Name: Creamy Chile Colorado Burritos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 lb beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into chunks; 6–8 dried red chiles (guajillo or ancho), stemmed and seeded; 1 small onion, roughly chopped; 4 garlic cloves; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp chili powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream; 6 large flour tortillas; 1 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese; 2 tbsp oil or lard for searing

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I’ve wrapped up tender beef in warm tortillas and smothered them in a creamy, flavorful chile Colorado sauce to create these incredibly satisfying burritos. Each bite is rich, comforting, and full of bold Mexican-inspired flavor—perfect for a hearty dinner that hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it’s both comforting and full of depth. The slow-cooked beef soaks up all the smoky, spicy flavors of the chile sauce, and the creamy finish adds a luxurious touch that takes these burritos to the next level. It’s the kind of meal I look forward to every time.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

beef stew meat or chuck roast, cut into chunks
dried red chiles (such as guajillo or ancho), stemmed and seeded
onion and garlic
beef broth
cumin, oregano, chili powder
tomato paste
sour cream or heavy cream (for creamy finish)
flour tortillas
shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
oil or lard for searing
salt and pepper

directions

I start by soaking the dried chiles in hot water for 15–20 minutes until softened.
While they soak, I sear the beef chunks in a large skillet or Dutch oven until browned on all sides, then set them aside.
In a blender, I combine the softened chiles, garlic, onion, beef broth, tomato paste, and spices. I blend until smooth.
I pour the sauce over the seared beef in the pot, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
Once the beef is ready, I stir in sour cream or heavy cream to make the sauce creamy and rich.
I fill each tortilla with the shredded beef and a bit of cheese, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
I spoon extra sauce over the burritos and top with more cheese.
I bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
I serve them hot, optionally garnished with chopped cilantro, jalapeños, or extra sour cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 6 burritos
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Total time: around 2 hours 20 minutes

Variations

I use chicken or pork instead of beef for a lighter option.
I make it spicier by adding chipotle peppers to the sauce.
I top with green onions, diced tomatoes, or sliced olives for extra texture.
I swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier, lighter sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftover burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I bake them covered at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. I add a splash of broth or sauce to keep them moist.

FAQs

What kind of beef is best for this recipe?

I use chuck roast or stew meat—anything that becomes tender and shreds well after slow cooking.

Can I make the chile Colorado sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep it a day early. It stores well in the fridge and even improves in flavor overnight.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mildly spicy as written. I can adjust the heat by using more or fewer chiles or selecting milder varieties.

Can I freeze the burritos?

Absolutely. I wrap them individually and freeze before or after baking. To serve, I reheat straight from frozen, adding more sauce if needed.

What sides go well with these burritos?

I serve them with Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple salad to balance the richness.

Conclusion

These creamy chile Colorado burritos are one of the most comforting, flavorful meals I make. The slow-cooked beef and bold chile sauce create a rich, satisfying filling, and the creamy twist makes them stand out from traditional burritos. Whether for a family dinner or a weekend indulgence, they always deliver.