Smothered Red Chile Bean Burrito
This Smothered Red Chile Bean Burrito is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone craving comforting Mexican cuisine. Ground beef is cooked with flour to create a rich base, then smothered in a savory red chile sauce made with frozen chiles, chicken broth, and seasonings.
The burrito is filled with refried beans, cheese, and onions, rolled up in a warm tortilla, and topped with the irresistible chile sauce and more cheese. It’s a satisfying, flavorful meal that will warm you up and leave you craving more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this Smothered Red Chile Bean Burrito because it’s the perfect combination of savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors all wrapped up in a warm, comforting burrito.
The tender ground beef cooked in a flavorful red chile sauce creates a rich, mouthwatering base, while the melted cheese and refried beans provide a creamy, satisfying filling.
The smothered sauce adds a delicious kick of heat, perfectly balanced by the richness of the cheese and beans.
Plus, it’s an easy, all-in-one meal that’s great for feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.
Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or just looking for a comforting Mexican-inspired dish, this burrito is sure to hit the spot!
Key Ingredients:
Ground Beef: The hearty and flavorful base of the burrito, seasoned to perfection and cooked to create a savory filling.
Frozen Buenos Chile: Adds authentic, smoky heat and rich flavor to the sauce, giving the burrito its signature red chile kick.
Chicken Broth: Helps create a smooth, savory sauce that balances the heat of the chiles and coats the burrito filling perfectly.
Refried Beans: A creamy, hearty filling that pairs wonderfully with the seasoned beef and complements the flavors of the red chile sauce.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce, adding body and richness to the beef mixture.
Tortillas: Soft, warm tortillas that serve as the perfect vessel for wrapping up the flavorful filling and sauce.
Cheese: A generous layer of melted cheese on top adds a creamy, gooey texture that enhances the overall dish.
Onions: Fresh, slightly sweet onions provide a crunchy contrast to the richness of the beef and cheese, adding a pop of freshness to each bite.
Smothered Red Chile Bean Burrito
Ingredients:
a pound of ground beef
2-3 tablespoons of flour to meat
Buenos frozen Chile
2-3 cups chicken broth
salt
pepper
garlic powder
refried beans
tortilla
cheese
onion
Instructions:
Cook about a pound of ground beef, once cooked, add 2-3 tablespoons of flour to meat, cook in well.
Added Buenos frozen Chile to this recipe, 2-3 cups chicken broth, salt, pepper and garlic powder to your liking, bring to a hard boil, simmer.
Add refried beans to a warm tortilla with sauce, cheese and onion, roll into a burrito, smother with sauce and cheese..
Notes:
Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder burrito, you can reduce the amount of Chile or adjust the seasoning (e.g., using less garlic powder or skipping the chile). Conversely, for more heat, you can add extra hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce.
Using Fresh or Frozen Chile: While frozen Buenos Chile is called for in the recipe, you can substitute with canned or fresh red chiles if preferred. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to taste.
Refried Beans: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can easily swap the ground beef with a plant-based protein or simply use extra refried beans for a meat-free filling.
Tortilla Choice: You can use flour tortillas, as in the recipe, for a soft, chewy texture, but corn tortillas will also work if you prefer a slightly firmer, more authentic base.
Make-Ahead Option: The red chile sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days, or even frozen for longer storage. This makes assembling the burritos quicker when you’re ready to serve.
Garnishes: For extra flavor and color, you can garnish the burritos with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced avocado. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a nice citrusy brightness that complements the richness of the sauce.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer to reduce.
Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend like Mexican queso fresco or Cotija would all be great options for topping the burrito.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 burrito
Calories: ~815 | Fat: 39g fat | Carbohydrates: 74g carbs | Protein: 43g protein
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian alternatives like crumbled tempeh or tofu if you prefer a leaner option or a meatless meal.
Just make sure to season it well so the flavor remains rich and delicious.
Can I make the red chile sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the red chile sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to make the burritos, just reheat the sauce and assemble the burritos as usual.
You can also freeze the sauce for up to 2 months.
Can I use canned refried beans instead of homemade ones?
Yes! Canned refried beans work perfectly in this recipe.
Just be sure to check the ingredients to avoid added sugars or unhealthy fats.
You can also opt for low-sodium or organic versions for a healthier choice.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To ramp up the heat, you can add more chopped fresh chiles or include a dash of hot sauce in the red chile sauce.
If you prefer extra spice, try adding finely chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian or vegan by swapping the ground beef with plant-based ground meat, such as lentils, crumbled tempeh, or a store-bought vegan meat substitute.
For a vegan version, replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative and ensure the refried beans don’t contain lard.
How do I know when the ground beef is fully cooked?
The ground beef is fully cooked when it is no longer pink and has reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Stir occasionally while cooking to break up the beef, ensuring it cooks evenly.
Once browned and fully cooked, it will have a crumbled texture.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the red chile sauce becomes too thick while simmering, simply add more chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the burritos but still pourable.
Can I use store-bought tortillas for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought tortillas.
Flour tortillas work best for this recipe, but you can also use corn tortillas if preferred.
Just make sure to warm them slightly before assembling to make them more pliable.
How can I make this dish spicier or milder?
To make the dish spicier, add more chopped fresh chile or increase the amount of garlic powder and chili powder in the sauce.
For a milder version, reduce the amount of chile or use a mild version of green chile, and omit any additional hot spices like cayenne pepper.
Can I freeze the smothered burritos for later?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled burritos! Wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat, simply bake the frozen burritos at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until heated through, or microwave them for a quicker option.