Few dishes embody New Mexican comfort the way a smothered green chile burrito does. At the heart of this recipe is a slow-roasted pork shoulder that melts into tender shreds, bathing in a simmered blend of roasted green chile, tomatoes, broth, and warm spices. The flavors build gradually over hours, creating a sauce that is rich, aromatic, and undeniably satisfying.
What makes this dish truly exceptional is the texture. As the pork cooks low and slow, it becomes incredibly soft, allowing it to absorb every layer of chile and seasoning. The result is a filling that is both hearty and silky, perfect for packing into a warm flour tortilla. Once rolled, the burrito is smothered in more of the green chile pork mixture, making each bite saucy, savory, and full of depth.
This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. You can keep the burrito simple with just pork and cheese, or turn it into a complete meal by adding rice, beans, or sour cream. The smothered style allows the sauce to shine, transforming an everyday burrito into a comforting plate served all over New Mexico.
Slow roasting the pork is the key to achieving the dish’s signature richness. The long cook time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, giving you a deeply seasoned green chile sauce that thickens naturally as the pork breaks down. A final uncovered simmer concentrates the flavors even further, making the sauce ideal for spooning generously over the finished burritos.
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Serve this dish on a cold evening, for a casual gathering, or anytime you want a meal that feels both rustic and indulgent. With its bold chile flavor and fall-apart pork, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Servings: 6–8 burritos
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours
Total Time: 3.5–4.5 hours
Ingredients
• 3–4 lb pork shoulder (bone-in or boneless)
• 2 cups roasted chopped green chile
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1–2 tbsp oil
• Large flour tortillas
• Optional: cheese, rice, beans, sour cream
Instructions:
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