Smothered Green Chili Burritos

Smothered Green Chili Burritos are the kind of comfort food I crave when I want a dinner that checks every box hearty filling and just a little bit spicy. Each burrito is loaded with seasoned meat and creamy beans, then wrapped in a fluffy flour tortilla and drenched with homemade green chili sauce. This dish brings everyone to the table fast.

The first time I made these was for a big Sunday family lunch and there were no leftovers at all. Now I always keep the ingredients handy for those “what’s for dinner” days.

Ingredients

• Ground beef or other meat: This brings protein and substance You can use shredded chicken or pork for a change of pace Look for meat that is fresh with a little bit of fat for the best flavor
• Onion: Diced for sweetness and extra flavor Pick one that feels heavy and has no soft spots
• Garlic: Minced for punch Always use fresh cloves for the richest taste
• Taco seasoning: Adds instant flavor and spice Choose a low sodium version if possible or make your own
• Refried beans: These blend everything together with a creamy texture Go for a canned version with minimal added ingredients
• Diced green chilies: Layer in mild heat and tang Opt for fire roasted if you see them
• Large flour tortillas: These hold up to the hearty filling Warm them gently first so they roll without cracking
• Shredded cheese: Cheddar or Mexican blend for creaminess and that craveable melted top Use cheese that melts smoothly and has good flavor
• Butter: The base of the green chili sauce Choose real butter for richness
• Flour: Thickens the sauce All purpose gives the best results
• Chicken broth: Gives the sauce depth and keeps it pourable Look for a low sodium broth for more seasoning control
• More diced green chilies: These double up the green chili flavor again mild or hot as you like
• Cumin: Earthy warmth that pairs perfectly with the chilies Buy ground cumin from a place with steady turnover for freshness
• Garlic powder: A second layer of garlic flavor
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings you can adjust to taste
• Sour cream: Stirred into the sauce for a creamy texture and tang Full fat makes a richer sauce
• Optional toppings: Fresh ingredients like green onion cilantro jalapeños and more sour cream really shine here Pick fresh greens and crisp veggies for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

In a large skillet cook ground beef or your meat choice over medium heat Stir frequently and break the meat up with a spoon as it browns Add the diced onion and minced garlic Cook until the onion turns golden and the meat is fully browned about 8 minutes Drain off excess fat for a less greasy filling

Mix in Seasonings and Beans:

Stir in the taco seasoning and diced green chilies Scrape up any browned bits from the pan for flavor Add the refried beans Cook the mixture together for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is hot and well blended This mixture should be soft and spreadable

Assemble Burritos:

Preheat oven to 375 F Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable Lay out each tortilla on a flat surface Divide the meat and bean mixture evenly and place along one side Sprinkle with half the shredded cheese Roll each tortilla tightly into a burrito style tucking in the sides Arrange seam side down in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking dish

Make Green Chili Sauce:

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a light roux Pour in chicken broth gradually whisking to avoid lumps Bring to a simmer and add the diced green chilies cumin garlic powder salt and pepper Let simmer for about 5 minutes stirring often Remove from heat and whisk in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy

Smother the Burritos:

Pour the green chili sauce evenly over the arranged burritos in the baking dish Make sure each burrito is fully coated Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese so every corner gets gooey

Bake:

Put the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is fully melted and the edges of the sauce are bubbling The burritos should be heated all the way through

Finish and Serve:

Garnish with plenty of sliced green onions chopped cilantro jalapeños or sour cream if you like Serve hot right from the baking dish This is where all the flavors come together

Pin

One of my favorite ingredients is the green chili itself—it adds just enough heat and brings back memories of family gatherings when someone always brought their own homemade green chili to share The layered flavors from the sauce remind me of cozy weekends spent cooking with my mom and siblings all crowding around the kitchen counter

Storage Tips

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to three days Just keep them tightly covered in the baking dish or pack into airtight containers For best results reheat in the oven covered with foil to keep the burritos moist You can freeze the burritos before baking Add the sauce and cheese after thawing and bake until hot

Ingredient Substitutions

• Try black beans or pinto beans for a beanier filling
• You can swap ground turkey for beef if you prefer a lighter meal
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten free version but warm them very well to prevent cracking
• Shredded rotisserie chicken makes a great shortcut

Serving Suggestions

I love pairing these burritos with a simple green salad or crunchy cabbage slaw Something bright and crisp balances all the gooey cheese and sauce If you like extra spice serve sliced jalapeños or hot sauce on the side

Pin

Cultural Context

Smothered burritos are a staple in the American Southwest and are sometimes called wet burritos This style of burrito came from borderland kitchens where cooks poured green or red chili sauce over hearty rolled tortillas turning them into a comforting bake Every bite is packed with the flavors of home style Mexican American cooking

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, shredded chicken, pork, or beef all work well as alternatives and offer delicious variations.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra green chilies or diced jalapeños to the filling or as a topping for more heat.

→ Can these burritos be made ahead?

Absolutely, assemble in advance and refrigerate. Add the sauce and cheese just before baking.

→ What cheese works best in the filling?

Cheddar or a Mexican blend melts well and adds great flavor to the filling and topping.

→ Are there vegetarian options?

Swap the meat for sautéed vegetables and black beans for a satisfying vegetarian dish.