Refried Bean, Calabasita, and Cheese Stuffed Burrito, smothered with a Ground Beef Green Chile Sauce
This Refried Bean, Calabasita, and Cheese Stuffed Burrito with Ground Beef Green Chile Sauce is a mouthwatering fusion of flavors and textures that brings a taste of the Southwest to your table.
The hearty burritos are packed with creamy refried beans, tender calabasita, and melty cheese, all enveloped in a warm flour tortilla. They’re then smothered in a savory and slightly spicy green chile sauce made with seasoned ground beef, which adds depth and richness to the dish.
Paired with smothered fries, this meal offers a comforting and satisfying culinary experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a delicious weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, this recipe delivers a delightful blend of spice, warmth, and comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy and impress. Here are several reasons why people are likely to love this dish:
Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The ground beef green chile sauce is savory and slightly spicy, adding a robust depth of flavor to the burritos. The combination of tender beef, aromatic garlic, and roasted green chile creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances every bite.
Hearty and Filling: Stuffed with refried beans, calabasita, and cheese, these burritos are not only satisfying but also filling. The creamy beans and melted cheese blend perfectly with the tender zucchini, providing a hearty meal that can stand alone or be accompanied by sides.
Comfort Food Appeal: This dish embodies the essence of comfort food, with its warm, cheesy, and saucy components. The smothered fries alongside add an extra layer of indulgence, making this recipe a comforting choice for those seeking a satisfying meal.
Versatile and Customizable: The recipe allows for personalization, whether you prefer a milder sauce or extra heat from additional chiles. You can also vary the cheese or include additional vegetables to suit your taste preferences.
A Taste of the Southwest: With its fusion of classic Southwestern ingredients, this dish brings authentic regional flavors to your kitchen. It’s an excellent way to explore and enjoy the rich culinary traditions of the American Southwest and Mexican cuisine.
Perfect for Sharing: Whether for a family meal or a gathering with friends, this recipe makes for a perfect sharing dish. Its generous portions and appealing presentation are sure to be a hit at any table.
Key Ingredients:
Refried Beans: These provide a creamy, savory base for the burrito filling, adding richness and a comforting texture that complements the other ingredients.
Calabasita (Zucchini): Lightly sautéed, calabasita adds a fresh and tender element to the burrito, balancing the richer components with its mild flavor and slight crunch.
Shredded Cheese: Melting cheese inside the burrito creates a gooey, indulgent layer that ties together the beans and vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor with its creamy, savory notes.
Ground Beef: Used in the green chile sauce, ground beef provides a hearty and flavorful base. It’s seasoned with garlic and onion, adding depth and richness to the sauce.
Green Chile: This key ingredient gives the sauce its characteristic heat and smoky flavor, enhancing the dish with a spicy kick that defines Southwestern cuisine.
Flour Tortillas: These serve as the vessel for the delicious filling, providing a soft, pliable wrap that holds everything together and makes for easy serving and eating.
Refried Bean, Calabasita, and Cheese Stuffed Burrito, smothered with a Ground Beef Green Chile Sauce, and served with Smothered Fries
Ingredients:
For the Burrito Filling:
1 cup refried beans
1 cup calabasita (zucchini), diced
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack works well)
Large flour tortillas
For the Ground Beef Green Chile Sauce:
1 lb ground beef
1/4 onion, finely diced
2 medium cloves garlic, crushed
Salt, to taste
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup diced green chile
2 cups water
1 cup chicken stock
3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Granulated garlic salt, to taste
For the Smothered Fries:
1 lb frozen or fresh-cut fries
Oil for frying
Additional cheese and green chile sauce for smothering
Instructions:
Prepare the Ground Beef Green Chile Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the finely diced onion, crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
Add the diced green chile, water, and chicken stock. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and granulated garlic salt to taste.
Prepare the Burrito Filling:
In a separate pan, lightly sauté the diced calabasita until tender.
Warm the refried beans in a small pot.
On each flour tortilla, layer refried beans, sautéed calabasita, and shredded cheese.
Roll the tortillas into burritos, tucking in the ends to seal.
Assemble and Serve:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the burritos in a baking dish, and smother them with a generous amount of the ground beef green chile sauce.
Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the burritos are heated through and the cheese is melted.
Prepare the Smothered Fries:
Cook the fries according to package instructions or fry fresh-cut potatoes in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Once cooked, place the fries on a serving platter and smother with additional green chile sauce and shredded cheese.
Return the fries to the oven until the cheese has melted.
Serve the smothered burritos hot, along with the smothered fries on the side. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!
Notes:
Customizing Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chile in the sauce to suit your preferred spice level. For a milder flavor, use fewer chiles or choose a mild variety. For more heat, add extra chiles or opt for a hotter variety.
Cheese Variations: While cheddar or Monterey Jack are great options, feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack for added heat or a blend for extra creaminess.
Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or skip the meat entirely and increase the amount of beans and vegetables in the filling.
Time-Saving Tips: Use canned refried beans and pre-shredded cheese to save time on preparation. You can also prepare the green chile sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions: These burritos pair well with the smothered fries, but you could also serve them with a side salad, guacamole, or salsa for a lighter accompaniment.
Storage and Reheating: Leftover burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for best results. If freezing, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before storing.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 500 | Protein: 25 grams | Fat: 20 grams | Carbohydrates: 50 grams | Fiber: 8 grams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ground beef or using plant-based meat substitutes.
For a vegan version, replace the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and ensure your refried beans are vegan (some may contain lard).
Also, use vegan-friendly tortillas.
How can I adjust the spice level of the green chile sauce?
To adjust the spice level, you can vary the type and amount of green chiles used.
For a milder sauce, use fewer chiles or opt for a mild variety like Anaheim peppers.
For more heat, add additional jalapenos or use spicier green chiles like Hatch chiles.
What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use a microwave.
If you plan to freeze the burritos, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and they can be stored for up to three months.
Can I prepare any components of the recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ground beef green chile sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
You can also pre-cook the calabasita and refried beans, making assembly quicker when you’re ready to cook.
What side dishes pair well with these burritos?
Besides the smothered fries, you can serve these burritos with a fresh side salad, guacamole, or salsa for added freshness.
Mexican rice or corn on the cob also make great accompaniments that complement the flavors of the burrito.
How do I prevent the burritos from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, it’s important to not overfill the burritos and to ensure any liquid from the refried beans or calabasita is drained off before filling.
Additionally, you can lightly toast the tortillas in a dry pan before assembling to create a barrier that helps keep the burritos firm.
What is the best way to roll a burrito without it falling apart?
Start by placing the filling slightly off-center on the tortilla.
Fold the sides in over the filling, then roll from the bottom up, keeping the filling tight as you go.
This technique helps ensure the burrito holds together well during cooking and eating.
Can I use canned green chiles instead of fresh ones for the sauce?
Yes, canned green chiles can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh ones.
They are usually milder, so you may want to adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Be sure to drain them before adding to the sauce to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make the sauce thicker if it turns out too runny?
If the sauce is too runny, continue simmering it until it reduces to the desired consistency.
Alternatively, you can create a slurry by mixing a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and gradually adding it to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously until thickened.
Is it possible to grill the burritos instead of baking them?
Yes, grilling the burritos is a great option for adding a smoky flavor and crispy texture.
Preheat your grill and lightly oil the grates.
Place the rolled burritos seam-side down and grill for a few minutes on each side until they are crispy and heated through.