Smothered Green Chile Bean Burrito
Hearty burritos stuffed with savory refried beans, then smothered in a zesty green chile sauce and melted cheese. A true Southwestern comfort food classic that brings the flavors of New Mexico right to your kitchen.
For 4 servings
8 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- 2
Prepare the green chile sauce
- a.Heat vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Create the roux and thicken the sauce
- a.Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. This cooks out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth until no lumps remain. Stir in the diced green chiles (with their liquid), 1 tsp of ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 4
Simmer the sauce
- a.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
- 5
Prepare the bean filling
- a.In a separate bowl, combine the refried beans with the remaining 0.5 tsp of ground cumin and the chili powder. Mix until well combined.
- 6
Assemble the burritos
- a.Warm the tortillas for about 20-30 seconds in a microwave or a dry skillet to make them pliable. Lay a tortilla flat and spread approximately 1/2 cup of the bean mixture in a line down the center. Top with about 2 tablespoons of the shredded cheese. Fold the short sides of the tortilla inward, then tightly roll from the bottom up to form a secure burrito.
- 7
Arrange and smother the burritos
- a.Place each burrito seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Pour the green chile sauce evenly over the top, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the sauce.
- 8
Bake and serve
- a.Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and bubbly and the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden. Let the burritos rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes if desired.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic New Mexican flavor, use fire-roasted Hatch green chiles if available.
- 2Warming the tortillas is a critical step; cold tortillas will crack and tear when you try to roll them.
- 3Don't overfill the burritos. It's better to have a securely rolled burrito than one that's bursting at the seams.
- 4For a creamier sauce, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of sour cream or heavy cream after removing it from the heat.
- 5The green chile sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Mix 1 cup of cooked shredded chicken, seasoned ground beef, or chorizo into the bean filling for a heartier burrito.
Make it VeganMake it Vegan
Ensure your refried beans are lard-free. Use vegan shredded cheese and top with a dairy-free sour cream or guacamole.
Add RiceAdd Rice
Add 1/4 cup of cooked Spanish or cilantro-lime rice to each burrito along with the bean filling.
Christmas StyleChristmas Style
A New Mexico tradition! Smother half of the burritos with this green chile sauce and the other half with a red enchilada sauce.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Dietary Fiber
The refried beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
Beans provide a substantial amount of plant-based protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and overall body function.
Contains Capsaicin
Green chiles are rich in capsaicin, a compound known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties and ability to boost metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
A single smothered burrito contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the specific brands of tortillas, beans, and cheese used, as well as the amount of garnishes added.