Spicy Green Chili Burritos Smothered in Zesty Flavor Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand bold flavors and quick comfort with these zesty smothered green chili burritos that pack a serious punch.

Tender shredded chicken mingles with spicy green chili sauce, creating a mouthwatering blend of heat and richness.

The hearty filling wraps perfectly in warm tortillas, promising a satisfying meal that dances between traditional and innovative.

Each bite delivers a symphony of southwestern spices and vibrant ingredients.

Layers of melted cheese and tangy sauce transform these burritos into a culinary experience that goes beyond ordinary Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Grab a fork and prepare for a flavor explosion that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Serve Green Chili Burritos Hot and Melty

• Fiesta Flavor Boosters: Elevate your Smothered Green Chili Burritos with these mouthwatering suggestions!
• Cool & Creamy Companion: Top with a dollop of sour cream or tangy Mexican crema to balance the spicy green chili sauce.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or fresh parsley for a bright, zesty burst of color and flavor.
• Sidekick Sensations: Serve alongside Mexican rice, street corn, crisp salad, or warm black beans to create a complete and satisfying meal that'll make taste buds dance.
• Salsa Spectacular: Add a quick homemade or store-bought salsa (red or green) for an extra layer of authentic southwestern kick that complements the green chili sauce perfectly.

Keep Burritos Fresh for Another Day

• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Wrap individual burritos tightly in aluminum foil or place in sealed containers. These delicious meals stay fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below. Perfect for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinner leftovers.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Prepare extra burritos specifically for future meals. Place individually wrapped burritos in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. They maintain excellent quality for up to 2-3 months when stored properly.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw refrigerated or frozen burritos in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. Microwave works for quick warming, but oven method ensures crispy edges and better texture.
• Portion Control Technique: Create smaller batch sizes based on household needs. Consider preparing half the recipe if cooking for fewer people. Use portion-sized containers to make meal tracking and storage easier, reducing potential food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 510 kcal

Servings: 6

Smothered Green Chili Burritos Ingredient Rundown

• Shredded Beef or Chicken: Provides hearty protein base with rich flavor, choose tender slow-cooked or rotisserie meat for best results.
• Cumin: Adds warm earthy depth, look for fresh ground spice with intense aroma.
• Chili Powder: Delivers signature southwestern kick, select high-quality blend for balanced heat.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.

• Refried Beans or Black Beans: Creates creamy texture and adds protein, opt for low-sodium varieties for better control.
• Tortillas: Soft wheat carriers for filling, select fresh, pliable medium-sized tortillas that won't tear easily.

• Green Chili Sauce: Provides tangy, spicy moisture, choose authentic New Mexican style for traditional flavor.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds richness, select mild cheddar or monterey jack for smooth coverage.
• Onions: Builds aromatic base, use sweet yellow onions for gentle sweetness.
• Garlic: Adds robust undertone, choose fresh cloves for most vibrant taste.
• Cooking Oil: Helps sauté ingredients smoothly, use neutral vegetable or olive oil.

Tools to Roll and Bake Green Chili Burritos

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions, garlic, and cooking meat mixture.
• Baking Dish: Needed to arrange and bake the rolled burritos.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps measure spices accurately for balanced flavors.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary for slicing and dicing vegetables.
• Foil: Covers burritos during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.

How to Cook Smothered Green Chili Burritos Easily

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees, getting it ready for some serious burrito magic.

• Sizzle The Base

Drop some oil in a skillet and dance those onions and garlic around until they’re soft and fragrant.

• Build The Flavor

Toss in your shredded meat with a sprinkle of cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let everything mingle and heat through.

• Create The Filling

Fold in some hearty beans, mixing until the meat and beans become best friends.

• Wrap And Assemble

Spread a generous scoop of the meat and bean mixture onto each tortilla, shower with cheese, and roll those burritos up tight.

• Dress With Green Chili Sauce

Line up the burritos in a baking dish, then blanket them completely with zesty green chili sauce.

• Add Extra Cheese

Shower the top with another round of cheesy goodness.

• Bake To Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Serve And Enjoy

Top with your favorite garnishes and dive into these mouthwatering burritos.

Flavor Variations for Green Chili Burrito Lovers

• Perfect Meat Selection: Choose tender, slow-cooked shredded beef, chicken, or pork for maximum flavor and soft texture in your burritos.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the meat filling and green chili sauce a day ahead to save time and enhance the dish's flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular flour tortillas for corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, black beans, or plant-based protein crumbles for a hearty meat-free alternative.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat of green chili sauce by using mild or hot peppers, or mix different pepper varieties to create your perfect spice profile.

Zesty Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Green chili smothered burritos showcase Mexican culinary artistry with tender beef and zesty sauce. Hearty flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each comforting bite of this classic southwestern delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or shredded chicken
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 200 g (2 cups) shredded cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, or a blend)
• 500 ml (2 cups) chicken broth
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (or fresh roasted chilies, chopped)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps flour
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Refried beans or cooked rice (optional for filling)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees fahrenheit, creating an ideal thermal environment for the burritos.
2. Flavor Foundation: Sauté onions and garlic in a skillet until translucent, releasing their aromatic essence and developing a robust base flavor profile.
3. Meat Seasoning: Add shredded meat to the skillet, incorporating cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, thoroughly coating and heating the protein with a vibrant spice blend.
4. Filling Assembly: Blend refried or black beans into the seasoned meat mixture, creating a harmonious and creamy filling with rich, layered textures.
5. Burrito Construction: Distribute the spiced meat and bean mixture onto tortillas, generously sprinkle cheese, and carefully roll each burrito, positioning them seam-side down in a baking dish to maintain structural integrity.
6. Sauce and Cheese Layering: Completely cover the burritos with green chili sauce, then crown with an additional cheese layer to enhance flavor complexity and create a golden, melted topping.
7. Baking Process: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify, then uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes to achieve a crispy, golden cheese crust.
8. Garnish and Serve: Embellish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced tomatoes, presenting the burritos hot and inviting for immediate enjoyment.

Notes

• Meat Selection Matters: Choose tender, well-marbled meats like shredded chicken or slow-cooked pork for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Spice Balance Technique: Adjust spice levels by gradually adding cumin and chili powder, tasting as you go to prevent overpowering heat.
• Tortilla Warming Hack: Briefly warm tortillas on a skillet before filling to prevent cracking and enhance flexibility during rolling.
• Cheese Melting Pro Tip: Use a blend of Mexican cheeses like queso fresco and monterey jack for a more complex, authentic melting profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg