Smothered Green Chile Bean burritos

Description:

Smothered Green Chile Bean Burritos are packed with flavorful refried beans, spices, and cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and smothered in a delicious green chile sauce. This dish is comforting, hearty, and perfect for a family dinner or a quick meal.

Ingredients:

For the Burritos:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups refried beans (homemade or canned)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Green Chile Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup roasted green chiles (canned or fresh), chopped
• 1 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)

Toppings:

• Extra shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado or guacamole

Instructions:

Preparation (10 minutes):

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the Beans:
   • In a small pan, heat the refried beans over medium heat and season with cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and heat through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assembling the Burritos (5 minutes):

1. Assemble the Burritos:
   • Lay each tortilla flat and spread about 1/2 cup of the seasoned refried beans in the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese.
2. Roll the Burritos:
   • Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll it up tightly into a burrito. Place the burritos seam-side down in a baking dish.

Making the Green Chile Sauce (10-12 minutes):

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the Chiles and Spices:
   • Add the chopped green chiles, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
4. Optional Creamy Sauce:
   • For a creamy green chile sauce, stir in the sour cream until well combined and smooth. Remove from heat.

Baking the Burritos (15-20 minutes):

1. Smother the Burritos:
   • Pour the green chile sauce evenly over the burritos in the baking dish. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top, if desired.
2. Bake:
   • Bake the burritos in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burritos are heated through.

Finishing Touches (5 minutes):

1. Serve:
   • Remove the burritos from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced avocado or guacamole, if desired.

Total Time:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per burrito, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 400-450
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 16g

Notes:

• Green Chiles: You can use canned green chiles or freshly roasted Hatch green chiles for a more authentic flavor.
• Beans: For extra flavor, mix in some cooked ground beef, chicken, or pork with the refried beans.

Tips:

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the burritos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add the sauce and bake when you’re ready to serve.
• Freezing: These burritos freeze well. Wrap them individually in foil without the sauce and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw, smother with sauce, and bake.

Enjoy these smothered green chile bean burritos with all your favorite toppings for a hearty, flavorful meal!