Smothered Green Chili Burritos are a delightful combination of warmth and spice that can turn any evening meal into a cozy feast. This dish features soft flour tortillas filled with savory beef, topped with a zesty green chili sauce and melted cheese. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a comforting family dinner, these burritos are sure to hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Smothered Green Chili Burritos

These smothered burritos are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore them:

They offer a perfect balance of flavors with spicy green chili wraps.
Easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Can be customized with various fillings like shredded beef or vegetarian options.
Ideal for meal prep; make a batch to enjoy all week.
Serve topped with sour cream and extra green chilies for an authentic touch.
Great for gatherings; everyone loves chili burritos with sauce.

Ingredients for Smothered Green Chili Burritos

Gather these items:

2 tablespoons olive oil (can substitute with vegetable oil)
1 medium onion, chopped (yellow or white onions work well)
2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic is preferred)
1 pound ground beef (can substitute with shredded chicken or beans)
1 teaspoon ground cumin (replace with coriander in a pinch)
1 teaspoon chili powder (replace with taco seasoning for a different flavor)
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika can enhance flavor)
1 teaspoon oregano (dried basil can be used as an alternative)
to taste salt
to taste black pepper
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (omit for less spicy burritos)
1 can diced green chilies (canned or fresh chilies are both acceptable)
1 cup red enchilada sauce (homemade sauce can be used)
½ cup sour cream (plain Greek yogurt can be a substitute)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (substitute with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 large flour tortillas (corn tortillas can be used for gluten-free)
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (omit if not a cilantro fan)

How to Make Smothered Green Chili Burritos Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped medium onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned with no pink remaining. Season with 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Stir in 1 can of diced green chilies and 1 cup of red enchilada sauce. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes over low heat, blending the flavors together.
Step 4: Remove from heat and gently fold in ½ cup of sour cream until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Step 6: Spoon about ¼ cup of the beef filling onto the center of each flour tortilla. Sprinkle a little shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top of the filling. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling.
Step 7: Pour any remaining beef mixture over the assembled burritos, followed by an additional sprinkle of shredded cheeses. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Step 8: After 15 minutes, remove the foil and return to the oven for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 9: Let the burritos cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Smothered Green Chili Burritos: 6 Cozy Dinner Ideas - Smothered Green Chili Burritos - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Smothered Green Chili Burritos

Keep these in mind:

Use a combination of cheeses for added depth of flavor.
Experiment with different proteins such as shredded chicken or beans for a vegetarian version.
For an extra kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
These burritos freeze well; wrap them tightly in foil before storing.

Best Ways to Serve Smothered Green Chili Burritos

Here are some great serving ideas:

Top with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
Serve alongside a refreshing salad to balance the spiciness.
Pair with homemade guacamole for an extra treat.

How to Store and Reheat Smothered Green Chili Burritos

To store, place leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through. They also make excellent meal prep options!

Frequently Asked Questions About Smothered Green Chili Burritos

What’s the secret to perfect Smothered Green Chili Burritos?

The secret lies in the balance of flavors. Using quality ingredients like fresh chilies and good cheese can elevate your green chili burritos to the next level.

Can I make Smothered Green Chili Burritos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and assemble the burritos ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Smothered Green Chili Burritos?

Avoid overfilling the tortillas, as this can lead to breaks. Also, ensure the filling is not too hot when wrapping to prevent soggy tortillas.

Variations of Smothered Green Chili Burritos You Can Try

Here are some fun variations to consider:

Vegetarian smothered green chili burritos: Use black beans or lentils instead of meat.
Spicy smothered burrito toppings: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Enchilada-style green chili burritos: Top with enchilada sauce before baking for a different flavor profile.
Green chili burritos with shredded beef: Substitute the ground beef for shredded beef for a heartier texture.

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making cheesy chicken enchiladas for a delightful twist. If you’re interested in meal prep, our creamy chicken enchilada soup is a great option!

For additional tips on using green chilies, you can visit Chili Pepper Madness for a great green chili sauce recipe.