The moment you pull these Wet Burritos from the oven, your kitchen will be filled with a breathtaking aroma that promises comfort and satisfaction. Picture a warm tortilla hugging a savory filling of seasoned ground beef and creamy refried beans, all drenched in a luscious sauce that gleams invitingly. As I took my first bite, the gooey melted cheese, fresh lettuce, and zesty green onions danced on my palate, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds—or even thirds!
This dish is not just about flavor; it’s your secret weapon for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family. In mere minutes, you can whip up a filling meal that looks as impressive as it tastes, leaving everyone asking for your recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to break free from the fast-food routine, these Wet Burritos are your next culinary adventure. Get ready to be amazed by how easy and satisfying they are to prepare!
Why are Wet Burritos a must-try?
Irresistible Comfort: The combination of soft tortillas and a savory filling creates a warm hug on a plate that everyone will love.
Flavor Explosion: Each bite is a delightful blend of seasoned beef, creamy beans, and tangy sauce, making it a flavor-packed experience.
Quick and Easy: Perfect for those busy weeknights, these burritos come together in just a few simple steps.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will flock to this dish, making it a surefire hit at the dinner table.
Versatile Delight: Customize with your favorite toppings or swap the meat for a vegetarian option to suit every palate.
Wet Burrito Ingredients
For the Filling
- Ground Beef – Main protein providing flavor and heartiness; substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Chopped Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the beef mixture, enhancing the overall taste.
- Minced Garlic – Enhances the overall flavor profile, giving the filling a delicious aroma.
- Cumin – Gives a warm, earthy note; integral to the Tex-Mex experience.
- Salt – Essential for seasoning the beef, ensuring every bite is well-balanced.
- Pepper – Adds a subtle kick that enhances the dish without overpowering it.
- Diced Green Chile Peppers – Introduces a mild heat and flavor complexity, perfect in Wet Burritos.
- Refried Beans – Adds creaminess and volume to the filling for extra satisfaction.
For the Sauce
- Tomato Sauce – A base for the sauce, providing acidity and moisture to the dish.
- Enchilada Sauce – Enhances the flavor and adds richness, perfectly complementing the filling.
- Chili No-Beans – Adds heartiness and depth of flavor with a meaty consistency.
For Assembly & Toppings
- Flour Burrito Tortillas – Encases the filling; about 12 inches in diameter for a generous meal.
- Shredded Lettuce – Provides freshness and crunch; can be excluded if preferred.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese – Melts beautifully and enriches the dish, creating that gooey texture everyone loves.
- Chopped Green Onions – For garnish, adding a fresh element and vibrant color.
- Additional Toppings – Optional items like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for customization and added flair.
How to Make Wet Burritos
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Preheat your oven to 400°F. This important step ensures your burritos bake evenly and develop that delicious, golden-brown finish.
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Cook beef: In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef along with 1 chopped onion over medium heat. Drain excess grease, then season with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir in 1 can of diced green chiles and 1 can of refried beans, keeping the mixture warm.
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Prepare sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 can of chili no-beans, and 1 can of enchilada sauce. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until well combined and heated through.
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Assemble burritos: Lay out a 12-inch flour tortilla and portion about 1 cup of the beef mixture onto it. Top with shredded lettuce and ½ cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese, then fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll it up tightly.
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Bake: Arrange the assembled burritos in greased baking dishes. Pour the sauce generously over the top and sprinkle with additional cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish & serve: Remove from the oven, and add extra lettuce and chopped green onions on top for freshness. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
Optional: Drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Wet Burritos
• Quality Meat Matters: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a healthier option. Higher quality meat enhances the flavor without added grease.
• Seal It Right: Ensure tortillas are tightly wrapped around the filling to prevent any delicious fillings from leaking during baking.
• Warm Tortillas: Lightly warm your tortillas before assembly to make them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
• Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap in black beans or corn for added texture; just make sure your refried beans are creamy for optimal wet burritos.
• Cool Before Serving: Let the burritos sit for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly, making them easier to slice and enjoy.
What to Serve with Wet Burritos?
These hearty, flavorful burritos shine in the center of any meal, inviting a delightful array of side dishes to create a memorable dining experience.
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Tortilla Chips with Salsa: Crisp chips and zesty salsa provide a satisfying crunch and a fresh kick that’s perfect for dipping alongside your burritos.
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Mexican Street Corn Salad: This dish offers a sweet and tangy balance, with flavors of lime and cotija, complementing the richness of the burritos.
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Guacamole: Creamy and smooth, guacamole adds a cool contrast to the warm, savory burritos, creating a wonderful flavor harmony.
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Refried Beans: A classic pairing, these beans echo the filling and enhance the Tex-Mex vibe while adding extra creaminess to your plate.
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Spanish Rice: Fluffy, seasoned rice adds a subtle spice and rounds out the meal, making it more filling and satisfying.
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Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette brings freshness and balances the richness of the wet burritos beautifully.
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Margaritas: For those looking to elevate the dining experience, a refreshing margarita resonates perfectly with the flavors in wet burritos.
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Chocolate Flan: For dessert, this silky, rich flan provides a sweet end to the meal, with the hint of chocolate elevating it into a treat.
Serve any of these sides, and watch as your family and friends indulge in a feast that celebrates the bold flavors of your Wet Burritos!
Make Ahead Options
These Wet Burritos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the burritos and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. To do this, prepare your filling and sauce, then roll them into tortillas, sealing them tightly. Place the rolled burritos in a greased baking dish and cover them with plastic wrap to keep them moist and prevent browning. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove the wrap and pour the sauce over the top, adding cheese before baking in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. This method ensures you still get that delightful, fresh taste while saving you precious time on busy weeknights!
Wet Burrito Variations
Invite your inner chef to explore delightful twists on these beloved burritos, perfect for every palate and occasion!
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version without sacrificing flavor and texture.
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with a mix of black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian option that packs a punch.
- Spicy Kick: Add pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for a fiery experience that spice lovers adore.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of taco seasoning to add a fresh and vibrant herbal flavor to the filling.
- Flavor Boost: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or zucchini into the beef mixture for an earthy twist and extra veggies.
- Crunchy Topping: Top with crushed tortilla chips or crispy fried onions before serving for added texture and flavor complexity.
- Sauce Variation: Swap regular enchilada sauce with green sauce or mole for a unique and flavorful sauce experience.
- Breakfast Burrito: Use scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage in place of beef, perfect for a family-friendly brunch option!
How to Store and Freeze Wet Burritos
Fridge: Store leftover Wet Burritos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best texture.
Freezer: Wrap individual burritos tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake until heated.
Reheating: For best results, reheat frozen Wet Burritos in a 375°F oven, covered with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover to crisp the tortilla for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble Wet Burritos ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
Wet Burritos Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my ingredients are ripe or suitable for Wet Burritos?
Absolutely! When choosing onions, look for firm bulbs without any soft spots or dark patches. For ground beef, opt for a bright red color; the fresher it is, the better your burritos will taste! If you’re using green chiles, choose ones that are vibrant in color and free from wrinkles.
What is the best way to store leftover Wet Burritos?
Absolutely! Store leftover Wet Burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps maintain that delicious texture we all love.
Can I freeze Wet Burritos for later?
Very! To freeze, wrap individual burritos tightly in plastic wrap, and then wrap them in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking at 375°F until they’re heated through, which typically takes about 25-30 minutes.
What if my burritos leak while baking?
The more the merrier! To prevent leaking, make sure to wrap your tortillas tightly around the filling. If a burrito does leak, don’t worry; you can catch the tasty sauce that escapes in the pan below and use it as an extra topping.
Are Wet Burritos safe for people with certain dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! For those with allergies to gluten, simply swap out the flour tortillas for gluten-free ones. If you’re preparing them for kids, you might consider leaving out the green chiles or opting for a milder option. For a vegetarian version, a mix of black beans and corn works beautifully! Just keep an eye on ingredient labels if you’re catering to specific allergies.
Family-Friendly Wet Burritos: Quick and Flavor-Packed Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef along with 1 chopped onion over medium heat. Drain excess grease, then season with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Stir in 1 can of diced green chiles and 1 can of refried beans, keeping the mixture warm.
- In a separate saucepan, combine 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 can of chili no-beans, and 1 can of enchilada sauce. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until well combined and heated through.
- Lay out a 12-inch flour tortilla and portion about 1 cup of the beef mixture onto it. Top with shredded lettuce and ½ cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese, then fold the sides of the tortilla inward and roll it up tightly.
- Arrange the assembled burritos in greased baking dishes. Pour the sauce generously over the top and sprinkle with additional cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, and add extra lettuce and chopped green onions on top for freshness. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole.