A wet burrito is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings together all of your favorite Mexican ingredients in a convenient, handheld form—only to be topped with a rich, savory sauce. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy the combination of bold, spiced flavors and a gooey, comforting texture. Often made with a filling of seasoned beef, beans, and cheese, wet burritos take on a whole new level when drenched in a zesty red or green enchilada sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. Ideal for a family dinner, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, wet burritos are an easy yet satisfying meal that is guaranteed to please.
What makes these burritos extra special is the versatility of ingredients that can be used to suit any preference. Whether you’re a fan of ground beef, chicken, or even a vegetarian version, the possibilities are endless. As a bonus, this dish can be made ahead of time, making it a perfect weeknight meal when time is short. It also allows for plenty of customization to cater to everyone’s tastes, and once served, it’s the perfect fusion of flavors that will leave everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Convenient and Hearty
Wet burritos are a perfect, all-in-one meal that requires minimal prep and cleanup. Packed with protein, veggies, and cheese, they’re a complete meal in one.
2. Customizable to Taste
You can tailor the filling and sauce to your preference, whether you’re craving a meaty version, something vegetarian, or adding a bit of extra spice.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep
Wet burritos are a great option for meal prepping. Make a batch ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze, and just bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
4. Family-Friendly
Kids and adults alike will love this dish! The combination of gooey cheese, seasoned meat, and tangy sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser for any age group.
5. Packed with Flavor
Between the hearty fillings and the rich, flavorful sauce, wet burritos are an explosion of taste with each bite.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas
- Ground beef or chicken (or vegetarian protein)
- Refried beans
- Rice
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Enchilada sauce (red or green)
- Onions, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Bell peppers, chopped
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Variations
- Vegetarian Wet Burritos: Replace the meat with black beans, pinto beans, or a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version.
- Chicken Wet Burritos: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for a lighter option.
- Spicy Wet Burritos: Add chopped jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce for an extra kick.
- Breakfast Wet Burritos: For a morning twist, add scrambled eggs to the filling along with breakfast sausage or bacon.
- Loaded Wet Burritos: Add extra toppings like guacamole, salsa, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for a rich, creamy finish.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by cooking your protein choice (ground beef, chicken, or vegetarian protein) in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender. Stir in spices like cumin, chili powder, and salt to taste. If using rice, cook it separately and add it to the filling mixture.
Step 2: Warm the Tortillas
In a separate skillet or microwave, warm the flour tortillas for a few seconds until soft and pliable. This step makes them easier to roll.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
Spread a thin layer of refried beans on each tortilla, followed by the protein and vegetable mixture. Top with shredded cheese. Carefully roll the tortilla to enclose the filling.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce
Place the rolled burritos in a baking dish. Pour the enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring each burrito is fully covered.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the burritos for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top the baked burritos with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the burritos to prevent them from tearing or becoming too difficult to wrap.
- Use a Nonstick Baking Dish: To avoid sticking, use a nonstick baking dish or lightly grease your dish before adding the burritos.
- Make it Spicy: Add extra heat with spicy salsa, chopped jalapeños, or even hot sauce for a kick of spice.
- Cheese Choice: Use a combination of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for the best melting consistency and flavor.
- Keep Tortillas Warm: Warm tortillas are easier to roll without breaking. Consider wrapping them in foil to keep them warm as you prepare the other ingredients.
How to Serve
Wet burritos are best served with sides like Mexican rice, fresh guacamole, or a crisp, tangy salad. For extra flavor, serve with salsa or a side of sour cream for dipping. To really elevate the meal, pair with a cold beverage like iced tea or a refreshing margarita.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let the burritos cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Wet burritos freeze well! Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen (just add a few extra minutes to the baking time).
Reheating
To reheat, place the burritos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual burritos for 1-2 minutes, though the texture may not be as crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but keep in mind they may be more fragile and break easily.
2. Can I make wet burritos vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can use beans, vegetables, or plant-based proteins as the filling for a delicious vegetarian version.
3. How do I make the burritos less soggy?
To prevent sogginess, be sure to drain any excess liquid from your filling, and use a thick enchilada sauce.
4. Can I prepare wet burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the burritos and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
5. What’s the best sauce to use for wet burritos?
Both red and green enchilada sauces work great for wet burritos. Choose the one that best suits your taste—red for a richer, spicier flavor or green for a tangier kick.
6. How can I make the burritos spicier?
Add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or use a spicy enchilada sauce. You can also toss in some chopped jalapeños or other hot peppers into the filling.
7. Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
Yes, store-bought enchilada sauce works well. You can also make your own for a more customized flavor.
8. Are wet burritos gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortillas and ensure your enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
9. Can I add guacamole on top?
Yes! Guacamole is a delicious addition that complements the burritos with a creamy, cool contrast to the spicy sauce.
10. How long do wet burritos last in the fridge?
Wet burritos can last up to 3 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Wet burritos are a satisfying and customizable dish that is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. With endless variations and a rich, comforting flavor profile, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home. Whether you prefer a meaty, vegetarian, or spicy version, wet burritos offer the perfect combination of bold flavors and gooey cheese in every bite. Try making them ahead of time for a quick and easy meal, or enjoy them fresh out of the oven. No matter how you serve them, they’re sure to be a hit!
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Wet Burritos
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (1 burrito per serving) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Wet Burritos are a delicious, hearty meal that combines all your favorite burrito ingredients, then smothered in a savory, flavorful sauce and baked to perfection. This Mexican-inspired dish features tender beef, chicken, or beans wrapped in a soft tortilla, covered in enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner, these wet burritos are sure to satisfy your cravings for bold, cheesy, saucy goodness!
Ingredients
For the Burrito Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or chicken, or beans for a vegetarian version)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 6 large flour tortillas
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (optional for added heat)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef (or chicken) and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.Stir in the taco seasoning and water, and cook for another 5 minutes. If you’re using beans instead of meat, simply heat the beans and add the taco seasoning.
- Prepare the sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the enchilada sauce, salsa, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. - Assemble the burritos:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay a flour tortilla flat on a plate or clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of the cooked filling (meat, beans, rice, and cheese) into the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortilla, folding in the sides as you go, to form a burrito. - Bake the burritos:
Spread a small amount of the sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the assembled burritos seam side down into the dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the burritos and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
Once out of the oven, top the wet burritos with sour cream and fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or even a vegetarian filling like black beans for a healthier alternative.
- For extra flavor, try adding diced jalapeños or green chilies to the filling.
- Make sure the burritos are tightly rolled to keep all the filling inside while baking.
- These burritos can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Simply cover with foil and bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Mexican
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican