, cooked rice adds extra texture and makes the burritos more filling.
What toppings go well with these burritos?
Sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, and diced tomatoes are all great choices.
How do I prevent the burritos from getting soggy?
Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes to help the tortillas crisp up slightly.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your green chili sauce is gluten-free.
Conclusion
Smothered Green Chili Burritos are a comforting, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping. With customizable fillings and a rich green chili sauce, these burritos are sure to satisfy any craving for bold, Southwestern flavors. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
Print
Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 burritos 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
These Smothered Green Chili Burritos are loaded with tender, seasoned meat, melted cheese, and a flavorful green chili sauce. Baked until golden and bubbling, they’re the perfect comfort food for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Serve with rice, beans, or a simple side salad for a hearty meal!
Ingredients
For the Burritos:
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or shredded chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 200 g (2 cups) shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Refried beans or cooked rice (optional for filling)
For the Green Chili Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 500 ml (2 cups) chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (or fresh roasted chilies, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or shredded chicken) over medium heat until browned.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then set aside.
2. Make the green chili sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add chicken broth, whisking continuously until thickened.
- Add green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes and set aside.
3. Assemble the burritos:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place a portion of the meat mixture and some cheese into the center of each tortilla. Add refried beans or rice if using.
- Roll up the tortillas, folding the ends in to secure the filling.
- Place the burritos seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
4. Smother and bake:
- Pour the green chili sauce over the burritos, covering them completely.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños if desired. Serve hot with rice, guacamole, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- Use green enchilada sauce for a shortcut if you’re short on time.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños to the filling or sauce.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.