Smothered Green Chili Burritos (with Chicken or Beef)

When comfort food calls, few dishes satisfy quite like smothered green chili burritos. With roots in Southwestern and Mexican-American cuisine, this hearty meal blends soft flour tortillas, rich green chili sauce, seasoned meat, beans, and melted cheese into one irresistible package. The smothered burrito is more than just a dish—it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for cozy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. While the original recipe may call for pork, this version uses either chicken or beef, making it suitable for those who prefer or require pork-free meals. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, these burritos are easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients and Preparation

For the Meat and Bean Filling:

• 1½ pounds of ground beef or shredded cooked chicken (breast or thigh meat)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet of taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade seasoning)
• 1 (15-ounce) can of refried beans
• 1 (4-ounce) can of diced green chilies
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Green Chili Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (7-ounce) can of diced green chilies
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Assembly and Topping:

• 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar recommended)
• Optional: chopped green onions, sour cream, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat:
   • If using ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the beef until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
   • If using shredded chicken: Heat a tablespoon of oil in the skillet, then add the chicken and cook just until warmed through.
   • Add chopped onions and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened and aromatic.
2. Season and Combine:
   • Stir in the taco seasoning and about ¼ cup of water. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
   • Mix in the refried beans and diced green chilies. Stir until evenly combined and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Green Chili Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, forming a light roux.
   • Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
   • Stir in diced green chilies, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
   • Let the sauce simmer for 5–6 minutes until it thickens. Turn off the heat and set aside.
4. Assemble the Burritos:
   • Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about ½ cup of the meat and bean mixture down the center.
   • Sprinkle with a bit of shredded cheese.
   • Fold the sides over, then roll the tortilla tightly from one end to the other to form a burrito.
   • Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Bake the Burritos:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Place the rolled burritos seam-side down into the dish.
   • Pour the green chili sauce evenly over the burritos, ensuring they’re well-covered.
   • Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
6. Cook and Serve:
   • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   • Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh cilantro if desired.

Beginner Tips and Notes

1. Choose Your Protein Wisely:
   • Chicken breast will give a leaner result, while thighs offer more flavor.
   • If using leftover roasted chicken, shred it finely and warm before mixing with other ingredients.
2. Don’t Overfill Burritos:
   • To avoid tears and leaks during baking, keep fillings moderate—about ½ to ¾ cup per tortilla.
3. Make Ahead Option:
   • You can assemble the burritos and refrigerate them (unbaked and unsauced) for up to 24 hours. Add the sauce and cheese just before baking.
4. Freezing Tips:
   • Wrap individual burritos in foil and freeze before baking. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight, smother with sauce, and bake.
5. Sauce Consistency:
   • The green chili sauce should be pourable but not watery. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth. Too thin? Simmer a few minutes longer.
6. For a Spicy Kick:
   • Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce or meat mixture.
7. Double the Recipe:
   • Feeding a crowd? Easily double the ingredients and use a larger pan or two separate pans.
8. Low-Carb Option:
   • Use low-carb tortillas and reduce the amount of refried beans if you’re watching carbs.
9. Substitute for Refried Beans:
   • Try using black beans or pinto beans, lightly mashed, as an alternative.
10. Cheese Tips:
    • Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Try mixing pepper jack with cheddar for extra zing.

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic Sides:
   • Serve with a side of Mexican rice, cilantro lime rice, or Spanish-style quinoa.
   • Pair with a simple green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
2. Optional Toppings:
   • Add fresh diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, guacamole, or avocado slices.
   • Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
3. Family-Style Plating:
   • Serve the baking dish directly on the table and allow everyone to scoop their burrito.
   • Set up a topping bar with various options so guests can personalize their meal.
4. Beverage Pairings:
   • Cold lemonade or lime-infused sparkling water works well to cut through the richness.
   • For adults, a light Mexican beer or margarita is a great match.
5. Leftover Ideas:
   • Chop up leftover burritos and toss into scrambled eggs for a breakfast hash.
   • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes for best results.

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Engagement Features

If you try this chicken or beef version of smothered green chili burritos, share your experience. Did you go for chicken or beef? Add any special toppings? Let us know in the comments. Have a question about preparation or substitutions? Feel free to ask. This recipe is meant to be flexible and forgiving, especially for beginners, so don’t hesitate to get creative. We’d love to hear how your version turned out. If you’re serving this at a family dinner or making a double batch for a potluck, let us know how it was received. Feedback and questions are always welcome—we’re here to help you become more confident in your cooking journey.