These chili cheese burritos are the perfect combination of hearty, spicy chili and gooey melted cheese, wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. With options for different IDDSI levels, this recipe brings the flavors of a classic burrito to everyone’s table. Whether you’re making this as a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, these burritos are satisfying, flavorful, and adaptable for texture-modified diets.

Same Recipe, Your Texture

Pureed (IDDSI Level 4)

IDDSI Level 7 Easy to Chew Chili Cheese Burrito recipe for dysphagia safe dining

IDDSI Level 4 Pureed Chili Cheese Burritos Recipe

A smooth, cohesive puree of spiced beef, beans, cheese, and tortilla blended into one creamy, savory bite. This Level 4 version passes IDDSI spoon-tilt and fork-drip testing, offering the full chili-cheese flavor in a spoonable texture that’s safe and satisfying.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Chili Filling
  • 1 lb Ground beef or turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 can 15oz kidney beans or pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup Beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp Chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 1 tbsp Butter
  • 1 tbsp Flour
Burritos
  • 4 lg Flour tortillas

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Microwave or steamer
  • Food processor/blender

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly. Allow to cool and blend.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. Add the shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Adjust the sauce with additional milk if needed to achieve a creamy, spoonable consistency.
  3. Blend the tortillas with broth or water to puree, spread into a large round on the plate. Spoon a generous potion of chili puree, followed by a drizzle of cheese sauce.

SLP Notes

Testing Method: This recipe should pass the spoon tilt and fork drip tests defined by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI). The puree should sit in a mound on a spoon, sliding off in one bite when tilted/ lightly flicked, with no thin liquid separating. The puree should sit on top of a fork and should not drip through the fork tines (small “tail” is ok).
Adjusting Consistency: If the mixture is too thick, add small amounts of liquid (broth, sauce, milk, or water) one teaspoon at a time. If too thin, add a thickening ingredient such as instant potato flakes, pureed vegetables, or thickener as clinically appropriate.
Temperature Caution: The viscosity of purees changes with temperature. Always test after reheating or chilling, as thinner or thicker consistencies may alter the IDDSI level.
 
Storage & Reheating: Refrigerate promptly and reheat gently, stirring between intervals. Always retest consistency before serving.

Easy to Chew (IDDSI Level 7)

IDDSI Level 7 Easy to Chew Chili Cheese Burrito recipe for dysphagia safe dining

IDDSI Level 7 Easy to Chew Chili Cheese Burritos Recipe

Chili cheese burritos are comforting, hearty, and full of flavor. The savory chili paired with a creamy cheese sauce creates a balanced, satisfying bite in every mouthful. With IDDSI adjustments, this dish can be enjoyed safely by everyone, from pureed levels to soft, chewable bites. The flavors and textures of a classic burrito are captured in a safe, adapted way, making this a versatile, crowd-pleasing meal for all.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Chili Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 can 15 oz kidney beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk or more if needed for IDDSI adjustments
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon flour
Burritos
  • 4 large flour tortillas pregelled if needed for Levels 5 and 6
  • Optional toppings: sour cream salsa, finely chopped green onions

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups/spoons
  • Microwave or steamer (for warming tortillas)
  • Optional: immersion blender (for smoother chili)

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the beans, crushed tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  2. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly. If needed, add more broth to reach a suitable consistency for texture modification.
  3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. Add the shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Adjust the sauce with additional milk if needed to achieve a creamy, pourable consistency.
  4. Warm the flour tortillas until soft. Spoon a generous amount of chili filling onto each tortilla, followed by a drizzle of cheese sauce. Roll up each tortilla, tucking in the sides to form a burrito.

SLP Notes

Testing Method: Foods should pass the fork pressure test and be easily broken apart with the side of a fork.
Texture Goal: Normal-appearing foods that are soft, tender, and moist. No tough skins, sharp crusts, or sticky textures.
Bite Size Guidance: Serve in small, manageable pieces; individuals should not need excessive biting or prolonged chewing.
Moisture Retention: Light sauces or dressings keep foods comfortable to chew and swallow without dryness.
 

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