Ingredients
For the Burrito Filling
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1 can refried beans OR 1 cup cooked mashed beans (optional)
- 4–6 large flour tortillas
For the Green Chile Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped roasted green chiles (canned or fresh)
- ½ cup tomato pieces OR salsa
- Salt, pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
For Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro or sliced green onions (optional)
Prepare the Filling
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. As the beef cooks, break it into small pieces and allow it to develop a deep, flavorful sear. This caramelization gives your burrito filling a strong, savory base. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, letting the spices bloom and the aroma fill your kitchen.
At this point, you can add optional ingredients such as rice or beans. Rice adds bulk and absorbs flavor, while beans add creaminess. Mix well and let everything simmer for a couple of minutes to bring all the flavors together. Turn off the heat and set the filling aside.
Prepare the Green Chile Sauce
This is what transforms your burrito from simple to extraordinary. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for one minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly add the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Once the liquid is smooth, add the chopped green chiles, tomato or salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly. You want a pourable consistency—not too thick, not too watery. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow easily.
Taste and adjust the seasoning. If you want more heat, add extra chiles or a spoon of jalapeño.
Assemble the Burritos
Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Add a generous portion of the beef mixture to the center. If you like your burritos cheesy on the inside, sprinkle some shredded cheese over the filling as well.
Fold the sides inward, then roll the tortilla tightly from bottom to top. The burrito should be snug and sealed.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Pan-Sear the Burrito (Optional but Recommended)
To enhance the flavor and structure of your burrito, place it seam-side down in a lightly oiled skillet and pan-sear it for one minute on each side. This step crisps the tortilla lightly and prevents it from becoming soggy under the sauce.
Smother and Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place your burritos in a baking dish. Pour a generous amount of green chile sauce over them, ensuring every burrito is fully coated. The sauce should flow down the sides and pool around the bottom, just like in the picture.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese liberally on top. The more you use, the more indulgent and melty the final result will be.
Bake for 10–15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.
Serving
Remove the burritos from the oven and let them rest for 2–3 minutes. This helps the sauce settle and the cheese thicken slightly on top.
Serve hot, with extra green chile sauce spooned over the sides for maximum flavor. Garnish with cilantro or green onions if desired.
Each bite delivers softness from the tortilla, savoriness from the beef, gentle heat from the chiles, and richness from the melted cheese. It’s satisfying, bold, and deeply comforting—exactly what a smothered burrito should be.
Tips & Variations
Use chicken instead of beef
Shredded chicken cooked with the same spices works perfectly.
Add potatoes
Diced and sautéed potatoes add heartiness.
Make it extra spicy
Add diced jalapeños or hot Hatch chiles.
Make it creamy
Stir 2 tablespoons of sour cream into the green chile sauce before pouring.
Vegetarian version
Use beans, sautéed vegetables, and rice instead of meat.