Ultimate Guide to Making Wet Burritos: The Perfect Recipe for a Delicious Meal

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying and indulgent as wet burritos. This classic Mexican-American dish combines flavorful beef, beans, cheese, and a savory sauce all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. The dish is then topped with a rich and savory sauce, making it incredibly hearty and filling. Whether you’re preparing a meal for family or hosting a gathering with friends, wet burritos are sure to impress. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to make the perfect wet burritos, complete with a rich, flavorful filling and a tangy sauce. This recipe ensures that every bite is an explosion of flavor, perfect for any occasion.

What Are Wet Burritos?

Wet burritos are essentially large burritos smothered in a sauce that is often made with tomato, enchilada sauce, and green chiles. The name “wet” comes from the fact that the burrito is drenched in a sauce, unlike the traditional dry burrito. Wet burritos are perfect for anyone who enjoys their burritos with a little extra kick and a whole lot of sauce. The combination of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and other fresh ingredients wrapped in a soft tortilla makes for a satisfying meal, while the sauce adds a unique twist that is sure to make your taste buds tingle.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Wet Burritos

To make the most delicious and flavorful wet burritos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ground Beef and Aromatics

• 1 lb ground beef: Ground beef is the foundation of your filling, providing a rich, savory base. You can use ground turkey or chicken as alternatives, but beef remains the most popular option for its flavor.
• 1/2 cup chopped onion: Onions bring sweetness and depth to the beef, making it the perfect complement to the savory spices in the recipe.
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Garlic adds an aromatic kick to the beef mixture, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your wet burritos.

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon cumin: Cumin is a classic spice used in Mexican cooking. It gives the beef a warm, earthy flavor that’s essential in this dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper: Salt and pepper help to balance the flavors and enhance the savory notes of the ground beef and seasonings.

Veggies and Beans

• 4.5 oz diced green peppers: Green peppers add a mild crunch and a slight sweetness that complements the richness of the beef and sauce.
• 16 oz refried beans: Refried beans are a crucial ingredient in wet burritos, providing a creamy texture and additional depth of flavor.

Sauces

• 8 oz tomato sauce: Tomato sauce provides a rich base for the sauce, giving it a smooth and tangy flavor that coats the burritos perfectly.
• 10 oz enchilada sauce: The enchilada sauce adds a zesty and spicy layer to the dish, creating the “wet” element of the burrito.
• 15 oz Hormel Beanless Chili: The addition of chili without beans provides a robust, hearty flavor that makes your wet burritos more filling and flavorful.

Burrito Wraps and Toppings

• 6 flour burrito tortillas (approximately 12 inches): Flour tortillas are large and soft, perfect for wrapping all the delicious fillings. You can also opt for whole wheat tortillas for a healthier option.
• 2 cups shredded lettuce: Fresh, crisp lettuce adds a nice crunch and lightness to balance out the richness of the beef and beans.
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese: A blend of shredded Mexican cheese, including Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and others, creates a gooey and melty topping that binds the burrito together.
• Minced green onions: Green onions make for a fresh, zesty garnish that enhances the presentation and flavor of your wet burritos.

Optional Toppings

Feel free to customize your wet burritos with additional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapeños, or cilantro to suit your personal preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Wet Burritos

Preheat Your Oven

Before you begin assembling your wet burritos, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. This high temperature ensures the burritos cook evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.

Prepare the Beef and Bean Mixture

1. Brown the Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Stir occasionally and cook until the beef is browned, and the onion becomes translucent. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to break up the beef with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
2. Drain the Grease: Once the beef is cooked through, drain any excess grease to avoid greasy burritos. You want the filling to be flavorful but not too oily.
3. Season the Beef: Add the minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir to combine and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the seasonings to infuse into the beef.
4. Add Green Chiles and Refried Beans: Stir in the diced green peppers and refried beans, mixing them thoroughly. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined. Once done, turn off the heat but keep the mixture warm.

Make the Sauce

1. Combine the Sauces: In a separate skillet, mix the tomato sauce, enchilada sauce, and Hormel Beanless Chili. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
2. Cook the Sauce: Place the skillet over medium heat and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once it has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat.

Assemble the Wet Burritos

1. Prepare the Tortillas: Place one flour tortilla on a clean surface. Spoon 1/6 of the beef and bean mixture into the center of the tortilla. Top it with a generous handful of shredded cheese and a few leaves of shredded lettuce (omit the lettuce if you don’t want it inside the burrito).
2. Fold the Burrito: Fold the left and right sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the top and bottom to secure it, forming a neat packet. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.
3. Place in Baking Dishes: Coat two 9×13-inch baking dishes with non-stick spray or a little oil. Arrange the assembled burritos seam-side down in the dishes.
4. Top with Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the burritos, ensuring that each one is generously coated.
5. Bake the Burritos: Place the baking dishes in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the burritos are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Once the wet burritos are baked to perfection, garnish them with minced green onions and any additional toppings of your choice, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of savory beef, creamy beans, and zesty sauce!

Why Wet Burritos Are a Great Choice for Any Meal

Wet burritos are the perfect meal for family dinners, game day gatherings, or even meal prepping for the week. They are hearty, flavorful, and incredibly filling, offering a balanced combination of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. Plus, the sauce adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates the entire dish, making it a standout option for anyone craving Mexican-American comfort food.

Final Thoughts

Making wet burritos at home is a simple yet rewarding process that results in a delicious and satisfying meal. By following this detailed recipe, you can easily recreate this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, wet burritos are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.