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This hearty wet burrito recipe transforms an ordinary burrito into a fork-and-knife affair that's smothered in savory sauce and melted cheese. My family requests these burritos almost weekly for our Mexican night dinners because they're so much more satisfying than their handheld cousins.
I first made these wet burritos during a particularly hectic weeknight when I needed something filling that would please everyone. The combination of the crispy tortilla edges, saucy middle, and gooey cheese topping created such a hit that it's now in our permanent dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: creates the hearty base for these burritos choose 80/20 for best flavor
- Refried beans: add creamy texture and help bind everything together look for traditional style for authentic flavor
- Onion and garlic: provide aromatic foundation fresh is always best for maximum flavor
- Taco seasoning: infuses the filling with classic Mexican spices homemade or store bought both work well
- Flour tortillas: must be large burrito size to hold all that filling
- Cheddar cheese: creates that perfect melty topping opt for hand shredded for best melting
- Enchilada sauce: brings the signature wet burrito flavor red or green both work wonderfully
- Sour cream: adds cooling creaminess to balance the spice
- Fresh tomatoes and cilantro: brighten the rich flavors use ripe tomatoes for best results
How To Make Saucy Wet Burritos
- Prepare the filling:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, adding the onions and garlic halfway through. Cook until the beef shows no pink and the onions are translucent. Be sure to drain excess fat to prevent soggy burritos.
- Season the mixture:
- Add the refried beans, taco seasoning, and water to the beef mixture, stirring until everything is well incorporated. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. The mixture should be thick enough to spoon but not runny.
- Assemble the burritos:
- Warm your tortillas for 20 seconds in the microwave to make them pliable. Place about 1/2 cup of filling slightly off center on each tortilla, then fold the sides in and roll from the bottom up, tucking as you go to create a tight burrito.
- Create the wet burrito magic:
- Arrange the burritos seam side down in a baking dish, then pour enchilada sauce generously over the top, ensuring each burrito is well covered. Sprinkle with a generous layer of cheese that will create that irresistible golden top.
- Bake to perfection:
- Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake until the cheese is completely melted and beginning to bubble around the edges, approximately 20 minutes. The edges of the tortillas should be just slightly crisp.
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My favorite part about this recipe is the contrast between the slightly crispy tortilla edges and the saucy middle. My husband always says the moment when the fork breaks through the cheese into the sauce is what comfort food is all about. We've made countless variations over the years, but always come back to this classic version.
Make Ahead Options
Wet burritos are perfect for meal prep and planning. You can prepare the filling up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. For even quicker weeknight meals, assemble the burritos without the sauce and cheese, wrap individually in foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, place in a baking dish, add the sauce and cheese, and bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
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Customization Ideas
The beauty of wet burritos lies in their versatility. Try substituting chicken, pork, or even chorizo for the ground beef. Vegetarians can use extra beans, roasted vegetables, or plant based meat alternatives. For a breakfast version, fill the burritos with scrambled eggs, potatoes, and breakfast sausage. The enchilada sauce can be swapped for salsa verde, queso sauce, or even a combination of the two for unique flavor profiles. Feel free to add corn, bell peppers, or black beans to the filling mixture for added texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these saucy wet burritos with a fresh side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice makes an excellent accompaniment. For a complete fiesta, add guacamole, additional sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and a variety of salsas to the table, letting everyone customize their plate. A cold Mexican beer or margarita pairs wonderfully with this hearty meal for adults, while horchata makes a delicious non alcoholic option.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different protein for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for variety.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a spicy taco seasoning to the filling for an extra kick.
- → Can I prepare these burritos ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the burritos in advance, refrigerate them, and bake when ready to serve.
- → What toppings pair well with these burritos?
Top with sour cream, diced avocado, pickled jalapeños, shredded lettuce, and salsa for added flavor.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas and ensure your seasonings are gluten-free.