Get ready to fall in love with Wet Burritos – the ultimate comfort food mash-up that takes everything you adore about hearty beef burritos and then smothers them in rich, tangy enchilada sauce and loads of melty cheese. These burritos are oven-baked to bubbly perfection and topped with colorful fresh garnishes for a meal that’s as impressive to serve as it is fun to eat. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or dishing up something impressive for friends and family, these wet burritos always feel like a celebration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Wet Burritos at home is a breeze thanks to a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients. Each item plays a starring role, building layers of spice, creaminess, and comforting texture. Here’s the breakdown of what brings these burritos to life:
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness while ensuring the beef turns golden brown as it cooks.
- Ground beef: Classic, juicy protein that makes the heart of every bite irresistibly savory.
- Onion: Fresh diced onion delivers a mild sweetness and soft texture that rounds out the filling.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced, for that unmistakable pop of garlicky aroma and bite.
- Ground cumin: Grounds the filling with earthy, warm spice notes so signature in Mexican-American dishes.
- Chili powder: Brings gentle heat and a deep red color that makes the filling extra appetizing.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and extra depth—don’t skip it!
- Salt: Essential for drawing out all the natural flavors in the meat and beans.
- Black pepper: Just enough to balance out the spice aromatics.
- Refried beans: Delivers creamy texture and makes the burrito filling hearty and cohesive.
- Tomato sauce: Adds tang and moisture to keep the burrito filling from drying out.
- Large flour tortillas: Burrito-size tortillas are the canvases for all your delicious fillings—make sure they’re soft and pliable!
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection both inside and on top; sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch.
- Red enchilada sauce: The essential “wet” part—pour it over the assembled burritos for max saucy goodness!
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Sprinkled on top, this herb adds a bright, citrusy lift.
- Sour cream: Creamy, cool, and just the right tang to balance all the warm spices.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds juiciness, vibrant color, and a pop of fresh flavor to finish everything off.
- Sliced green onions: Extra crunch and a gentle onion bite make these the perfect final touch.
How to Make Wet Burritos
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your ground beef and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. This step builds the rich, savory base of your Wet Burritos, so let the beef develop some delicious caramelization for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Soften the Onion & Add Aromatics
Once the beef is nicely browned, stir in the diced onion. Cook it for another 2 to 3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, releasing its sweetness into the meat. Add minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let these spices toast with the beef for 1 minute. This brings out all their fragrance and infuses every bite with layered, mouthwatering flavor.
Step 3: Mix in Refried Beans & Tomato Sauce
Reduce your heat to low and scoop in the refried beans along with the tomato sauce. Mix everything until it’s warm, creamy, and totally combined—a dreamy filling that holds together inside your tortillas, creating that indulgent, classic burrito texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
While your oven is preheating to 375°F, warm the tortillas for a few seconds to make them flexible and easy to roll. Lay each tortilla flat and spoon a portion of the beef and bean mixture into the center. Sprinkle a little cheddar cheese on top, then fold in the sides and roll each tortilla up tightly. Place your burritos seam-side down in a baking dish so they stay snug through baking.
Step 5: Smother & Bake
Now for the signature Wet Burritos move: Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly across the burritos, making sure every bit is covered. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese, then pop the baking dish into the oven uncovered. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, gooey, and lightly golden and the sauce is bubbling at the edges.
Step 6: Add Garnishes & Serve
Once out of the oven, shower your Wet Burritos with fresh cilantro, spoonfuls of sour cream, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of green onions. Each garnish adds contrast and fresh flavor, turning these burritos from simple to absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Wet Burritos
Garnishes
Amp up both flavor and presentation by loading your Wet Burritos with toppings like creamy sour cream, chopped cilantro, juicy diced tomatoes, and plenty of sliced green onions. Each element brings a burst of freshness and color that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy filling and zesty enchilada sauce on top.
Side Dishes
To make your meal feel like a true celebration, serve Wet Burritos alongside classic sides such as fluffy Mexican rice, charro beans, crunchy tortilla chips with salsa, or even a bright corn and avocado salad. These additions round out the meal and highlight the bold flavors of the burritos.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, serve each Wet Burrito in an individual gratin dish for a restaurant-style vibe, or slice them in half on a diagonal and stack them high on a platter for sharing. For parties, try making mini versions using small tortillas and arrange them buffet-style with a topping bar so everyone can customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Wet Burritos keep beautifully! Simply transfer cooled burritos to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the texture at its best, store garnishes separately and add them after reheating.
Freezing
Wet Burritos are ideal for freezing if you want to prep ahead. Assemble the burritos and pour on the sauce but hold off on the cheese and garnishes. Wrap each burrito tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen like this for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the best results, thaw frozen burritos overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a baking dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 20 minutes. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese and broil uncovered in the last couple of minutes for that bubbly, golden finish. Garnish right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein for Wet Burritos?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken work wonderfully as swaps for the ground beef. You can even try plant-based crumbles or sautéed vegetables for a meatless take—just be sure to season everything well for maximum flavor.
How do I make my burritos spicier?
If you like extra heat, use a hot enchilada sauce or add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat filling. You can also toss a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce into the tomato sauce before mixing it in.
What’s the best way to keep tortillas from cracking while rolling?
Gently warming the tortillas in the microwave, oven, or on a dry skillet for a few seconds makes them more flexible and less likely to tear. If your tortillas are still stiff, cover them in a clean towel to steam for a minute before assembling the burritos.
Can I assemble Wet Burritos ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the burritos and keep them unbaked in the dish, covered, in the fridge up to a full day in advance. Add the sauce and cheese just before popping them in the oven for the freshest flavor and texture.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Certainly! Use large gluten-free tortillas instead of wheat-based ones. Double-check all packaged sauces and beans for gluten content, as some brands may use fillers or thickeners.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Wet Burritos enough—they’re everything cheesy, saucy, and soul-satisfying about comfort food, all in one gorgeous dish. Gather your favorite people and dig in; I promise, this recipe is one you’ll crave again and again!
Print
Wet Burritos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These delicious wet burritos are loaded with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and gooey cheese, all smothered in enchilada sauce and baked to perfection. Top with your favorite garnishes for a satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- sour cream, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook beef until browned. Add onion, garlic, spices, then mix in beans and tomato sauce.
- Assemble the Burritos: Warm tortillas, fill with beef mixture and cheese, roll into burritos. Place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Bake: Pour enchilada sauce over burritos, top with cheese, bake until bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, tomatoes, and green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Add cooked rice or sautéed bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
- For a spicier version, use hot enchilada sauce or add diced jalapeños to the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
