You know what gets me out of bed faster than a double espresso? The thought of smothered chile colorado burritos. Just imagine biting into a warm, soft tortilla enveloping tender chunks of beef, all drenched in that vibrant, spicy-sweet chile sauce. The aroma wafts through the air like a love letter from my kitchen to my taste buds, promising an explosion of flavors that makes my heart do a little happy dance.
Every time I make these smothered chile colorado burritos, I’m reminded of family gatherings where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the salsa. It’s the perfect dish for cozy nights in or festive celebrations; it brings everyone together, wrapped in deliciousness. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll be dreaming about these burritos for days!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These burritos are a breeze to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- The rich flavor profile will have everyone asking for seconds
- With their vibrant colors and enticing aromas, they look stunning on any dinner table
- Enjoy them as is or customize with your favorite toppings for extra flair
When I first served these burritos at a family reunion, the compliments flowed in faster than I could dish them out! Everyone was asking for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Flour Tortillas: Opt for large tortillas to hold all that delicious filling without tearing.
Chuck Roast: A well-marbled cut works best for tenderness; it becomes melt-in-your-mouth good when cooked low and slow.
Dried Red Chile Peppers: Look for a mix of ancho and guajillo for a balance of sweetness and heat.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch; always opt for whole cloves over pre-minced.
Cumin: This spice is essential; it provides that warm earthiness that complements the beef perfectly.
Onion: Use yellow onions for sweetness; they caramelize beautifully and enhance the overall flavor.
Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness while infusing more flavor into your meat.
Pinto Beans: These beans add creaminess and texture; canned ones are a convenient option!
Sour Cream: For serving, this creamy topping balances the spice wonderfully.
Cheese: Grated cheese on top melts beautifully under the hot sauce—go for cheddar or Monterey Jack!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make smothered chile colorado burritos
Prepare the Beef Filling: Start by cutting your chuck roast into manageable chunks. Season with salt and pepper before browning it in a large pot over medium heat until golden brown on all sides.
Create the Chile Sauce: While your beef is browning, soak dried red chiles in hot water until they soften. Blend them with garlic, cumin, and some beef broth until smooth—a true flavor bomb!
Combine Ingredients: Once your beef is nicely browned, pour in the blended chile sauce along with chopped onions and additional broth. Simmer it low and slow until the beef is fork-tender—about two hours should do.
Assemble Burritos: Lay out your flour tortillas and spoon generous portions of beef filling down the center. Add pinto beans if you like! Roll tightly but gently so they don’t burst open.
Add Final Touches: Place assembled burritos seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Pour any remaining chile sauce over them generously before sprinkling cheese on top—because who doesn’t love cheese?
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered until bubbly and golden brown—around 20-25 minutes should do it!
Get ready to revel in the mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen as these beauties bake away! You’ll feel like a culinary wizard when you pull them out—everyone will be cheering!
Now go forth and enjoy those smothered chile colorado burritos!
You Must Know
- Smothered chile colorado burritos are a crowd-pleaser, bursting with flavor and warmth
- The aroma of slow-cooked pork mingling with spices fills the kitchen, making everyone eager to dig in
- These burritos can be a hearty meal or a delightful snack for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the meat overnight for maximum flavor. Sear it until golden brown, then simmer with spices while preparing your tortillas and toppings for a smooth workflow.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in chicken or veggies for the filling. Experiment with different cheeses or add avocado slices on top for an extra creamy touch that elevates each bite.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the burritos remain soft and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always taste the sauce before serving; adjust seasoning as needed to enhance flavors
- Use fresh tortillas for added texture and warmth
- When assembling, don’t overfill to prevent messy burritos that don’t roll well
Memories of my first attempt at smothered chile colorado burritos still bring a smile. Friends raved about them, and I felt like a culinary rock star that night!
FAQ
What is chile colorado?
Chile colorado is a rich red sauce made from dried red chilies and spices.
Can I freeze smothered chile colorado burritos?
Yes, you can freeze them wrapped tightly for up to three months.
What sides pair well with these burritos?
Rice, beans, or a fresh salad complement smothered chile colorado burritos beautifully.
Smothered Chile Colorado Burritos
Smothered chile colorado burritos are a culinary delight that combines tender, slow-cooked beef with a vibrant red chile sauce, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. This comforting dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, delivering an explosion of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal or snack, these burritos promise warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 lbs chuck roast, cut into chunks
- 4 dried red chile peppers (ancho and guajillo mix)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup sour cream (for serving)
- 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling: Season chuck roast with salt and pepper. Brown in a large pot over medium heat until golden on all sides.
- Create the Chile Sauce: Soak dried chiles in hot water until softened. Blend soaked chiles with garlic, cumin, and some beef broth until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour blended sauce over browned beef along with chopped onions and additional broth. Simmer for about two hours until beef is fork-tender.
- Assemble Burritos: Lay tortillas flat and fill with beef mixture and pinto beans if desired. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Add Final Touches: Pour remaining chile sauce over burritos and sprinkle cheese on top. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 830mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Marinate the meat overnight for enhanced flavor. Feel free to substitute chicken or vegetables for the filling. Top with avocado slices or additional toppings of your choice.
