When it comes to cozy, crave-worthy comfort food, few things hit the spot quite like a hearty, saucy burrito — and Chile Colorado Burritos are truly next-level. Imagine tender beef simmered in a rich, flavorful red chile sauce, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla, smothered with even more sauce and a melty blanket of cheese. Hungry yet? Because just writing this is making me want to dive face-first into a plate!

These burritos are the perfect answer to a chilly evening, a hungry crowd, or any time you just want a meal that feels like a hug from the inside out. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, and bonus: they reheat beautifully, making them meal-prep heroes too. Let’s roll (pun absolutely intended)!

Why You’ll Love Chile Colorado Burritos

There are a lot of burrito recipes out there, but these are truly something special. Here’s why they deserve a spot on your table:

Ultra Tender Beef: The slow-cooked beef practically melts in your mouth — no knife necessary!

Flavor Bomb Sauce: The rich, slightly smoky, mildly spicy chile sauce clings to every bite for deep, authentic flavor.

Easy to Make: The hardest part is waiting for the beef to get tender. Otherwise, it’s simple steps and big rewards.

Customizable: Like things spicier? Milder? Want to add beans, rice, or guac? You’re the boss of your burrito!

Crowd Pleaser: These babies disappear fast. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, Chile Colorado Burritos always impress.

Ingredients in Chile Colorado Burritos

Gather these ingredients and you’re well on your way to burrito bliss:

Beef Stew Meat

Tender chunks of beef that become incredibly juicy after slow simmering.

Red Chile Sauce

Homemade or store-bought, but a good, rich red chile sauce is the heart of this dish.

Beef Broth

Adds depth and helps the beef braise to tender perfection.

Garlic

Because every good sauce starts with a little garlic love.

Flour Tortillas

Soft, large tortillas ready to wrap around all that beefy, saucy goodness.

Shredded Cheese

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend — you want that melty, oozy cheese moment.

Optional Extras

Refried beans, rice, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro — build your burrito dream team!

(Note: full ingredient list with measurements is down in the recipe card!)

Instructions

Let’s get rolling:

Make the Chile Colorado Sauce (if making from scratch)

Blend dried red chilies (like guajillo and ancho) with broth, garlic, and a touch of seasoning until smooth. Simmer to deepen the flavor.

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the beef chunks in a little oil until they get a nice sear. Flavor = locked in.

Simmer the Beef

Add the red chile sauce and beef broth to the beef. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for about 1.5–2 hours, until the meat is fork-tender and infused with all that saucy goodness.

Preheat the Oven

Crank it up to 400°F (200°C) — we’re about to get melty!

Assemble the Burritos

Lay a tortilla flat, add some beef (drain a little sauce off so it doesn’t get too soggy inside), sprinkle with cheese, and roll it up burrito-style.

Arrange and Sauce

Place your burritos seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour extra chile sauce generously over the top.

Add Cheese

Sprinkle a glorious handful of shredded cheese over everything.

Bake

Pop the dish in the oven for about 10–15 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and everything is bubbling and happy.

Serve

Top with a little sour cream, fresh cilantro, and maybe a squeeze of lime, then dig in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6 burritos
Calories per serving: 510
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

How to Serve Chile Colorado Burritos

With Rice and Beans: Keep it classic with a scoop of Mexican rice and refried beans on the side.

Fresh Salad: A simple, crisp salad balances the richness perfectly.

Extra Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce — make it a full fiesta plate!

Tortilla Chips and Salsa: Because more crunch is never a bad thing.

Additional Tips

Use Good-Quality Chiles: If making homemade sauce, fresh, pliable dried chiles will give you the best flavor.

Don’t Rush the Beef: Low and slow is the name of the game. Tender beef is the goal!

Double the Recipe: These freeze like a dream — perfect for easy dinners later.

Add Some Beans Inside: Smear a little refried beans inside each burrito for extra heartiness.

Spice It Up: Add a jalapeño or a spoonful of chipotle peppers to the sauce for an extra kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use another cut of beef?
A1: Yep! Chuck roast works beautifully — just cut it into cubes before browning.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Totally. Assemble and refrigerate the burritos, then bake them right before serving.

Q3: How spicy are these burritos?
A3: They’re usually mild to medium. You can easily adjust by choosing milder or hotter chiles.

Q4: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A4: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Q5: Can I freeze Chile Colorado Burritos?
A5: Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw overnight and reheat as above.

Q6: What tortillas work best?
A6: Large flour tortillas hold up best and won’t fall apart when sauced.

Q7: Can I make it in a slow cooker?
A7: Absolutely! Brown the beef first, then cook everything low and slow for about 6–8 hours.

Q8: What if I don’t have dried chiles?
A8: Use canned enchilada sauce as a shortcut. It’s not quite the same, but still delicious.

Q9: Are there vegetarian options?
A9: Sure! Use sautéed mushrooms or jackfruit in place of beef for a tasty twist.

Q10: How long does homemade chile sauce last?
A10: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

If you’re dreaming of a meal that’s hearty, saucy, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress, Chile Colorado Burritos are the answer. They’re comforting enough for a cozy family dinner and impressive enough for guests. Plus, once you master that rich chile sauce and tender beef, you’ll want to make them again and again (and again). So grab your tortillas, turn up the oven, and let’s get rolling — burrito bliss awaits!

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