Name: Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 6 dried guajillo chiles (stems and seeds removed); 2 dried ancho chiles (stems and seeds removed); 2 cups beef broth; 1 small white onion (quartered); 4 garlic cloves; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 large flour tortillas; 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese; 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional); Lime wedges (for serving)

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comforting dinner with bold, authentic flavors, these Chile Colorado Burritos are about to become your new obsession. Tender chunks of beef bathed in a rich, smoky chile sauce, all wrapped in fluffy tortillas and finished with gooey cheese — this is Mexican food at its most irresistible. The whole process is a wonderful, aromatic adventure that fills your kitchen with tantalizing aromas, and the final result is hearty enough to satisfy any appetite. Trust me, once you make these Chile Colorado Burritos, you’ll crave them on repeat!

Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Chile Colorado Burritos is that they turn a handful of approachable ingredients into something truly special. Each element, simple as it may be, brings depth, texture, or authentic flair to the burritos, so don’t skip a thing!

Beef chuck roast: Delivers succulent, melt-in-your-mouth texture after a slow simmer.
Dried guajillo chiles: Essential for creating that deep, earthy red sauce with gentle warmth.
Dried ancho chiles: Add a smoky, slightly sweet richness to balance out the heat.
Beef broth: Infuses the sauce with extra savory depth and silkiness.
White onion: Brings just the right amount of sweetness and sharpness to the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Add body and a comforting aromatic backbone.
Ground cumin: Provides a subtle, nutty earthiness that is classic in Mexican cuisine.
Dried oregano: Delivers an herby punch—Mexican oregano if you have it is fantastic!
Vegetable oil: Helps sear the beef to golden, flavor-packed perfection.
Salt and pepper: Balances everything and enhances all the other flavors.
Flour tortillas: The soft, cozy wrap that holds your masterpiece together.
Shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese: Because burritos + cheese = happiness.
Fresh cilantro (optional): Adds a bright, fresh finishing touch.
Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime brings a burst of zesty contrast to the rich beef.

How to Make Chile Colorado Burritos

Step 1: Prepare the Dried Chiles

Start by placing your guajillo and ancho chiles in a saucepan, covering them with water, and bringing everything to a boil. Lower the heat and let the chiles simmer for about 10 minutes — just until they’re wonderfully soft and pliable. This step unlocks their flavor and makes it a breeze to blend into that signature red sauce.

Step 2: Blend the Chile Colorado Sauce

Drain the softened chiles and transfer them to your blender. Add the beef broth, quartered onion, garlic cloves, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Blend everything until gloriously smooth. The resulting sauce will be a deep red and powerfully aromatic — the heart and soul of authentic Chile Colorado Burritos.

Step 3: Sear the Beef Cubes

Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes generously with salt and pepper, then sear them in batches. Let each side get golden brown, which develops fantastic flavor for the sauce down the road. Once all the beef cubes are browned, return them to the pot.

Step 4: Simmer the Beef in Sauce

Pour that beautiful chile sauce over your beef, pour it all in! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover, and let it cook for 2 to 2.5 hours. The beef becomes fork-tender, and the sauce reduces into a thick, crimson gravy that clings to every bite — this is where the magic of Chile Colorado Burritos really happens.

Step 5: Fill and Roll the Burritos

While the beef finishes cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F and warm the tortillas briefly to make them supple. Scoop a generous portion of the luscious Chile Colorado beef onto each tortilla, top it with some shredded cheese, and roll everything up tightly. Line them up, seam-side down, in a baking dish, and shower with a bit more cheese for good measure.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking dish into your oven and let the burritos bake for 10 to 15 minutes. The cheese on top gets bubbly and the flavors meld even further. Pull them out when the edges start to crisp up and your kitchen smells absolutely mouthwatering.

How to Serve Chile Colorado Burritos

Garnishes

To finish off your Chile Colorado Burritos, sprinkle a flurry of fresh cilantro over the top for a pop of color and herbaceousness. Lime wedges on the side are a must — a quick squeeze brightens up all that slow-cooked richness in the loveliest way.

Side Dishes

These burritos are a meal on their own, but they’re even better with classic sides. Mexican rice, creamy refried beans, or a crisp side salad all pair perfectly, rounding out the experience and adding a fresh contrast to the deep flavors of the Chile Colorado Burritos.

Creative Ways to Present

Take things up a notch by serving your burritos enchilada-style: lay them in a baking dish, spoon extra chile Colorado sauce over the top, then load on cheese and bake until everything is bubbly and golden. Or, set up a burrito bar so everyone can add their favorite toppings — think pickled onions, avocado slices, or a drizzle of crema for extra flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Chile Colorado Burritos (or just the beef and sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to three days and may even taste better as the flavors meld.

Freezing

Chile Colorado Burritos freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap individual burritos tightly in foil, transfer them to a freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap any foil and either microwave until hot or bake at 350°F covered with foil until everything is heated through. If you have leftover beef and sauce, simply warm gently in a saucepan, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I make Chile Colorado Burritos with chicken or pork?

Absolutely! Substitute an equal amount of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or pork shoulder. Adjust the simmering time — chicken will cook faster, while pork will require a similar braising time as beef.

How spicy are Chile Colorado Burritos?

They’re generally mild to moderately spicy, thanks to the guajillo and ancho chiles which are flavorful but not overly hot. For extra kick, toss in a dried arbol chile or some chipotle during the blending step.

Can I prepare the beef and chile sauce a day ahead?

Yes! In fact, making the beef and sauce ahead is highly recommended because the flavors deepen overnight. Simply keep it chilled in the refrigerator, then reheat and assemble your burritos when ready.

What’s the best cheese for these burritos?

Monterey Jack melts wonderfully and has a mild flavor, but a Mexican blend (with cheddar, asadero, and quesadilla cheeses) is delicious too. Choose your favorite melting cheese and don’t be shy with it!

Do I need special tortillas for Chile Colorado Burritos?

Large, soft flour tortillas work best for this recipe since they’re sturdy enough to wrap around all the saucy filling and cheese without falling apart. Warming them slightly helps prevent tearing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that wraps you in warmth and delivers big on savor and comfort, give these Chile Colorado Burritos a try. I promise, every bite is an invitation to slow down and savor the best of Mexican home cooking. You might just find they become a favorite at your table, too!

Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 6 burritos 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Chile Colorado Burritos are a delicious Mexican dish featuring tender beef cooked in a flavorful chile sauce, wrapped in warm tortillas with melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chile Sauce:

6 dried guajillo chiles (stems and seeds removed)
2 dried ancho chiles (stems and seeds removed)
2 cups beef broth
1 small white onion (quartered)
4 garlic cloves
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

For the Burritos:

2 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
6 large flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Lime wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chile Sauce: Simmer guajillo and ancho chiles, then blend with beef broth, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt.
Cook the Beef: Sear seasoned beef cubes, then add the chile sauce and simmer until tender and thickened.
Assemble the Burritos: Fill tortillas with beef and cheese, roll into burritos, and place in a baking dish.
Bake: Top with more cheese and bake until heated through and cheese is melted.
Serve: Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

You can make the beef and sauce ahead of time—it tastes even better the next day.
For a spicier version, add a dried arbol chile or two to the sauce.
Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Baking
Cuisine: Mexican