Smothered Green Chili Burritos

Smothered Green Chili Burritos are the perfect comfort food, blending the hearty, satisfying flavor of burritos with a rich and flavorful green chili sauce. These burritos are packed with seasoned meat, cheese, and beans, then smothered in a spicy green chili sauce and topped with melted cheese for an irresistible meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: With a combination of meat, beans, and cheese, these burritos are a satisfying meal all on their own.
• Easy to Customize: You can easily swap out the filling ingredients or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
• Comforting: Smothering the burritos with green chili sauce and melted cheese makes for a cozy, indulgent dish.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals during busy weeks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef (or your choice of meat)
• Refried beans
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Green chili sauce (canned or homemade)
• Flour tortillas
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil

Directions

1. Prepare the Meat Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil and cook the diced onion and minced garlic until softened. Add the ground beef, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
2. Assemble the Burritos: Lay out each flour tortilla and spread a layer of refried beans in the center. Add a scoop of the cooked meat mixture and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
3. Roll the Burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up from one end to the other to form a burrito. Place the burritos seam-side down in a baking dish.
4. Smother with Green Chili Sauce: Pour the green chili sauce evenly over the top of the burritos. Make sure each one is fully covered with the sauce.
5. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top of the sauced burritos. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and serve the smothered burritos hot, garnished with your choice of toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or chopped tomatoes.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 6 burritos.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for black beans, pinto beans, or grilled vegetables to make this dish vegetarian.
• Chicken Burritos: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat by using mild, medium, or hot green chili sauce based on your preference. You can also add diced jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the burritos (before smothering them with sauce) for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before smothering with sauce and baking.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply place the burrito in a microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. Add extra green chili sauce or cheese if needed.

FAQs

How do I make homemade green chili sauce?

To make your own green chili sauce, sauté onions and garlic, then blend with roasted green chilies, chicken broth, and spices. Simmer until thickened.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, but corn tortillas are smaller and less pliable, so they may be harder to roll without breaking.

What other toppings can I add?

You can add sour cream, guacamole, salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado for extra flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the burritos in advance and store them in the fridge. Just add the green chili sauce and cheese right before baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply use gluten-free tortillas and ensure the green chili sauce you use is gluten-free.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the type of green chili sauce you use. Choose mild or adjust the spice with extra chilies if you prefer more heat.

Can I add rice to the burritos?

Yes, adding rice is a great way to bulk up the burritos and make them even more filling.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese are commonly used, but you can experiment with your favorite type of melting cheese.

Can I use canned green chilies instead of fresh ones?

Yes, canned green chilies work well for the sauce if fresh chilies aren’t available.

How do I prevent my burritos from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy burritos, make sure to drain excess grease from the meat and use a thick green chili sauce. Serve immediately after baking.

Conclusion

Smothered Green Chili Burritos are a delicious, satisfying dish that can be tailored to suit your tastes. Whether you’re making them with beef, chicken, or vegetables, the combination of hearty fillings, smothered sauce, and melted cheese makes this recipe a standout choice for any meal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and works great for meal prep or freezing. Try it out and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal!

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