Ultimate Wet Burritos: Hearty, Saucy, and Cheesy Delight

Introduction

Wet burritos are a beloved comfort food, combining the hearty fillings of a traditional burrito with the rich flavors of enchilada sauce and melted cheese. This recipe brings together seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and a savory sauce, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla and baked to perfection.

Why I Love This Recipe

This wet burrito recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of flavors and textures—savory beef, smooth beans, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese—creates a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized to suit various tastes.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 4.5 oz diced green chile peppers
• 16 oz refried beans

For the Sauce:

• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 10 oz enchilada sauce
• 15 oz chili without beans (e.g., Hormel)

For Assembly:

• 6 large flour tortillas (about 12 inches)
• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Additional toppings: diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños

Swaps and Notes

• Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter option.
• Beans: Use black beans or pinto beans instead of refried beans for a different texture.
• Sauce: Opt for green enchilada sauce for a milder flavor.
• Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack can replace the Mexican blend cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease two 9×13-inch baking dishes.
2. Prepare Filling:
   • In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is translucent.
   • Drain excess grease.
   • Add minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook for 1-2 minutes.
   • Stir in diced green chiles and refried beans until well combined. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare Sauce:
   • In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, enchilada sauce, and chili without beans.
   • Heat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble Burritos:
   • Divide the beef and bean mixture into six equal portions.
   • Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spoon one portion of the filling onto the center.
   • Top with a handful of shredded lettuce and a sprinkle of cheese.
   • Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up from the bottom to enclose the filling.
   • Place the burrito seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
   • Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Add Sauce and Cheese:
   • Pour the sauce evenly over the burritos in the baking dishes.
   • Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burritos are heated through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions and any additional desired toppings.
   • Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Prevent Soggy Burritos: Ensure the filling isn’t too wet to avoid soggy tortillas.
• Customize Fillings: Add cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
• Make Ahead: Assemble burritos ahead of time and refrigerate. Add sauce and cheese just before baking.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair these wet burritos with:

• This Crockpot Nacho Dip
• These Sheet Pan Quesadillas
• This Beer Cheese Dip

For beverages, consider serving with a classic margarita or a refreshing Mexican soda.

Storage & Leftover Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual burritos tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• These Easy Turkey Wings
• This Dorito Casserole

Final Thoughts

Wet burritos are a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to please a crowd. With their hearty filling, rich sauce, and melted cheese, they’re a comfort food classic. Try this recipe for your next family dinner or gathering, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Feel free to share your experience or any variations you tried. We’d love to hear from you!