If you have ever dreamed of a burrito that’s bursting with bold flavors and cozy comfort, the Smothered Green Chili Beef Burritos Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish perfectly blends tender ground beef with zesty green chilies and a rich, creamy sauce that’s topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Wrapped in warm flour tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection, these burritos are the ultimate satisfying meal that will have you coming back for seconds, thirds, and beyond. Trust me when I say, once you try this Smothered Green Chili Beef Burritos Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, essential ingredients that each play a starring role in creating that luscious, savory flavor and satisfying texture. From the aromatic spices to the creamy sour cream and melty cheeses, these ingredients come together effortlessly to bring you pure comfort with every bite.
- Olive oil: A smooth base for sautéing onion and garlic, adding a subtle richness.
- Medium onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that wakes up the palate.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that makes these burritos wonderfully filling.
- Ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy flavor essential to Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Chili powder: Adds mild heat and robust seasoning for that classic southwestern taste.
- Paprika: Offers a smoky background note that deepens the flavor profile.
- Oregano: Infuses a subtle herbal note to brighten the mix.
- Salt and black pepper: Perfectly season the beef for balanced flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle kick to keep things interesting.
- Diced green chilies (4 ounces): Deliver that signature tangy heat that defines the dish.
- Red enchilada sauce (10 ounces): Creates a rich, spirited sauce that smothers the burritos beautifully.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang to the beef mixture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top and inside the burritos, adding sharpness.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Brings a mild, smooth melt to balance the cheddar.
- Flour tortillas: Soft wraps that hold everything together with just the right chew.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: For a bright, fresh garnish that finishes the dish perfectly.
How to Make Smothered Green Chili Beef Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start off by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook gently until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the flavorful foundation, as those onions turn sweet and tender. Add the minced garlic next, cooking for just 30 seconds until you can smell that irresistible garlicky aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Now it’s time to add the ground beef to your skillet. Break it apart with your spatula or wooden spoon and cook until it’s browned through with no pink left — approximately 6 to 7 minutes. This browning develops rich, meaty flavors that are absolutely key to your burritos.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. These spices combine to give the dish its signature southwestern warmth and just the right hint of heat. Stir everything well to coat the beef and onion mixture evenly in this fragrant spice blend.
Step 4: Add the Green Chili and Sauce
Pour in the diced green chilies and the red enchilada sauce. Give the mixture a good stir, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it all simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This step softens the chilies and melds the flavors beautifully, creating that luscious smothered texture you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Stir in Sour Cream and Combine
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the sour cream until you have a velvety, creamy sauce surrounding your beef mixture. This addition smooths out the seasoning and brings a subtle tang that balances the spicy chili flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Assemble the Burritos
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay out your flour tortillas flat and spoon about a quarter cup of the beef mixture into the center of each. Top each with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, then roll up the tortillas, tucking in the sides so everything is snug inside. Place the burritos seam-side down in the baking dish for stability while cooking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour any remaining beef sauce evenly over the top of the burritos, then shower them with the leftover shredded cheeses. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Once out of the oven, let them set for a few minutes—this helps everything hold together when you dig in.
How to Serve Smothered Green Chili Beef Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped cilantro is the classic finishing touch here, adding a burst of color and a bright, herbal lift that cuts through the richness beautifully. You can also add dollops of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime for extra zing and creaminess right before serving.
Side Dishes
These burritos love company. Serve them alongside classic Mexican-inspired sides like Spanish rice or refried beans for a truly hearty meal. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or grilled corn complements the strong flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, turn the Smothered Green Chili Beef Burritos Recipe into a layered casserole by cutting the burritos into chunks after baking and layering them with extra cheese and sauce. Or make mini-sized burritos for a fun appetizer at your next gathering—either way, the comforting flavors shine through.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover burritos tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, giving you convenient, flavorful meals ready to enjoy anytime during the week.
Freezing
If you want to save burritos for longer, wrap each one individually in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed burritos in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. For a quicker option, microwave them covered with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes, though oven reheating helps them stay nicely textured without getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works great in this recipe. Just be mindful of cooking time as it can dry out quicker—adding a bit more sauce can help keep things moist.
How spicy is the Smothered Green Chili Beef Burritos Recipe?
This recipe has a mild to moderate level of heat thanks to the green chilies and crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice by using milder diced chilies or increasing the pepper flakes according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and black beans for a delicious vegetarian version that still captures the creamy, cheesy goodness.
What type of cheese works best for these burritos?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are ideal because they melt well and have complementary flavors—sharpness and creaminess—that bring out the best in these burritos.
Is it okay to use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Definitely! Using a good-quality store-bought enchilada sauce will save time and still deliver robust flavor. If you want to spice things up or customize, you can always add extra spices or fresh chilies to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Smothered Green Chili Beef Burritos Recipe brings together some of the most comforting and crave-worthy flavors in one delightful dish. Whether you’re cooking for weeknight dinners or hosting friends, these burritos are sure to impress and satisfy. Roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy a hearty, cheesy, and spicy meal from scratch.
Print
Smothered Green Chili Beef Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 35m
- Total Time: 0h 55m
- Yield: 8 burritos
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
Smothered Green Chili Burritos are a flavorful Tex-Mex dish featuring seasoned ground beef simmered with green chilies and enchilada sauce, wrapped in warm flour tortillas, topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, then baked to perfection. Garnished with fresh cilantro, these burritos offer a hearty and cheesy meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef Mixture
- 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
For Assembly
- 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.
- Sauté onions: Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Season beef: Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
- Add chilies and sauce: Pour in diced green chilies and red enchilada sauce, mixing it all in.
- Simmer mixture: Lower heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate sour cream: Stir in sour cream until fully combined and smooth, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Assemble burritos: Lay flour tortillas flat, spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla.
- Add cheese inside: Top each with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Roll burritos: Roll tortillas tightly, folding in sides to form burritos.
- Arrange in dish: Place burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Pour any remaining beef mixture over the burritos and sprinkle with remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Bake covered: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Bake uncovered: Remove foil and bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and garnish: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh jalapeños.
- Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use corn tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free if preferred.
- Leftover burritos can be wrapped individually and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
