Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe

There is nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a warm, flavorful burrito filled with tender, slow-cooked beef swimming in rich red sauce. This Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe is a true celebration of bold Mexican flavors, combining succulent beef stew meat with a deeply aromatic chile sauce made from guajillo and ancho chiles. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or impressing guests, these burritos deliver a comforting yet vibrant experience that feels both authentic and incredibly satisfying. Let me show you how simple ingredients transform into a dish bursting with layers of taste and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build deep flavor and perfect texture. From the tender beef to the signature chile sauce, these components work together to create a mouthwatering experience that’s easier to make than you might think.

• 2 pounds beef stew meat: Cut into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness, this is the hearty core of the dish.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For browning the beef and creating a rich base for the sauce.
• 1/2 cup beef broth: Adds moisture and depth to the chile sauce and helps tenderize the meat.
• 10 dried guajillo chiles: Seeded and stemmed, these chiles give a vibrant color and fruity yet smoky flavor.
• 2 dried ancho chiles: Also seeded and stemmed, ancho chiles add a subtle sweetness and complexity.
• 2 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic punch that brightens every bite.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Warms the dish with earthy spice and notes of smokiness.
• 1 teaspoon oregano: Offers a hint of herbal brightness to balance the rich sauce.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
• 6 large flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping up all that delicious filling.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (optional): Monterey Jack or cheddar add creamy, melty goodness on top.

How to Make Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe

Step 1: Toast and Soften the Chiles

Start by heating a dry skillet over medium heat to toast the guajillo and ancho chiles until they become fragrant—about 2 minutes. This toasting step unlocks their oils and intensifies their flavor. Then, soak the toasted chiles in hot water for 20 minutes to soften them up, making them ready to blend into a silky smooth sauce.

Step 2: Blend the Chile Sauce

Drain the softened chiles and add them to a blender along with garlic, cumin, oregano, and 1/2 cup of beef broth. Blend everything until completely smooth, creating the rich, vibrant sauce that defines this dish. Set the sauce aside; it’s about to become the star of the show.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the beef pieces to build flavor through caramelization. Season with salt and pepper as you go—this step locks in juices and gives the meat an irresistible crust.

Step 4: Combine Beef and Chile Sauce

Return all the browned beef to the pot and pour the freshly blended chile sauce over the top. Add more beef broth if necessary to make sure the meat is just covered, ensuring it stays tender and juicy while simmering.

Step 5: Slow Simmer the Meat

Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the beef gently simmer for 2 to 3 hours until it becomes fork-tender and perfectly infused with the chile flavors. This slow cooking is what turns ordinary beef into melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish, getting ready for the final warm-up that transforms these burritos from lovely fillings to irresistible melts.

Step 7: Assemble the Burritos

Grab your tortillas and spoon generous portions of beef and sauce onto each. Roll them up tightly and place them seam side down in the baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top if you’re using it—this adds a gorgeous golden crust and extra ooey-gooey texture.

Step 8: Bake Until Bubbling

Bake the burritos uncovered for about 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into bubbly perfection and the edges of the tortillas turn lightly crisp, bringing incredible contrast to every bite.

Step 9: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Serve your Chile Colorado Burritos hot alongside extra chile sauce if you like a little more kick. Pair with rice, beans, or fresh guacamole to round out a meal that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate.

How to Serve Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe

Garnishes

Finishing touches like fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a dollop of sour cream add brightness and creaminess that cut through the rich chile sauce beautifully. A squeeze of lime adds a fresh, zesty note that wakes up the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

Traditional Mexican sides like Spanish rice and refried or black beans are natural partners for these burritos, providing balance and hearty satisfaction. Alternatively, a crisp green salad or corn salad can lighten the meal and add a refreshing crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the beef and chile sauce deconstructed with warm tortillas on the side, letting everyone roll their own burritos. You can also turn this into a burrito bowl by serving the meat over rice with all the fixings scattered on top—perfect for a casual, family-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the burritos cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you retain moisture and flavor when you reheat.

Freezing

Chile Colorado Burritos freeze wonderfully. Wrap each burrito individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Label and date them so you can enjoy your homemade convenience anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, bake wrapped burritos in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. For a quicker method, microwave them covered for 2 to 3 minutes, checking halfway. Reheating slowly ensures the beef stays juicy and the tortilla soft.

FAQs

Can I use other meats for this Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe?

Absolutely! While beef stew meat is traditional and ideal for slow cooking, you could also try pork shoulder or chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time so the meat becomes tender and flavorful.

Are guajillo and ancho chiles spicy?

Guajillo chiles offer mild to moderate heat with fruity undertones, while ancho chiles are generally mild and slightly sweet. Together, they create a balanced flavor that’s more smoky and rich than fiery hot.

Can I make the chile sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The chile sauce can be prepared and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance. This is a great way to save time on the day of cooking and let the flavors meld even more.

What type of cheese works best for these burritos?

Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese are excellent choices because they melt beautifully and add gooey richness without overpowering the dish’s bold flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, but standard flour tortillas contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, substitute with corn tortillas or certified gluten-free tortillas.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that brings rich, smoky chiles and tender, savory beef together in a warm, comforting package, the Chile Colorado Burritos Recipe is a must-try. From the careful toasting of chiles to the slow-cooked meat and melty cheese finish, each step is packed with love and flavor. Give it a go soon—you’ll be glad you did and probably find this becoming a new favorite to share with everyone you care about.

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