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Bean Burritos Smothered in Green Chile Pork (Chile Verde)

A cozy, hearty recipe for Bean Burritos smothered in flavorful green chile pork, ideal for family dinners or a comforting night in.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pork and Sauce
  • 1.5 lbs pork shoulder, cut into small chunks Choose a good-quality pork shoulder.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives it that extra flavor boost.
  • 2 cups roasted green chiles (Hatch or Anaheim), chopped Use good-quality roasted chiles for the best smoky flavor.
  • 1 cup tomatillo salsa or green enchilada sauce Choose salsa with a little texture.
  • 0.5 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Burrito Assembly
  • 4 large flour tortillas Warm them on a dry skillet.
  • 1.5 cups refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup green chile sauce (for smothering)

Method
 

Cooking the Pork
  1. Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat, and then add the pork chunks. Sear the pork until browned on all sides.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the chopped green chiles, tomatillo salsa (or green enchilada sauce), cumin, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything so the flavors start to mingle.
  4. Cover the pot and reduce to a gentle simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Assembling the Burritos
  1. Warm the large flour tortillas on a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven.
  2. Spread each tortilla with a generous layer of refried beans, then add a hearty scoop of the shredded pork and sauce.
  3. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
  4. Spoon the 1/2 cup green chile sauce over the tops, and sprinkle evenly with cheese.
  5. Broil or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and gets golden.

Notes

For a time-saver, make the pork a day ahead. If the sauce is watery, remove the lid for the last 15 minutes to reduce it. For flavor variation, add chopped cilantro and lime juice to the pork.