Wet Burritos Recipe

Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy your appetite? Look no further than Wet Burritos! These deliciously smothered burritos are a favorite in many households, combining a rich beef filling with a savory sauce and melted cheese. Originating from Mexican-American cuisine, Wet Burritos are perfect for a comforting dinner that’s easy to make and delightful to eat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beef Filling

1. Heat the skillet: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
3. Add the onions and garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Season: Add the taco seasoning and a splash of water, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
5. Add the beans and rice: Stir in the black beans and cooked rice, mixing well.

Assembling the Burritos

6. Fill the tortillas: Lay out the flour tortillas and spoon an even amount of the beef mixture onto each one.
7. Roll them up: Roll up each tortilla, folding in the sides as you go to keep the filling inside.

Making the Sauce

8. Prepare the enchilada sauce: If using canned enchilada sauce, simply heat it in a saucepan until warm. For homemade, combine tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, and a bit of water in a saucepan, bringing it to a simmer.

Baking the Burritos

9. Place in baking dish: Arrange the rolled burritos seam-side down in a large baking dish.
10. Smother with sauce: Pour the enchilada sauce over the burritos, ensuring they are fully covered.
11. Top with cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
12. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for the Perfect Wet Burritos

• Choosing the right tortillas: Use large, sturdy flour tortillas to hold all the filling without tearing.
• Ensuring a flavorful filling: Don’t skimp on the seasonings for the beef mixture; the taco seasoning adds a lot of flavors.
• Perfecting the sauce consistency: If your enchilada sauce is too thick, thin it with a bit of water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Wet Burritos are delicious with:

• Spanish rice or Mexican rice
• Refried beans or black beans
• Corn on the cob
• A cold margarita or Mexican soda

Storing and Reheating

• How to store leftovers: Place any leftover burritos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating tips: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian options: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
• Gluten-free adaptations: Use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded beef or pork.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, mix in additional cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce.

What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to add toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced olives, or pickled jalapeños.

Can I make these burritos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the burritos and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just add the sauce and cheese right before baking.

How long do they last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, Wet Burritos will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Yield: 6

Wet Burritos Recipe

Print

Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that's sure to satisfy your appetite? Look no further than Wet Burritos! These deliciously smothered burritos are a favorite in many households, combining a rich beef filling with a savory sauce and melted cheese. Originating from Mexican-American cuisine, Wet Burritos are perfect for a comforting dinner that’s easy to make and delightful to eat.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
• 2 tsp garlic minced
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 4.5 oz green chile peppers diced
• 16 oz refried beans
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 10 oz enchilada sauce
• 15 oz Hormel no-beans chili
• 6 large flour burrito tortillas approx. 12 inches each
• 2 cups lettuce shredded
• 3 cups Mexican blend cheese shredded
• Green onions chopped (for a touch of garnish)
• Optional toppings as per your preference

Instructions

• Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F.

• Meat Mixture: In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef and onions over medium-high heat. Ensure they’re evenly browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease. Next, season with garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Introduce the green chilies and refried beans, blending until thoroughly mixed. Keep this mixture warm.

• Sauce Creation: In a separate pan, mix the tomato sauce, no-bean chili, and enchilada sauce. Stir consistently on medium heat until combined and warm.

• Assembly: Split the beef-bean mix into six equal portions. Lay out a tortilla and spoon one portion of the mixture onto the center. Add a sprinkle of cheese and lettuce. (Feel free to modify with other vegetables if you prefer). Fold the tortilla sides over the filling, ensuring it’s tightly packed to avoid any spillage.

• Dish Setup: Grease two 9×13 oven-safe dishes. Place the prepared burritos, seam side down. Pour your previously prepared sauce generously over the burritos, ensuring they’re well-coated. Crown them with the remaining cheese.

• Baking: Position your burritos in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Once done, the burritos should be thoroughly heated, and the cheese perfectly melted.

• Final Touch: Embellish your burritos with additional lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and a sprinkle of dried chives. Alternatively, pick your favorite toppings.

Notes

Cooking for just two? No problem! You can freeze the leftover burritos. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw fully. To reheat, bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes until they’re piping hot.