Green Chile Smothered Beef Burritos

Delight in a burst of Southwestern flavors with these Green Chile Smothered Beef Burritos. This comforting dish brings together the warmth of homemade green chile sauce and the heartiness of savory beef, wrapped in soft flour tortillas.

The green chile sauce, made from a fragrant blend of onions, garlic, and spices, perfectly complements the rich, meaty filling of seasoned ground beef and crispy tatertots. Whether you’re seeking a weeknight meal with a kick or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, these burritos are sure to satisfy.

Top them with your favorite extras like sour cream, shredded cheese, and hot sauce to tailor each bite to your taste. Enjoy a culinary journey to the Southwest with every delicious mouthful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Bursting with Flavor: The combination of savory ground beef, crispy tatertots, and the rich, aromatic green chile sauce creates a symphony of flavors that is both satisfying and exciting. The use of spices like cumin and oregano adds depth, while the green chiles bring a delightful heat that can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.

Comfort Food with a Twist: This recipe takes the classic burrito and elevates it by smothering it in a luscious green chile sauce. The addition of tatertots introduces a unique and comforting texture that adds a playful twist to the traditional burrito filling.

Customizable and Versatile: With optional ingredients like sour cream, shredded cheese, and hot sauce, each person can tailor their burrito to their liking. This flexibility makes it a great choice for feeding a crowd with varying tastes and spice tolerances.

Easy and Convenient: Utilizing ingredients like leftover tatertots and canned chili beans, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and accessible. It allows for quick preparation without sacrificing flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

A Hearty Meal: These burritos are not only delicious but also filling, providing a satisfying meal that can stand alone or be paired with sides like a fresh salad or rice. The combination of protein, carbs, and a flavorful sauce ensures a well-rounded dish that leaves everyone content and happy.

Key Ingredients:

Green Chiles: These are the star of the sauce, bringing a vibrant and mildly spicy flavor that defines the dish. Choose your preferred heat level to customize the sauce to your liking.

Ground Beef: The core of the burrito filling, ground beef provides a rich and hearty base. It absorbs the seasonings beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with savory goodness.

Tatertots: A fun and unexpected addition, tatertots contribute a crispy texture and a comforting potato flavor that complements the meaty filling.

Chicken Broth: Used in the green chile sauce, chicken broth adds depth and richness, helping to meld the flavors together into a cohesive, mouth-watering sauce.

Flour Tortillas: The vessel for all the delicious ingredients, large flour tortillas are soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping up the hearty filling and soaking up the luscious sauce.

Green Chile Smothered Beef Burritos

Ingredients

For Green Chile Sauce

1 tablespoon butter

3/4 cups finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons flour

1 1/2 cups chicken broth*

8 ounces green chiles of your desired heat

1 large garlic clove, pressed

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon cumin

For Burritos

2 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 cups leftover, or thawed, tatertots

1 pound ground beef

1 15 1/2-ounce can of chili beans

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

Flour tortillas, we use the big ones

Optional Ingredients

Sour cream

Shredded cheese of choice

Hot sauce of choice

Instructions

For Green Chile Sauce

Step 1:

Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat until butter is melted and starts to sizzle

Add the onion and saute until the onion becomes fragrant and transparent.

Step 2:

Sprinkle in the flour and stir until the onion is evenly coated.

Pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the sauce begins to bubble.

Step 3:

Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the garlic, green chiles, oregano and cumin.

Give it a stir and let the sauce simmer until it thickens.

Reduce the heat to low to keep warm until burrito assembly.

Step 4:

Occasionally give it a stir to make sure it doesn’t start to stick to the bottom of the saucepan.

For Burritos

Step 1:

In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-high heat.

Once the butter is hot, add the tots, break up and cook until they become beautifully golden brown and scrumptiously crispy.

Remove the tots from the skillet and set aside for just a bit.

Step 2:

In the same skillet, add the ground beef, stir, and cook over medium-high heat until browned and cooked thoroughly (about 8 minutes or so).

Step 3:

Once the ground beef is done, drain if necessary, reduce heat to low, and add the taco seasoning, tots, and chili beans, mix well, and heat through.

Remove from heat and prepare for assembly.

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Step 4:

Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds.

Spoon meat into the middle of each of the tortillas, followed by any (or all) of the optional ingredients.

Fold the tortilla, neatly wrapping up the contents, and cook on a griddle over medium-high heat until the burritos are a light golden brown on all sides.

Put them on plates, pour the green chile sauce over them smothering them real good.

Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Notes:

Adjusting Spice Levels: The heat of the green chile sauce can be easily adjusted by selecting chiles with your preferred level of spiciness. For a milder sauce, opt for mild green chiles, while those who love heat might choose hotter varieties.

Ingredient Substitutions: If tatertots aren’t on hand, diced potatoes or hash browns can be used as an alternative to maintain the crispy texture in the filling. Similarly, ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a lighter option.

Make-Ahead Tips: Both the green chile sauce and the beef filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows for quick assembly when you’re ready to serve the burritos, making it a convenient option for busy days.

Serving Suggestions: These burritos pair well with a simple side salad or Spanish rice to create a complete meal. Additionally, serving them with avocado slices or guacamole can add a creamy, refreshing contrast to the dish.

Storage and Reheating: Leftover burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven or microwave until heated through, ensuring the tortillas don’t become overly dry.

Nutrition Information:

Green Chile Sauce:

Burritos:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I adjust the heat level of the green chile sauce?

Absolutely! You can control the spiciness by choosing green chiles with your desired level of heat.

If you prefer milder flavors, opt for mild green chiles, or if you like it spicy, go for hotter varieties.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer.

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as turkey may cook faster than beef.

Are there any alternatives to tatertots in the burrito filling?

If you don’t have tatertots on hand or prefer a different ingredient, you can substitute diced potatoes or hash browns.

Cook them until they are golden brown and crispy before adding them to the filling mixture.

Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

While it’s best to assemble and cook the burritos just before serving to maintain their freshness and texture, you can prepare the components ahead of time.

Store the cooked meat filling, green chile sauce, and warmed tortillas separately, then assemble and cook the burritos when ready to eat.

What can I serve with these green chile smothered beef burritos?

These burritos are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with additional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, or hot sauce for added flavor.

Pair them with a side salad, rice, or beans for a complete meal.

Can I use canned green chiles for the sauce, or should I opt for fresh ones?

Canned green chiles work perfectly fine for this recipe, offering convenience without compromising flavor.

However, if you prefer the taste of fresh green chiles, feel free to use them instead.

Is it necessary to use chicken broth, or can I substitute it with vegetable broth?

While chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce, you can substitute it with vegetable broth if you prefer.

The choice between the two depends on your dietary preferences and what you have available.

Can I prepare the green chile sauce ahead of time and store it for later use?

Yes, you can make the green chile sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to several days.

Simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

What’s the purpose of adding tatertots to the burrito filling?

Tatertots add a delightful texture and flavor to the burrito filling, offering a crispy and satisfying element.

They also help to bulk up the filling and make the burritos more substantial.

I don’t have taco seasoning on hand. Can I use homemade seasoning instead?

Absolutely! If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own by combining spices such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Can I freeze these burritos for later consumption?

Yes, these burritos freeze well. Once assembled, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.

They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in the oven or microwave until heated through.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover burritos?

To reheat leftover burritos, you can either wrap them in aluminum foil and bake them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes, depending on their size and thickness.

Are there any vegetarian alternatives for the ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a vegetarian version of these burritos.

Be sure to season and cook the vegetarian protein option according to your taste preferences.

Can I make these burritos gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make these burritos gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas and ensuring that the taco seasoning and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Always double-check labels to verify that the products are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

What are some creative ways to customize these burritos?

You can customize these burritos in various ways by adding different toppings or ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Try adding sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness and flavor.

Experiment with different types of cheese or hot sauce to enhance the taste further.