Wet burritos are a beloved comfort food, known for their hearty fillings, rich sauces, and cheesy toppings. They bring together the best elements of traditional Mexican cuisine in a single, indulgent dish. The name “wet” comes from the generous amount of sauce that smothers the burrito, giving it a flavorful and moist texture that sets it apart from its dry counterpart.
I remember my first experience with wet burritos at a small family-run Mexican restaurant. The dish arrived at the table steaming hot, drenched in a savory sauce and topped with a thick layer of melted cheese. With each bite, the combination of seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, and the slightly spicy sauce was pure bliss. It quickly became one of my favorite meals, and I knew I had to recreate it at home.
This recipe is perfect for those nights when you crave something comforting and filling. It’s also a fantastic dish to serve when entertaining guests, as it’s sure to impress with its rich flavors and inviting presentation. Plus, the flexibility in ingredients allows you to tailor the burritos to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
4.5 oz diced green chile peppers
16 oz refried beans
8 oz tomato sauce
10 oz enchilada sauce
15 oz chili no-beans (Hormel)
6 flour burrito tortillas (about 12 inches)
2 cups shredded lettuce
3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Chopped green onions (for garnish)
Any additional desired toppings
Instructions
Preheat and Prep:
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the oven is hot and ready to melt the cheese and heat the burritos through evenly.
Prepare the Filling:
Cook the Ground Beef and Onions:
In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook and stir until the beef is evenly browned and the onion begins to soften. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the filling from becoming too oily.
Season and Combine:
Season the beef and onion mixture with 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Stir well to combine.
Add the diced green chile peppers and refried beans to the skillet. Stir until the mixture is well blended and heated through. Turn off the heat, but keep the mixture warm.
Prepare the Sauce:
Mix the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine 8 ounces of tomato sauce, 15 ounces of no-bean chili, and 10 ounces of enchilada sauce. Whisk together until the sauces are well mixed and smooth.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook until the sauce is heated through, stirring occasionally. Once hot, turn off the heat and keep the sauce warm.
Assemble the Burritos:
Divide the Filling:
Divide the beef and bean mixture into 6 equal portions directly in the skillet to ensure even distribution among the burritos.
Fill the Tortillas:
Lay a burrito-sized tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place one portion of the beef and bean mixture into the center of the tortilla.
Top the filling with a little shredded Mexican blend cheese and a handful of shredded lettuce. If you prefer the lettuce fresh, you can leave it out and add it after baking. You can also add or substitute other vegetables like diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or jalapeños.
Fold the Burritos:
Fold in the left and right sides of the tortilla over the filling, holding them in place with your fingers.
Then fold in the top and bottom sides of the tortilla over the filling, creating an envelope shape. Ensure the sides overlap well to prevent the filling from escaping.
Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Bake the Burritos:
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease two 9 x 13-inch baking dishes to prevent the burritos from sticking.
Place the burritos seam-side down in the prepared baking dishes, arranging them in a single layer.
Add the Sauce and Cheese:
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the burritos in both dishes, ensuring they are well covered.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top of the sauced burritos.
Bake:
Place the baking dishes in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the burritos are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dishes from the oven and let the burritos cool for a few minutes.
Top with additional shredded lettuce, chopped green onions, and any other desired toppings such as sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of dried chives.
Conclusion
These Wet Burritos are a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making them a hit at any meal. The combination of the savory beef and bean filling, the rich and slightly spicy sauce, and the melted cheese creates a dish that’s comforting and satisfying. The versatility of the recipe allows for plenty of customization, whether you want to add more veggies, spice it up, or even make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based alternative.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even a weeknight meal when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The ease of preparation, especially with the help of a slow cooker for the sauce, ensures that you can enjoy a home-cooked meal with minimal fuss.
So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of these Wet Burritos, and make mealtime special!
