Smothered Green Chili Burritos

The rich, savory aroma of green chilies sizzling in a pan fills the air, and it’s hard not to get excited about what’s about to unfold. Smothered Green Chili Burritos are the kind of comfort food that wraps you up in warmth with every bite. The smoky heat from the green chilies mingles perfectly with the melted cheese and tender meat, creating a flavor-packed experience that’s almost too good to put down. As you spoon the sauce over the burrito, you’ll see it soak into the tortillas, making them soft and flavorful. And let’s talk about that sauce—it’s thick, velvety, and perfectly seasoned, elevating every layer of the dish.

What makes these burritos even more special is how customizable they are. You can go traditional with seasoned ground beef, or you could switch it up with shredded chicken or even a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying. The beauty of this dish is that it’s about what you love to eat, wrapped up in a warm tortilla and smothered in that irresistible chili sauce. Trust me, once you get a taste, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself passing the plate around, sharing bites, and swapping stories over this comforting, flavorful meal.

Key Ingredients in Smothered Green Chili Burritos

The ingredients that come together to create these Smothered Green Chili Burritos are simple yet full of bold flavors that bring the dish to life. Each one plays a role in creating the savory, spicy, and comforting layers that make this meal a standout. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, olive oil adds a rich, smooth base to the flavor profile and helps the other ingredients come together perfectly.
• Onion: When sautéed, onions bring a mild sweetness and depth to the filling, balancing the spiciness of the green chilies.
• Garlic: This aromatic powerhouse enhances the savory elements of the dish, adding that irresistible fragrance and flavor that you can’t quite pinpoint but always love.
• Ground beef: The hearty base of the burritos, ground beef adds richness and substance, soaking up the chili sauce and spices.
• Ground cumin: A warm, earthy spice that brings a bit of smokiness and depth, cumin is essential to the flavor profile of the filling.
• Chili powder: The main spice for heat, chili powder gives the dish its signature warmth, with a mild to moderate spice that complements the green chilies.
• Paprika: This mild, slightly sweet spice adds color and a subtle smokiness that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
• Oregano: A pinch of dried oregano brings an herbal note that adds balance and freshness to the dish, rounding out the savory filling.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of all the ingredients, salt brings everything together into a harmonious bite.
• Black pepper: Adds a little kick and sharpness to the flavor, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: A dash of these spicy flakes kicks up the heat, adding a touch of boldness and extra warmth to the sauce.
• Diced green chilies: These little cans of green chilies are the star of the dish, providing that zesty, tangy heat that defines the recipe.
• Red enchilada sauce: The saucy, rich base that ties everything together, adding both moisture and a tangy, savory flavor to smother the burritos.
• Sour cream: Creamy and tangy, sour cream adds a luscious, cooling contrast to the heat of the chili and balances the overall flavor.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a sharp, slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky green chilies.
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Smooth and creamy, this cheese melts wonderfully and complements the cheddar with its milder, buttery flavor.
• Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, these tortillas are the perfect vessel for wrapping up all the savory goodness of the filling and sauce.
• Chopped fresh cilantro: Fresh, bright, and slightly citrusy, cilantro adds a burst of freshness that lightens up the richness of the burrito and adds a pop of color.

Each of these ingredients brings something unique to the table, coming together to create a dish that’s bold, comforting, and totally crave-worthy.

How to Make Smothered Green Chili Burritos

Serving Suggestions for Smothered Green Chili Burritos

1. Pair with a Side of Mexican Street Corn: The creamy, tangy flavors of Mexican street corn (elote) are the perfect complement to the bold spiciness of your burritos. Slathered in mayo, lime, and a sprinkle of chili powder, it adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the burritos.

2. Top with a Fresh Pico de Gallo: A bright and zesty pico de gallo will cut through the warmth of the chili sauce, adding a burst of freshness. The combination of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime will add a cool contrast to the dish and make every bite feel even more vibrant.

3. Serve with a Side of Guacamole and Chips: What’s better than a creamy, buttery guacamole to scoop up alongside your burritos? The creamy texture and rich flavors of ripe avocados paired with crunchy tortilla chips will have everyone reaching for more. It’s the ultimate way to elevate your burrito night!

Which of these would you try first? Or maybe you’ve got your own favorite way of serving burritos—let me know!

How to Store Smothered Green Chili Burritos

If you find yourself with leftovers (or just want to make these burritos ahead of time), storing them properly is key to keeping that delicious flavor intact. First, allow the burritos to cool to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container, which could make the burritos soggy.

To store, wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to lock in the freshness and keeps the burritos from drying out. You can place the wrapped burritos in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag for added protection. When stored in the fridge, your burritos will stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick lunch or dinner when you need something comforting.

If you want to keep your burritos for a little longer, you can freeze them! Wrap them tightly as you would for refrigeration, then place the wrapped burritos in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave. If reheating from frozen, just be sure to add a bit of extra time to make sure they heat all the way through. Enjoy those tasty bites again, as if they were fresh out of the oven!

Conclusion

And there you have it—Smothered Green Chili Burritos that are guaranteed to steal the show at your dinner table! From the smoky, spicy kick of the green chilies to the creamy melt of the cheeses, this dish is all about bold flavors and cozy comfort. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a fun gathering, or simply because you need something that’s both filling and full of flavor, this recipe is your go-to.

I hope you’re as excited to try these as I was when I first discovered this combination of ingredients! Honestly, I can’t wait for you to dig in and enjoy every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing, your taste buds sing, and your heart feel full. Don’t forget to share your thoughts with me—did you make any tweaks? What sides did you pair it with? Or maybe you’ve got some helpful tips of your own. I’d love to hear how it went!

If you have any questions or need a little extra help while cooking, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always happy to help!

Print Recipe

Smothered Green Chili Burritos

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 35 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Calories: 550

Description

These smothered green chili burritos are a perfect blend of tender, seasoned meat wrapped in soft flour tortillas, drenched in a rich, tangy green chili sauce. Each bite is bursting with savory heat, melting cheese, and the perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 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

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Cook the beef until it is browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 7 minutes.
6. Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes.
7. Stir everything together, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
8. Pour in the diced green chilies and red enchilada sauce, mixing it all in.
9. Lower the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Stir in the sour cream until it’s fully combined and smooth.
11. Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
12. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
13. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
14. Place the flour tortillas on a flat surface.
15. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla.
16. Top the beef mixture with a little shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
17. Roll up the tortillas, folding in the sides as you go, to form burritos.
18. Place the rolled burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
19. Once all the burritos are in the dish, pour any remaining beef mixture evenly over the top.
20. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the burritos.
21. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
22. After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
23. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
24. Garnish the burritos with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Note

• Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef after browning for a leaner filling.
• For extra heat, consider adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno.
• You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and lighter texture.
• Feel free to use flour tortillas of your preferred size, but larger ones make rolling easier.
• For a crispier texture, broil the burritos for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.

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