Baked Beef or Chicken Burritos Recipe
Introduction
Baked beef or chicken burritos are a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Filled with a savory mixture of meat, beans, and cheese, then baked in a zesty green chile sauce, these burritos are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 lb lean ground beef or chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 cup green chile sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 oz) canned green chiles
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Step 2: Add the ground beef or chicken to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 3: Stir in the refried beans and cook until the mixture is heated through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Lay a tortilla flat and spoon some of the filling onto the center. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling and roll it up tightly. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Step 5: To make the sauce, combine canned green chiles, chicken broth, cumin powder, and lime juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and place the burritos seam-side down. Pour the green chile sauce evenly over the burritos and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra layer of flavor, add chopped fresh cilantro or a dash of smoked paprika to the filling mixture.
- Use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a healthier twist.
- Try swapping the sour cream for Greek yogurt to reduce fat while keeping creaminess.
- To make this vegetarian, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or extra beans.
- Prepare the filling a day ahead to save time on busy evenings.
Storage
Store any leftover baked burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover them with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven helps keep the texture best.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried beans instead of canned refried beans?
Yes, you can cook dried beans ahead of time and mash them to substitute for canned refried beans. Just be sure they are fully cooked and seasoned well.
What type of cheese works best for these burritos?
Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheeses are ideal because they melt nicely and add a mild, creamy flavor that complements the filling and sauce.
Print
Baked Beef or Chicken Burritos Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These baked beef or chicken burritos are a comforting and flavorful meal featuring a savory filling of ground meat, refried beans, and melted cheese, all wrapped in warm flour tortillas, topped with a tangy green chile sauce, and baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines ease and taste in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Burritos
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 lb lean ground beef or chicken
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce
- 1 cup green chile sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (4 oz) canned green chiles
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions until they are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to develop the flavors.
- Cook the meat: Add the ground beef or chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, approximately 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish lean.
- Add refried beans: Stir in the refried beans and cook the mixture for another 3-5 minutes until it is thoroughly heated and well combined.
- Assemble burritos: Lay a tortilla flat and spoon the filling onto it. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, fold in the sides, and roll tightly to form a burrito. Repeat for all tortillas.
- Make the sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine the canned green chiles, chicken broth, cumin powder, and lime juice. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Bake burritos: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled burritos seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Pour the green chile sauce over the burritos and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey if you prefer a leaner meat option.
- For a spicier sauce, add chopped jalapeños or extra green chiles.
- To make this dish vegetarian, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Serve with extra sour cream or guacamole for added creaminess.
- The burritos can be prepared ahead, assembled, and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: baked burritos, beef burritos, chicken burritos, green chile sauce, baked Mexican dish, easy dinner, comfort food

