Skyline Chili's Chili Burrito features tender ground beef chili smothered over a warm flour tortilla, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and onions, delivering a hearty and flavorful fusion of Tex-Mex and Cincinnati-style chili.
Equipments
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Grater (for cheese)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Ladle or large spoon
- Serving plates
- Aluminum foil (optional, for warming tortillas)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (for topping)
Ground beef is the foundation of Skyline Chili's Chili Burrito, so choosing fresh, lean meat can enhance the dish's overall flavor and texture. The blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, creates a unique chili profile, so measuring them accurately is essential for balanced taste. Using unsweetened cocoa powder adds a subtle richness without sweetness, complementing the savory ingredients perfectly. Fresh onions for both cooking and topping provide a crisp bite that contrasts with the tender chili and melted cheddar cheese. Your Skyline Chili Chili Burrito copycat will deliver a hearty, Tex-Mex-inspired meal featuring tender chili over warm flour tortillas topped with sharp cheddar and onions.
Instructions
- Dice 1 medium onion using a chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Grate cheddar cheese with grater; set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced onion (reserve some for topping) to skillet and sauté until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and cocoa powder. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
- Bring to a simmer; reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Warm flour tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and heat in oven until pliable.
- Place a warm tortilla on a serving plate. Ladle generous amount of chili over center of tortilla.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped onion.
- Fold or roll tortilla as desired; serve immediately.
Substitution
Skyline Chili's Chili Burrito combines ground beef chili seasoned with a unique blend of spices, including cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and cocoa powder, layered inside a warm flour tortilla, topped with cheddar cheese and fresh onions for a bold, comforting meal. You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for ground beef to create a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version without compromising the rich chili flavor. If flour tortillas aren't available, corn tortillas or even taco shells can be used, though this will slightly change the texture and taste experience. Shredded Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend can replace cheddar to add a different cheesy note while maintaining a gooey texture. When reheating, wrap the burrito in aluminum foil to keep it moist and warm evenly without drying out the chili filling.
Tips
When cooking the ground beef, make sure to break it apart thoroughly with your wooden spoon to ensure even browning and prevent clumps. Avoid over-simming the chili mixture; 15-20 minutes is enough for maximum flavor without reducing it to dryness. Warm your flour tortillas just enough to make them pliable, preventing cracks when folding or rolling. Remember to reserve some diced onion for topping, adding freshness and crunch to your final dish.
Nutritions
Skyline Chili's Chili Burrito provides a rich source of protein from 1 lb of ground beef, essential for muscle repair and energy. The combination of spices like chili powder, cumin, and cocoa powder offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, enhancing your meal's nutritional profile. Flour tortillas supply carbohydrates for sustained energy, while shredded cheddar cheese adds calcium for bone health. Including fresh onions not only adds flavor but also contributes vitamins and fiber to support digestion.
Storage
Store any leftover Skyline Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its rich flavor and tenderness. Separate the chili, tortillas, and cheese to preserve texture and avoid sogginess. When reheating, warm the chili gently on the stovetop and heat tortillas wrapped in foil to restore softness before assembling your burrito again.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to create a lighter version of Skyline Chili's Chili Burrito while retaining rich flavor. Adding a splash of strong brewed coffee to the chili mix deepens the savory profile and enhances the spices. For a smoky twist, incorporate chipotle chili powder in place of regular chili powder during seasoning. Consider briefly grilling the filled burritos after assembling to melt the cheese and add a slight char to the tortillas for extra texture.
Allergies
Skyline Chili's Chili Burrito contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and gluten from the flour tortillas, which could pose risks for those with lactose intolerance or gluten sensitivity. The ground beef and spices like chili powder and Worcestershire sauce may also trigger reactions in individuals with specific protein or spice allergies. Always check ingredient labels carefully to ensure this dish aligns with Your dietary restrictions and allergy concerns.
Why this recipe?
Skyline Chili's Chili Burrito features a unique blend of their signature Cincinnati-style chili, tender ground beef, and melted cheddar cheese wrapped in a warm flour tortilla, delivering a rich and savory flavor experience. The combination of sweet and spicy chili sauce with shredded cheese creates a satisfying contrast that appeals to a wide range of palates. You can recreate this beloved dish at home to enjoy the authentic taste and customize ingredients to suit your preference. Making a copycat version allows you to savor the iconic Skyline flavor with fresh, homemade quality.