Smothered Green Chili Burritos are a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and comforting ingredients, creating a meal that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. These burritos are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The combination of savory ground beef, zesty green chilies, and melted cheese, all enveloped in soft tortillas and smothered with red enchilada sauce, makes this recipe a favorite among many. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that will warm your heart and fill your stomach.
Why We Love This Smothered Green Chili Burritos Recipe
The love for Smothered Green Chili Burritos runs deep for many reasons. They are not just flavorful; they are also incredibly versatile. This recipe allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. The blend of spices enhances the beef, while the creamy sour cream and two types of cheese add a richness that elevates each bite. Plus, they are straightforward to prepare, making them ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. With minimal effort, you can whip up a delicious meal that friends and family will rave about. Every mouthful encapsulates the essence of comfort food, making it hard to resist going for seconds.
Ingredients about Smothered Green Chili Burritos
- 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
How to Make Smothered Green Chili Burritos Directions
To create these delightful burritos, start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and allow it to sauté for an additional 30 seconds. The fragrant aroma will surely whet your appetite! Now, add the pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart using a wooden spoon and cook until it turns brown—this should take about 6-7 minutes. It is essential to ensure the beef is well-cooked, as it will be the star of your burritos.
Bring layers of flavor to the meat by sprinkling in ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine the spices evenly throughout the beef. Next, pour in the can of diced green chilies and the red enchilada sauce, mixing everything together until smooth. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. The blend of herbs, spices, and sauces creates a mouthwatering aroma that will have everyone anticipating the final dish.
Once the mixture has simmered, fold in the sour cream and take the skillet off the heat. This step adds creaminess to your filling and helps to enhance the overall flavor profile of your burritos. While this mixture cools a bit, it’s time to preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking.
Now comes the fun part: assembling your burritos! Take a flour tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the savory beef filling into the center. Don’t forget to top it with some of your shredded cheese, creating a delicious cheesy layer. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled and rolled.
Once assembled, pour any remaining beef mixture over the top of the burritos, ensuring that all that flavor covers the tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, allowing it to melt into a gooey layer as it bakes. Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After this initial time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. You’ll know the burritos are ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling enticingly.
Before serving, let the dish cool for a few minutes to avoid any hot surprises. Finish it off by sprinkling with freshly chopped cilantro, providing a pop of color and freshness to your burritos. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Smothered Green Chili Burritos.
How to Serve Smothered Green Chili Burritos
Serving Smothered Green Chili Burritos can be just as enjoyable as making them. To create a complete dining experience, consider how you plate and present your dish. Start by scooping a generous portion of the burritos onto each plate. Then, why not add a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo? The brightness of the fresh ingredients adds a wonderful contrast to the richness of the burritos. You can also serve them with a dollop of extra sour cream or guacamole for a burst of creaminess.
To truly elevate your meal, consider pairing your burritos with a simple salad. A light green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette will give a refreshing balance to the richness of the dish. You might even include some tortilla chips on the side for crunch, making the entire meal feel festive. Finally, don’t forget a refreshing beverage—lime-infused sparkling water or a fruity non-alcoholic drink can be a perfect complement. With these serving suggestions, your Smothered Green Chili Burritos will not only be delicious but visually appealing as well.
Expert Tips: Smothered Green Chili Burritos
To truly master the art of making Smothered Green Chili Burritos, consider the following expert tips. First, customization is key—don’t be afraid to experiment with different meats or vegetables in your filling. Ground turkey or chicken provides a leaner option, while black beans or refried beans can add an extra layer of heartiness for a vegetarian version.
Furthermore, if you love spice, feel free to amp up the heat. Adding jalapeños or swapping regular chili powder for a spicy variant will pack more punch. On the other hand, if you prefer milder flavors, use fewer spices and opt for mild cheddar cheese.
Another expert tip involves choosing the right tortillas. Flour tortillas are traditional, but experimenting with whole wheat or corn tortillas adds a different flavor and texture. Just ensure they are large enough to hold your filling without tearing.
When baking, cover with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly but be sure to remove it to allow the cheese to crisp and bubble at the end of cooking. Lastly, allow the burritos to cool slightly after baking—this helps to set the filling and makes them easier to slice and serve. Following these tips will help you create the ultimate Smothered Green Chili Burritos, customized just the way you like them.
How to Store Smothered Green Chili Burritos
If you find yourself with leftover Smothered Green Chili Burritos, storing them properly ensures you can enjoy them again later. Start by allowing the burritos to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. If you have multiple burritos, consider wrapping them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container to avoid them sticking together.
You can keep the burritos in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When freezing, it’s best to use freezer-safe containers or sturdy freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then pop them in the microwave or oven until heated through. For the oven, preheat to 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes or until thoroughly warm.
Variation of Smothered Green Chili Burritos
The versatility of Smothered Green Chili Burritos allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences. One popular approach is to add different proteins. You can use shredded chicken or pulled beef as an alternative to ground beef. If you’re seeking a vegetarian option, swap the meat for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, seasoned to your liking.
Herbs and toppings can also be modified. Fresh cilantro can be replaced with green onions, or you can even add a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for added creaminess. For a fun twist, consider adding ingredients such as corn, black olives, or even jalapeños into the filling to enhance the texture and flavor.
Sauce options are also a great area for experimentation. While the red enchilada sauce is classic, you can try a green enchilada sauce or even a creamy cheese sauce for a different flavor profile. Additionally, some choose to make breakfast burritos by including scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage, topped with salsa and avocado. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this dish again and again with delightful variations.
FAQ
What are Smothered Green Chili Burritos?
Smothered Green Chili Burritos are tortillas filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, spices, cheese, and green chilies, topped with red enchilada sauce and baked until bubbly.
How do you make Smothered Green Chili Burritos?
To make Smothered Green Chili Burritos, sauté onions and garlic, cook ground beef with spices, mix in green chilies and enchilada sauce, fill tortillas, and bake with cheese on top.
Can I freeze Smothered Green Chili Burritos?
Yes! You can freeze Smothered Green Chili Burritos by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with Smothered Green Chili Burritos?
Serve Smothered Green Chili Burritos with fresh salsa, sour cream, a light salad, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
Are there any variations of Smothered Green Chili Burritos?
Absolutely! You can use different proteins like shredded chicken, use beans for a vegetarian option, or even change the sauce for a unique twist. Enjoy experimenting!