Chile Colorado Burritos are one of those iconic comfort foods that bring warmth, flavor, and a dash of excitement to your dinner table. Featuring melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered in a bold, homemade chile sauce, these burritos are a celebration of Mexican tradition with every bite. Wrapped in soft flour tortillas and smothered in gooey cheese, they’re easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for friends and family. If you’re craving soul-satisfying flavor, get ready to fall in love with Chile Colorado Burritos!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chile Colorado Burritos is all about carefully chosen, straightforward ingredients that work together to create bold, unforgettable flavors. Every element has its purpose, from tender beef to earthy, complex chilies, ensuring a glorious sauce and filling.
- Beef chuck roast: Opt for well-marbled pieces, as their juicy richness becomes irresistibly tender after slow cooking.
- Dried guajillo chiles: These add deep red color and a mild, fruity heat that lays the foundation for authentic flavor.
- Dried ancho chiles: Their smoky, slightly sweet undertones balance out the sauce and add depth.
- White onion: Quartered and blended into the sauce, it lends natural sweetness and body.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth—don’t skip them!
- Beef broth: This brings savory richness and helps tenderize the beef as everything simmers.
- Ground cumin: A classic earthy spice that ties together all the traditional Mexican flavors.
- Dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal complexity to the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the heat of the chilies.
- Oil: Use for searing the beef, locking in flavor before slow cooking.
- Flour tortillas: Soft and sturdy, perfect for wrapping up all that saucy, savory goodness.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully and brings a creamy finish to every bite.
- Chopped cilantro (optional): Freshens things up with a vibrant, green pop.
- Sour cream and lime wedges: These are the ultimate, cooling finishers for serving your burritos.
How to Make Chile Colorado Burritos
Step 1: Soak the Dried Chiles
Begin by placing the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a bowl, then cover them with hot water. Let them sit and soak for about 20 minutes, just until they’re soft and pliable. This little step unlocks all their gorgeous flavor; you’ll notice the chilies turning richer and more vibrant right before your eyes.
Step 2: Blend the Chile Sauce
Drain the softened chilies and add them to a blender. Toss in the quartered onion, garlic cloves, half the beef broth, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Blend everything until smooth and silky. This sauce is what gives Chile Colorado Burritos their beautiful color and bold character.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes—spread them out so they brown instead of steam. Don’t rush this part; the seared edges will deepen the flavor of your filling later.
Step 4: Simmer the Beef in Chile Sauce
Pour that gorgeous chile sauce over your browned beef, then add the remaining beef broth. Give it a good stir, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 2 to 2.5 hours, letting the beef become fall-apart tender while the sauce thickens into something truly special.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake Your Burritos
Warm the flour tortillas so they become nice and pliable. Spoon some of the beef and plenty of sauce onto each tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and roll into hefty burritos. For extra wow, line them up in a baking dish, spoon more sauce and cheese over the top, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbling and golden. This step transforms Chile Colorado Burritos into the cheesy, saucy masterpiece everyone craves.
How to Serve Chile Colorado Burritos
Garnishes
Top each burrito with a generous dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and a few tangy lime wedges on the side. The creaminess and freshness brighten every bite and cut through the richness in the best way.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chile Colorado Burritos with classic Mexican rice, refried beans, or a light green salad. You could also add grilled veggies, elote (Mexican street corn), or chips and guacamole for a festive spread that makes dinner feel like a party.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the burritos in half for easy bites at a potluck, or serve them “enchilada style” with extra sauce and cheese baked on top. For a crowd, create a build-your-own burrito bar with various toppings—let everyone craft their own perfect Chile Colorado Burritos.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover beef and sauce can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes meal prep a breeze and ensures that you can enjoy Chile Colorado Burritos throughout the week without sacrificing taste or texture.
Freezing
The beef and sauce freeze beautifully. Pack portions into freezer-safe containers or bags (squeeze out excess air), then label and freeze for up to three months. You can freeze fully assembled but unbaked burritos as well, just wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef and sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. For burritos, microwave individually or pop them in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F until piping hot. Adding a little fresh cheese and sauce before reheating always brings the magic back.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Chile Colorado Burritos?
Yes, but beef chuck roast is ideal for its marbling and ability to become melt-in-your-mouth tender as it cooks. You can swap in brisket or stew meat, but be prepared for slight differences in texture and richness.
How spicy are these burritos?
Chile Colorado Burritos are flavorful rather than fiery! Guajillo and ancho chilies are both mild, but if you like heat, you can add a dried arbol chile or a pinch of cayenne to turn up the spice.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese substitute, and skip the sour cream or use a plant-based version. The saucy beef is the real star, so you won’t miss out.
Is there a shortcut for a faster version?
If you’re short on time, you can use an Instant Pot or pressure cooker to cut the cook time to about 35-40 minutes on high pressure. The flavors will still shine, and dinner will be on the table in no time!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Double all the ingredients and use a larger pot or cook the beef in batches. Chile Colorado Burritos are perfect for feeding a big group; just set out all the toppings and let everyone dive in.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as comforting as it is delicious, Chile Colorado Burritos fit the bill perfectly. Bring these into your kitchen and watch them become a go-to favorite for gatherings or whenever you need a little extra flavor in your life!
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Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 burritos 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chile Colorado Burritos are a delicious Mexican dish featuring tender beef cubes simmered in a rich, flavorful chile sauce, wrapped in warm flour tortillas, and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 5 dried guajillo chiles (stemmed and seeded)
- 2 dried ancho chiles (stemmed and seeded)
- 1 small white onion (quartered)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil (for searing)
For Serving:
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream and lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chile Sauce: Soak dried chiles in hot water for 20 minutes. Blend soaked chiles, onion, garlic, 1 cup of beef broth, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Sear the Beef: Brown beef cubes in oil in a large pot. Pour chile sauce over beef, add remaining broth, simmer, cover, and cook for 2-2.5 hours until tender.
- Assemble the Burritos: Warm tortillas, fill with beef and sauce, top with cheese, roll up. Optionally, bake topped burritos for a few minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve: Garnish burritos with sour cream, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
- You can prepare the beef and sauce in advance and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a dried arbol chile or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Optional Broiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
