Wet Burritos

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Wet Burritos: A Hearty and Flavorful Twist on a Classic Mexican Dish

Wet burritos are a delicious and filling twist on traditional burritos, with the added bonus of being smothered in a rich, savory enchilada sauce. This dish brings together the bold flavors of ground beef or shredded chicken, combined with black beans, rice, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla and drenched in a flavorful sauce. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or hosting a casual get-together, wet burritos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

What Are Wet Burritos?

Wet burritos are essentially burritos that are baked in a casserole dish after being covered with a hearty, homemade enchilada sauce. Unlike traditional burritos, which are typically served with the filling wrapped inside a tortilla, wet burritos are “wet” because they are saturated in sauce, which makes them extra comforting and flavorful.

The beauty of wet burritos lies in their versatility—whether you prefer ground beef, shredded chicken, or even a vegetarian option, they can be customized to suit your taste. Paired with a variety of toppings like sour cream, green onions, and cilantro, wet burritos are a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients for Wet Burritos

For the Burritos:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or shredded cooked chicken for a lighter version)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown, depending on preference)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend works best)
  • 4 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized)

For the Enchilada Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Sliced green onions
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salsa (optional, for an extra kick)

Instructions for Making Wet Burritos

Step 1: Prepare the Burrito Filling

  1. Cook the Protein: In a large skillet, heat a little bit of oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound ground beef or shredded chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through. If using chicken, ensure it’s fully shredded before adding it to the skillet.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Once the meat is cooked, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  3. Add Beans, Rice, and Cheese: Stir in 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed), 1 cup cooked rice, and 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend). Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the filling is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Wet Burritos

  1. Prepare the Tortillas: Warm up your 4 large flour tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle for a few seconds so they become pliable. This will help you wrap them more easily.
  2. Fill the Tortillas: Spoon a generous amount of the filling mixture into the center of each tortilla. Be sure to leave some space on the edges so that you can fold them up.
  3. Roll the Burritos: Fold in the sides of each tortilla and roll them up tightly, ensuring the filling stays inside. Place each rolled burrito seam-side down in a large baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Enchilada Sauce

  1. Make a Roux: In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons flour and cook, whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
  2. Add Spices: Stir in 3 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you like heat). Continue cooking for another minute to bloom the spices and bring out their flavors.
  3. Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth and 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring frequently. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Bake the Wet Burritos

  1. Pour the Sauce Over the Burritos: Once the enchilada sauce has thickened, pour it generously over the assembled burritos in the baking dish. Make sure the burritos are fully covered with the sauce.
  2. Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the burritos are hot and the sauce is bubbly. The cheese should be melted and slightly golden.

Step 5: Serve the Wet Burritos

  1. Garnish: Once the burritos are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with your favorite garnishes such as sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and a side of salsa for extra flavor.
  2. Serve: Plate the burritos and enjoy! You can serve them with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad.

Why You’ll Love Wet Burritos

Wet burritos are the ultimate comfort food, combining the hearty satisfaction of a burrito with the rich, flavorful addition of enchilada sauce. Here’s why they’re so popular:

  • Comforting and Hearty: The combination of ground beef or shredded chicken, black beans, rice, and melted cheese makes for a filling and satisfying meal.
  • Versatile: You can easily customize the filling to your preference, whether you want a vegetarian option, a spicy version, or one loaded with cheese and meat.
  • Family-Friendly: Wet burritos are a great option for family dinners, and you can make them in large batches to serve a crowd.
  • Delicious Leftovers: Leftover wet burritos are even more delicious the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together!

Tips for Making the Best Wet Burritos

  1. Use Fresh Tortillas: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh, soft flour tortillas. Store-bought tortillas work well, but warm them up before filling them for easier rolling.
  2. Customizable Fillings: Feel free to get creative with your filling. Add things like corn, sautéed peppers, or even jalapeños for extra flavor.
  3. Make It Spicy: If you like heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some jalapeños to the filling or sauce.
  4. Make Ahead: Wet burritos can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, then baked just before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Conclusion

Wet burritos are a flavorful, hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a special family gathering. With their rich enchilada sauce, tasty filling, and customizable toppings, these burritos are a surefire way to satisfy your hunger and impress your guests. Try them tonight and enjoy a comforting, delicious Mexican-inspired meal.

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