Burrito Bowls

Chile Colorado Burrito Bowl

Name: Chile Colorado Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 210 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 dried ancho chiles; 2 lbs (1 kg) beef brisket or beef shank; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano; 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin; 1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt; 1/4 tsp (1 ml) black pepper; 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil; 2 cups (475 ml) beef broth; 1 cup (120 g) chopped fresh cilantro; 2 lime wedges; 1 cup (120 g) diced fresh tomatoes; 1 cup (120 g) shredded lettuce; 1 cup (120 g) diced fresh avocado

By Rhys Yarrow · June 19, 2026 · Burrito Bowls

Prep30 min

Cook180 min

Total210 min

Serves4

As a second-generation cook from a Guadalajara family in San Antonio, I grew up surrounded by the vibrant flavors and aromas of Mexican cuisine. One of my favorite dishes to cook and share with loved ones is the Chile Colorado Burrito Bowl, a hearty and flavorful meal that showcases the best of our heritage.

The key to a great Chile Colorado Burrito Bowl is in the rich, slightly smoky sauce made from dried chiles, garlic, and oregano. This sauce is the foundation of the dish, and it's what sets it apart from other burrito bowls. In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making this incredible sauce from scratch, as well as the tender beef and fresh toppings that complete the bowl.

What I love about this recipe is that it's approachable and easy to make, even for those who are new to Mexican cooking. The ingredients are readily available, and the steps are straightforward. Plus, the dish is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings and make it your own.

Whether you're a fan of spicy food or prefer milder flavors, this Chile Colorado Burrito Bowl is sure to become a favorite. The combination of tender beef, rich sauce, and fresh toppings is a match made in heaven, and it's a dish that's perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknights to special gatherings with friends and family.

In this recipe, I'll share my secrets for making the perfect Chile Colorado Burrito Bowl, from the preparation of the ingredients to the final assembly of the dish. So let's get started and dive into the world of authentic Mexican cuisine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The dish is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings and make it your own.
The combination of tender beef, rich sauce, and fresh toppings is a match made in heaven.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknights to special gatherings with friends and family.
The dish is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.
The recipe is easy to scale up or down, depending on the number of people you're serving.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to a great Chile Colorado Burrito Bowl lies in the layers of flavor that are built into the dish. First, the dried chiles are toasted to bring out their natural sweetness and depth, then they're blended with garlic, oregano, and other spices to create a rich and complex sauce. This sauce is the foundation of the dish, and it's what sets it apart from other burrito bowls.

The beef is cooked low and slow in the sauce, which allows it to absorb all the flavors and become tender and juicy. The fresh toppings add a burst of freshness and texture to the dish, and the combination of everything together is just perfect.

The key to making this dish work is to take your time and let the flavors develop. Don't rush the process, and make sure to taste and adjust as you go. With a little patience and practice, you'll be making Chile Colorado Burrito Bowls like a pro!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Chile Colorado Burrito Bowl, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including dried chiles, beef, garlic, oregano, and fresh toppings. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to take your time in preparing them. In this section, we'll go over the ingredients you'll need and some tips for selecting the best ones.

When shopping for dried chiles, look for ones that are pliable and have a deep red color. You can find them at most Mexican markets or online. For the beef, choose a cut that's suitable for slow cooking, such as brisket or beef shank. And don't forget to pick up some fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and other toppings to complete the dish.

4 dried ancho chilesAncho chiles have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and are a key ingredient in Chile Colorado sauce. Look for them at Mexican markets or online.
2 lbs (1 kg) beef brisket or beef shankChoose a cut of beef that's suitable for slow cooking, such as brisket or beef shank. This will ensure that the beef is tender and flavorful.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent flavor to the sauce and helps to balance out the sweetness of the chiles. Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
1 tsp (5 ml) dried oreganoOregano adds a earthy, herbal flavor to the sauce and helps to bring out the flavors of the chiles. Use dried oregano for the best flavor.
1 tsp (5 ml) ground cuminCumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the sauce and helps to balance out the flavors of the chiles and garlic. Use ground cumin for the best flavor.
1/2 tsp (2 ml) saltSalt helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and adds depth to the sauce. Use kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor.
1/4 tsp (1 ml) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the sauce and helps to balance out the flavors of the other ingredients. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oilVegetable oil is used to cook the beef and to make the sauce. Choose a neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or grapeseed, for the best flavor.
2 cups (475 ml) beef brothBeef broth adds moisture and flavor to the sauce and helps to cook the beef. Use low-sodium broth for the best flavor.
1 cup (120 g) chopped fresh cilantroCilantro adds a fresh, herbal flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the richness of the sauce. Use fresh cilantro for the best flavor.
2 lime wedgesLime juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the richness of the sauce. Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
1 cup (120 g) diced fresh tomatoesFresh tomatoes add a burst of freshness and flavor to the dish. Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best flavor.
1 cup (120 g) shredded lettuceLettuce adds a crunchy texture and a fresh flavor to the dish. Use crisp, fresh lettuce for the best flavor.
1 cup (120 g) diced fresh avocadoAvocado adds a creamy texture and a rich, buttery flavor to the dish. Use ripe, flavorful avocado for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Chile Colorado Burrito Bowl

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Dutch oven or heavy potSharp knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatulaInstant-read thermometerBlender or food processor

How to Make Chile Colorado Burrito Bowl

1
Start by toasting the dried ancho chiles on a dry griddle or in a dry skillet over medium heat, turning frequently, until fragrant and pliable, about 5 minutes.
2
Once the chiles are toasted, remove them from the heat and let them cool. Then, stem and seed the chiles, and tear them into small pieces.
3
In a blender or food processor, combine the toasted chile pieces, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if necessary to facilitate blending.
4
Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook, browning on all sides, until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
5
Add the blended chile mixture to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes. Then, add the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6
Return the beef to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven, where you'll cook the beef and sauce at 300°F (150°C) for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.
7
While the beef is cooking, prepare the toppings. Chop the cilantro, dice the tomatoes, shred the lettuce, and dice the avocado.
8
After the beef has cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Then, slice the beef against the grain into thin strips.
9
Strain the sauce and discard the solids. Then, add the sliced beef back to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes to coat the beef in the sauce.
10
To assemble the burrito bowls, place a portion of the beef and sauce in the bottom of a bowl. Then, add your desired toppings, such as cilantro, tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado.
11
Serve the burrito bowls immediately, with lime wedges on the side. You can also add other toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or shredded cheese, to make the dish your own.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh garlic and dried ancho chiles, for the best flavor.
Take your time when toasting the chiles, as this step is crucial for developing the flavor of the sauce.
Don't overcook the beef, as this can make it tough and dry.
Let the beef rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it, as this will help the meat to retain its juices.
Strain the sauce before serving, as this will help to remove any solids and make the sauce smooth and creamy.
Experiment with different toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or shredded cheese, to make the dish your own.
Consider making the sauce ahead of time and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freezing it for up to 2 months.
Use this recipe as a starting point and adjust the seasoning and ingredients to suit your tastes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not toasting the chiles long enough, which can result in a sauce that lacks depth and flavor.
Overcooking the beef, which can make it tough and dry.
Not straining the sauce, which can leave it thick and chunky.
Not letting the beef rest before slicing it, which can cause the meat to lose its juices.
Not using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh garlic and dried ancho chiles, which can result in a sauce that lacks flavor.
Not taking the time to develop the flavors in the sauce, which can result in a dish that tastes bland and uninteresting.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some heat to the sauce by incorporating diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.
Use different types of chiles, such as guajillo or mulato, to create a unique flavor profile.
Add some smokiness to the sauce by incorporating chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Use beef broth instead of water to add more depth and richness to the sauce.
Add some acidity to the sauce by incorporating a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Experiment with different types of protein, such as chicken or pork, to create a unique variation.
Add some freshness to the dish by incorporating chopped fresh cilantro or scallions.

What to Serve With Chile Colorado Burrito Bowl

Serve the Chile Colorado Burrito Bowls with your desired toppings, such as cilantro, tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado. You can also add other toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or shredded cheese, to make the dish your own. Consider serving the burrito bowls with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetables to make the meal more filling and satisfying.

For a fun and interactive meal, set up a burrito bar with all the fixings, including the beef and sauce, toppings, and sides. This will allow everyone to create their own unique burrito bowl and enjoy the meal at their own pace.

Mexican riceBeansRoasted vegetablesSour creamSalsaShredded cheese

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

The Chile Colorado sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze the sauce, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. To reheat the sauce, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

The beef can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze the beef, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. To reheat the beef, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat it over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

To assemble the burrito bowls, simply cook the beef and sauce, then top it with your desired toppings and serve. You can also prepare the toppings ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day, then assemble the burrito bowls just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chiles should I use for the sauce?

You can use dried ancho chiles, which have a mild, slightly sweet flavor, or other types of chiles, such as guajillo or mulato, to create a unique flavor profile.

How long does it take to cook the beef?

The beef should be cooked at 300°F (150°C) for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until it is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

What toppings should I use for the burrito bowls?

You can use a variety of toppings, such as cilantro, tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado, to create a unique and delicious burrito bowl.

Can I use different types of protein?

Yes, you can use different types of protein, such as chicken or pork, to create a unique variation of the dish.

How do I reheat the sauce and beef?

To reheat the sauce and beef, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat them over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Can I freeze the burrito bowls?

Yes, you can freeze the burrito bowls, but it's best to freeze the sauce and beef separately, then assemble the burrito bowls just before serving.

How long do the burrito bowls keep in the refrigerator?

The burrito bowls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it's best to assemble them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

The Full Recipe

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