If you are craving a deeply flavorful and comforting meal, this Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe will become your new go-to comfort food. Tender, slow-cooked beef bathed in a rich, smoky red chile sauce creates a perfect filling, wrapped snugly in warm flour tortillas. Every bite bursts with bold, savory notes from the guajillo and ancho chiles, perfectly balanced by garlic, cumin, and oregano. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these burritos deliver layers of yum that keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delicious adventure, and don’t be intimidated! These simple staples are all easy to find and each one plays an important role in building the complex, mouthwatering flavor and satisfying texture of the dish.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat: Choosing beef stew meat ensures tender, juicy bites after slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for browning the beef and unlocking its deep flavor.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and richness to the sauce while blending flavors.
- 10 dried guajillo chiles: Provide the vibrant color and smoky fruitiness at the heart of the sauce.
- 2 dried ancho chiles: Bring sweet, mild heat and complexity to the chile blend.
- 2 cloves garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a gentle punch.
- 1 teaspoon cumin: Gives an earthy warmth that complements the chiles beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon oregano: Introduces a hint of herbal brightness that rounds out the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple but necessary for seasoning the beef perfectly.
- 6 large flour tortillas: Soft, pliable wraps that hold all the deliciousness inside.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (optional): Monterey Jack or cheddar bring creamy, melty goodness on top.
How to Make Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe
Step 1: Toast and Soften the Chiles
The first magical step starts with toasting the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet until you can smell their smoky aroma bubbling up. This brief toasting process intensifies their flavor and color. Soaking them afterward softens the chiles so they blend into a smooth, vibrant sauce that’s the soul of the dish.
Step 2: Blend the Chile Sauce
Drain the softened chiles and blend them with garlic, cumin, oregano, and beef broth until perfectly smooth. This sauce should be velvety with a deep red hue. Set it aside and get ready for the star—the beef.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef stew meat in batches. Browning creates a beautiful caramelized crust that adds incredible depth once it simmers in the chile sauce. Don’t crowd the pan to keep the beef from steaming.
Step 4: Combine Beef with Sauce and Simmer
Return all the browned beef to the pot and pour your blended chile sauce over it. Add a little more broth if needed to ensure the beef is bathed lovingly in the sauce. Cover and let it simmer gently on low heat for 2 to 3 hours until the beef is fork-tender and infused with all those rich flavors.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Once your beef is tender and saucy, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. This sets the stage for assembling your burritos for their final, melty moment.
Step 6: Assemble the Burritos
Spoon generous portions of the beef and sauce into each flour tortilla, then roll them up tightly, placing each seam side down in your prepared baking dish. If you love cheese, sprinkle it liberally over the top to get that irresistible golden finish.
Step 7: Bake and Serve
Bake the burritos uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, sealing all that goodness together. Serve hot with extra sauce on the side, ready for you to dive into these vibrant, comforting burritos.
How to Serve Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe
Garnishes
Add freshness and texture with chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, or a dollop of cool sour cream. A squeeze of lime brightens every bite and balances the smoky chili heat.
Side Dishes
Traditional Mexican sides shine here—think fluffy Mexican rice, refried beans, or creamy guacamole. They build a well-rounded meal that complements the bold burritos without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking burritos in a casserole style sprinkled with extra cheese and bake as a crowd-pleaser. Or serve deconstructed with the beef, tortillas, and toppings separately for a fun DIY fiesta night at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day just as delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled burritos before baking by wrapping them individually in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for ready-to-heat meals when time is short.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep them moist. Microwave reheating is faster—just cover with a damp paper towel to maintain softness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat for this Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is traditional for its tenderness after slow cooking, you can also use pork shoulder or even chicken thighs for a twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to reach perfect tenderness.
Are guajillo and ancho chiles spicy?
Both chiles offer mild to medium heat, but their biggest contribution is flavor depth and color. If you prefer less heat, you can use fewer chiles or remove all seeds, as the seeds hold more heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or jackfruit, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The chile sauce remains just as delicious without meat.
What cheese works best in Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe?
Monterey Jack and cheddar are popular and melt beautifully. You can also try a Mexican blend or Oaxacan cheese if you want a more authentic flair and gooey texture.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
While prep takes about 30 minutes, the real key is the 2 to 3 hours of slow simmering to get the beef perfectly tender and flavorful. It’s worth planning ahead, and the results are unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know all the secrets to making this unforgettable Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe, don’t wait to dive in. This dish combines deep, smoky chile flavor with melt-in-your-mouth beef and cozy tortillas that bring warmth and joy to any table. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep them in your regular rotation for family dinners or casual nights with friends. Enjoy the process and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 burritos
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Chile Colorado Burritos are hearty and flavorful Mexican-style burritos filled with tender, slow-simmered beef in a rich red chile sauce. The beef stew meat is cooked until fork-tender in a blend of toasted guajillo and ancho chiles, garlic, and spices, then wrapped in warm flour tortillas and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a satisfying family meal or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce
- 2 pounds beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 10 dried guajillo chiles (seeded and stemmed)
- 2 dried ancho chiles (seeded and stemmed)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Burritos
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (like Monterey Jack or cheddar, optional)
Instructions
- Toast and Soften Chiles: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast guajillo and ancho chiles until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and soak them in hot water for 20 minutes until softened.
- Prepare Chile Sauce: Drain the softened chiles and blend them with garlic, cumin, oregano, and 1/2 cup beef broth until smooth. Set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef pieces in batches, seasoning each batch with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Simmer Beef in Sauce: Return all browned beef to the pot and pour the chile sauce over it. Add more beef broth as needed to cover the meat. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender and infused with the rich chile flavor.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish for assembling the burritos.
- Assemble Burritos: Spoon the tender beef and some sauce onto each large flour tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the burritos.
- Bake Burritos: Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Serve the chile colorado burritos hot with extra sauce on the side. Complement with rice, beans, or guacamole for a complete meal.
Notes
- Toasting the chiles enhances their flavor and removes raw bitterness.
- Adjust the amount of broth in the sauce for desired consistency.
- Cheese is optional but adds a creamy texture to the burritos.
- These burritos can be made ahead and reheated; add fresh sauce to keep moist.
- Leftover chile sauce freezes well for future meals.
