Spicy Beef Burritos with Creamy Chile Sauce

Craving the flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine without the hassle of dining out? Look no further than these mouthwatering Creamy Chile Colorado Burritos. This recipe is a game-changer for busy nights when you want a restaurant-quality meal without the hefty price tag. By slow-cooking tender chuck roast in zesty chile sauce all day, you’ll create a filling so flavorful and succulent, it rivals your favorite Mexican eatery.

The secret ingredient that takes these burritos to the next level? Cream. Adding a touch of heavy cream to the sauce elevates the dish, imparting a rich and velvety texture that perfectly balances the spicy kick of the chile. Even my brother-in-law, a New Mexico native with a discerning palate for chile, couldn’t resist the allure of these homemade burritos. Their authentic taste had him coming back for more, making them a staple in our family gatherings. So go ahead, whip up a batch of these Creamy Chile Colorado Burritos and let your kitchen be filled with the aroma of a fiesta in the making.

Quick Benefits

• Saves money and time compared to ordering takeout from a Mexican restaurant
• Tender, flavorful beef that falls apart from slow cooking in chile sauce
• Creamy sauce with heavy cream elevates the dish to a rich, restaurant-quality level
• Customizable with different chile sauces, added ingredients like black beans or corn, and alternative cheeses

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Beef Burritos with Creamy Chile Sauce Recipe

• Authentic Mexican Flavors: This recipe captures the delicious flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine, making it a wonderful choice for those who love Mexican food.
• Tender, Fall-Apart Beef: The slow-cooked chuck roast becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, providing a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
• Creamy and Rich Sauce: The addition of heavy cream elevates the sauce to a rich and creamy consistency, bringing a luxurious touch to the dish.
• Customizable and Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by trying different chile sauces, adding beans or corn for extra texture, or experimenting with various cheeses, making it versatile to suit your preferences.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for busy schedules, you can assemble the burritos ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them, allowing for convenient meal prep and quick dinners on hectic days.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish that appears complex but is actually straightforward to make, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work.
• Complete Meal with Sides: Enjoy a complete meal by pairing these burritos with Spanish rice and beans, and serve with sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole for a festive dining experience.
• Perfect Complement to Cold Beer: The rich and creamy flavors of the burritos pair wonderfully with a cold beer, enhancing your dining experience with a refreshing beverage.

Ingredients for Spicy Beef Burritos with Creamy Chile Sauce

Slow Cooker Beef

• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
• 1 jar Hatch Chile Colorado sauce
• 2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Creamy Sauce

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons water
• ½ cup heavy cream

Assembly & Toppings

• 8 large flour tortillas (8-inch)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Optional Serving Toppings

• Guacamole for serving
• Pico de gallo for serving
• Sour cream for serving

How to Make Spicy Beef Burritos with Creamy Chile Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Grease the slow cooker lightly with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Start the Beef

Cut the chuck roast into 3-4 large pieces and add to the slow cooker with chile Colorado sauce, bouillon granules, minced garlic, and diced onion.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender and shreds easily with a fork, ensuring the most tender results.

Step 4: Shred the Beef

Take out the beef from the slow cooker, reserving the sauce. Shred the beef using two forks and season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Prep for Baking

Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread ⅓ cup of reserved slow cooker sauce in the dish.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce

Transfer 1½ cups of the slow cooker sauce to a medium saucepan, then whisk in the heavy cream. In a separate small bowl, combine flour and water to create a slurry.

Step 7: Thicken the Sauce

Pour the flour mixture into the saucepan and simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly. Season with salt and pepper, then let it simmer as you prepare the burritos.

Step 8: Assemble the Burritos

Evenly distribute the shredded beef among the 8 tortillas. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 9: Add Sauce and Cheese

Drizzle the creamy sauce over the burritos, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.

Step 10: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake without a cover for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden, and the sauce bubbles around the edges.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Take out of the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with toppings such as sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Creamy Chile Colorado Burritos, you have a couple of options. If you plan to enjoy them within a day or two, you can assemble the burritos completely and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply take them out, place them on a baking sheet, and bake them until they are heated through. Be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the burritos are cold from the fridge.

If you want to save some burritos for later, they freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each burrito individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, thaw the burritos overnight in the refrigerator and then bake them as usual. By freezing the burritos, you can enjoy this delicious meal even when you’re short on time or just want a quick and satisfying dinner option.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version of these Creamy Chile Colorado Burritos, you can swap the beef chuck roast with a plant-based substitute like seitan, tofu, or even jackfruit for a similar meaty texture. To replace the beef bouillon granules, you can use vegetable bouillon granules or swap it with soy sauce or tamari for a savory umami flavor. Additionally, you can make a creamy plant-based sauce by using coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative instead of the heavy cream. This will maintain the rich and creamy texture of the dish while keeping it vegan-friendly.

If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can experiment with various chile sauces to customize the heat level and taste of the dish. Consider trying a smokier chipotle sauce or a tangy green chile sauce for a unique twist. To add an extra layer of flavor and texture, you can mix in ingredients like black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the filling. For a different cheese option, try using a blend of cheeses like cheddar and pepper jack or crumbled queso fresco for a tangy kick. These substitutions and additions can help you tailor the dish to suit your personal preferences and create a delicious variation of the original recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting these Creamy Chile Colorado Burritos as a DIY burrito bar for a fun and interactive meal. Set up a spread with warm tortillas, the tender chile colorado beef, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, fresh cilantro, sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, and any other favorite toppings. Let each person build their own burrito with their preferred fillings for a personalized dining experience.

Another idea is to turn these burritos into a decadent baked enchilada casserole. Layer the filled and rolled burritos in a baking dish, top with extra cheese and creamy sauce, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. Serve slices of the casserole topped with dollops of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and a side of pico de gallo for a comforting and flavorful twist on the traditional burrito.

FAQs for Spicy Beef Burritos with Creamy Chile Sauce

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different cut of beef like beef brisket or beef short ribs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the cut you choose.

Can I make this recipe without using a slow cooker?

While the slow cooker helps to achieve that tender, fall-apart beef, you can also cook the beef in a Dutch oven or Instant Pot for faster cooking. Adjust the cooking method and time as needed.

Can I substitute the Hatch Chile Colorado sauce with homemade chile sauce?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade chile sauce or have a favorite recipe, feel free to use that instead of the Hatch Chile Colorado sauce. Adjust the seasoning and heat level to your liking.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of these burritos, you can substitute the beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth and omit the beef bouillon for a flavorful vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Creamy Chile Colorado Burritos are truly a game-changer when it comes to satisfying your Mexican food cravings at home. The tender beef, flavorful chile sauce, and the addition of creamy goodness make these burritos stand out from the rest. They have become a staple in my household, and I love how they impress even those who are well-versed in authentic Mexican cuisine.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe. Experiment with different chile sauces, add your favorite toppings, or try incorporating beans or corn for a twist. The beauty of these Creamy Chile Colorado Burritos lies in their versatility and ability to cater to your personal taste preferences. Whether enjoyed with a side of Spanish rice and beans or paired with a cold beer, these burritos are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling like a culinary superstar. So why not give them a try and elevate your Mexican food game with these creamy and delicious burritos?