Smothered Green Chile Bean 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.

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.

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!

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I adjust the heat level of the green chile sauce?

The heat level of the green chile sauce can be adjusted by choosing green chiles of different heat levels.

If you prefer a milder sauce, choose mild green chiles.

For more heat, opt for hotter varieties.

You can also adjust the amount of green chiles used based on your preference.

Can I make the green chile sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the green chile sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Reheat it gently on the stovetop before serving, and if needed, you can thin it out with a little chicken broth or water.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options for this recipe?

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by omitting the meat and using plant-based substitutes.

Replace the ground beef with crumbled plant-based protein or additional beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

You can also choose dairy-free options for any cheese or sour cream toppings.

Can I freeze the assembled burritos for later?

Yes, you can assemble the burritos and freeze them for later consumption.

Wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or oven.

Can I use a different type of meat for the burritos?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with other meats like ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded cooked chicken.

Adjust the cooking time and seasonings as needed.

Can I make the green chile sauce spicier or milder?

Absolutely! The heat level of the green chile sauce can be adjusted by choosing green chiles with different heat levels.

For a milder sauce, opt for mild green chiles, and for spicier results, choose hotter varieties.

You can also adjust the quantity of green chiles based on your preference.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this recipe by omitting the ground beef.

Instead, you can use plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans for protein.

Use vegetable broth in the green chile sauce and choose vegetarian-friendly toppings.

Can I prepare the green chile sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the green chile sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to use it.

If the sauce thickens, you can thin it out with a bit of chicken or vegetable broth.

What can I substitute for tatertots if I don’t have them?

If you don’t have tatertots, you can substitute diced potatoes or hash browns.

Simply cook them in a skillet with a little oil until they’re crispy and golden before using them in the recipe.