Wet Burrito Recipe
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If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Wet Burrito Recipe is the perfect meal. A wet burrito is smothered in rich enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese, making it a fork-and-knife kind of dish. It’s a flavorful and comforting dinner that feels like something you’d get at your favorite Mexican restaurant, but it’s easy to make at home. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, these burritos are sure to become a new favorite.
Wet Burrito
Whenever I’m in the mood for comfort food, wet burritos are my go-to. They’re filled with seasoned beef, rice, beans, and cheese, then drenched in a savory enchilada sauce that gives them their signature “wet” style. The beauty of this dish is how customizable it is—you can swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or even a vegetarian filling. The homemade enchilada sauce brings everything together and makes this dish feel extra special.
This recipe is great for weeknight dinners or gatherings because you can make a large batch and let everyone customize their own burrito. And don’t forget the toppings! I love serving these with sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro for that extra layer of flavor.
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Why You’ll Love This Wet Burrito Recipe
- Rich and Saucy: These burritos are smothered in a delicious enchilada sauce that soaks into the tortilla, making every bite flavorful and juicy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These burritos freeze and reheat beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the protein or add extra veggies to suit your tastes.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: This recipe brings that authentic Mexican restaurant experience right to your kitchen.
Main Ingredients for Wet Burrito
- Ground Beef – A flavorful filling made with ground beef and taco seasoning. You can also substitute chicken or a vegetarian option like sautéed veggies or black beans.
- Rice – I use Mexican rice or Spanish rice for added flavor, but plain white rice works too.
- Refried Beans – Refried beans add creaminess to the filling, creating a delicious balance of textures.
- Enchilada Sauce – You can use store-bought or homemade enchilada sauce for that signature “wet” burrito effect.
- Shredded Cheese – A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts perfectly on top, giving you that gooey, cheesy topping.
- Flour Tortillas – Large, soft tortillas that are perfect for wrapping up all the fillings.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Wet Burrito Recipe
Here’s how to make these delicious wet burritos step by step:
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Tip: For extra flavor, you can add diced onions and garlic while browning the beef. You could also try the flavors of my Shrimp Salad with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes for a seafood twist.
- Prepare the Rice: Cook your rice according to package instructions. If you want to add extra flavor, cook it in chicken broth or stir in some salsa for a Mexican-inspired touch.
- Pro Tip: Leftover rice from another meal like Oven Roasted Sausage and Potatoes Recipe works great for a quick prep!
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in the microwave or in a dry skillet for a few seconds until they’re warm and pliable.
- Tip: Warming the tortillas prevents them from cracking when you roll them up.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay a tortilla flat and spread a layer of refried beans in the center. Add a scoop of rice, a generous amount of the seasoned beef, and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll the burrito tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Variation: Feel free to add extra toppings inside, like guacamole or salsa for added flavor, just like the layers you’d find in a Pumpkin Banana Loaf.
- Make the Enchilada Sauce: In a saucepan, heat your enchilada sauce over medium heat. If using homemade, simmer a mixture of tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and broth for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Tip: Store-bought enchilada sauce works perfectly if you’re short on time, but homemade adds that personal touch!
- Smother the Burritos: Place the rolled burritos in a baking dish, seam side down. Pour the enchilada sauce generously over the burritos, ensuring they are fully covered. Top with shredded cheese.
- Pro Tip: For a bubbly, cheesy top, place the burritos under the broiler for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Bake: Bake the burritos at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burritos are heated through.
- Serving Idea: Serve with a side of Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo Recipe or a fresh salad like Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad Recipe for a complete meal.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the burritos are baked, top with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, or chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while the burritos are warm and cheesy.
- Tip: You can also pair these with my Triple Crust Peach Cobbler Recipe for a sweet ending to your meal!
Extra Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Make these burritos vegetarian by swapping out the beef for black beans, sautéed vegetables, or even Taco Stuffed Shells Recipe flavors for something unique.
- How to Store: Store leftover burritos in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- How to Serve: Wet burritos are perfect for a cozy night in. Pair them with sides like Creamy Coconut Rum White Russian Recipe for a fun drink option or a fresh California Spaghetti Salad Recipe.
Health Benefits of Wet Burritos
While wet burritos are often considered indulgent, they can be made healthier with a few swaps. Opt for whole wheat tortillas, lean ground beef or turkey, and low-fat cheese to reduce the calories and fat content. The addition of beans and rice provides fiber and protein, making this a well-rounded meal. You can also pack in extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added vitamins and nutrients.
- High in Protein: With ground beef, beans, and cheese, these burritos provide a significant amount of protein, helping to keep you full and satisfied.
- Rich in Fiber: The refried beans and whole wheat tortillas offer a good amount of fiber, which supports healthy digestion.
- Customizable for Healthier Options: Swap in lighter ingredients like lean meats, reduced-fat cheese, and extra veggies to create a balanced, nutrient-packed meal.
Wet Burrito Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup refried beans
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: Sour cream guacamole, cilantro, jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Brown ground beef and add taco seasoning. Simmer with water for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Rice: Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas until soft and pliable.
- Assemble Burritos: Add beans, beef, rice, and cheese to tortillas. Roll tightly.
- Prepare the Sauce: Heat enchilada sauce in a saucepan until warm.
- Smother and Bake: Place burritos in a dish, pour sauce over, and top with cheese. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with sour cream, guacamole, and cilantro. Serve immediately