Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food with this Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe. These burritos are packed with a flavorful ground beef filling that’s perfectly spiced and generously coated with a rich green chili and enchilada sauce. Wrapped in warm flour tortillas and smothered in melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, this dish brings together bold, smoky, and creamy flavors in every delicious bite. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for cozy dinners or feeding a hungry family with a touch of Southwestern charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe plays a crucial role, bringing vibrant flavors, pleasing textures, and that authentic southwestern color palette guaranteed to make your kitchen smell irresistible.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing to create a perfect caramelized base for the filling.
- Medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and body to the savory beef mixture.
- Garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and enhances every bite.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that makes the burritos filling and satisfying.
- Ground cumin: Boosts earthiness with its warm and nutty flavor.
- Chili powder: Adds a subtle heat with complex chili notes.
- Paprika: Gives a smoky undertone and vibrant color.
- Oregano: Lends a herbal brightness that balances the richness.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all flavors evenly.
- Black pepper: Adds a sharp and slightly spicy bite.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Delivers a kick of heat to awaken your taste buds.
- Diced green chilies (4 ounces): The star ingredient that brings tangy heat and freshness.
- Red enchilada sauce (10 ounces): Wraps the filling in a vibrant, flavorful sauce that smothers each burrito beautifully.
- Sour cream: Adds creamy richness that mellows the bold spices.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Contributes sharpness and melts smoothly over the burritos.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a mild, buttery melt that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- Flour tortillas: The soft and pliable vehicle that holds all that magic together.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Freshens and elevates the final dish with herbaceous notes.
How to Make Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is where the dish starts to build layers of flavor.
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, making your kitchen smell amazing and layering in that essential savory aroma.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until the beef is fully browned, about 6 to 7 minutes—this forms the hearty backbone of the burritos.
Step 4: Season the Filling
Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to evenly coat the beef in these warm and spicy seasonings, igniting delicious southwestern flavors.
Step 5: Add Green Chilies and Enchilada Sauce
Pour in the diced green chilies and red enchilada sauce. Mix everything together, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This creates a luscious, saucy filling bursting with flavor and just the right amount of heat.
Step 6: Stir in the Sour Cream
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth and creamy. This step mellows out the spice and adds a velvety texture to your filling that you will love.
Step 7: Prepare Burritos
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay out your tortillas, spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture onto the center of each, and sprinkle with both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Roll them up neatly, folding the sides in to keep all the goodness inside.
Step 8: Assemble for Baking
Place the burritos seam-side down in the baking dish. Pour any leftover beef mixture over them, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling with cheesy goodness.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the burritos cool slightly, then sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro. Now, you’ve got irresistible Smothered Green Chili Burritos ready to bring everyone to the table.
How to Serve Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro tops off the burritos with a bright herbaceous punch that cuts through the rich cheese and beef. For extra flair, consider adding dollops of sour cream, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of lime to brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. The cool crunch balances the warm, smothered burritos perfectly, making your meal complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
To add some festive fun, serve your Smothered Green Chili Burritos family-style right from the baking dish so everyone can help themselves. You can also plate individual burritos topped with extra cheese and chopped cilantro for a beautiful presentation at a casual dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and cheese intact on the burritos to maintain moisture and flavor—simply cover well to prevent drying.
Freezing
For longer storage, these burritos freeze beautifully. Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months—perfect for quick, comforting meals later on.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated burritos in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbling, about 20 minutes for refrigerated and up to 40 minutes for frozen. Cover with foil during baking to keep them moist, removing it near the end to refresh the melted cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The filling can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the burritos even tastier when you assemble and bake them.
What if I don’t have red enchilada sauce?
If you can’t find red enchilada sauce, try making a quick homemade version with tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of cumin. This keeps the saucy layer flavorful and authentic.
Can I substitute ground beef for another protein?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a hearty plant-based crumble work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is thoroughly cooked before assembling.
Are these burritos spicy?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the green chilies and crushed red pepper flakes. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes, or add extra sour cream to cool things down.
Can I make these burritos gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free ones found at most supermarkets. The rest of the recipe remains the same and deliciously satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe is pure comfort and joy wrapped up in every foil-lined baking dish you make. It’s the kind of meal that brings warmth and smiles around any table, and I promise once you try it, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your household. So grab those ingredients and get ready to treat yourself and loved ones to a hearty, cheesy, and wonderfully spicy dinner that looks as good as it tastes.
Print
Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Delight in these hearty Smothered Green Chili Burritos featuring seasoned ground beef simmered with green chilies and enchilada sauce, wrapped in flour tortillas, topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and baked to perfection. This comforting Tex-Mex dish is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Onions: Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the aroma of the dish.
- Cook 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 the beef until 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 to season the meat evenly.
- Mix Spices: Stir thoroughly to combine the spices with the beef, creating a flavorful base.
- Add Chilies & Sauce: Pour in the diced green chilies and red enchilada sauce, mixing well to distribute the flavors.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to meld the flavors together.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy, enhancing richness.
- Remove from Heat: Take the skillet off the stove and set aside as the filling is ready for assembly.
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) 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.
- Lay Out Tortillas: Arrange the flour tortillas on a flat surface for easy filling.
- Fill Tortillas: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla.
- Add Cheese: Top each with generous amounts of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Roll Burritos: Fold in the sides and roll up the tortillas to enclose the filling snugly.
- Place in Dish: Position the rolled burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish for stability.
- Add Remaining Filling: Pour any leftover beef mixture evenly over the tops of the burritos.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses over the burritos for a cheesy crust.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Cool: Take the dish from the oven and let the burritos cool for a few minutes to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the burritos before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Use medium or large flour tortillas to accommodate the filling without breaking.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- You can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it before assembling the burritos.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas.
