Wet Burritos

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Wet Burritos Recipe 🌯✨

If you’re craving ultimate Mexican-American comfort food, look no further than Wet Burritos. Unlike traditional handheld burritos, wet burritos are smothered in a rich, savory sauce and baked with melted cheese on top—similar to an enchilada, but heartier and more indulgent.

This dish originates from Michigan’s Mexican-American restaurants, where burritos were given a Tex-Mex twist with chili sauce and cheese. The result? A fork-and-knife meal that’s warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or whenever you’re in the mood for something filling and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

  • Comfort food at its best – Cheesy, saucy, and hearty all in one bite.
  • Crowd-pleaser – Big enough to serve a family or feed a group.
  • Customizable – Adjust the fillings, toppings, and spice level to your liking.
  • Easy prep – Uses pantry staples and simple steps.
  • Restaurant-style experience – Make your favorite Mexican-American classic at home.

Ingredients 🛒

For the Beef Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 4.5 oz diced green chile peppers (1 small can)
  • 16 oz refried beans (1 can)

For the Sauce:

  • 8 oz tomato sauce (1 small can)
  • 15 oz no-bean chili (1 can, Hormel recommended)
  • 10 oz enchilada sauce (1 small can)

For Assembly:

  • 6 large flour tortillas (burrito-sized, about 12 inches)
  • 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce

Garnishes (optional but delicious):

  • Chopped green onions
  • Sour cream
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Avocado slices
  • Jalapeños

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when your burritos are assembled.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

  1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and onion is softened (about 5–7 minutes).
  2. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Mix in diced green chiles and refried beans, stirring until heated through. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine tomato sauce, no-bean chili, and enchilada sauce.
  2. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Step 4: Assemble the Burritos

  1. Place a flour tortilla on a clean surface.
  2. Add a scoop of the beef-bean filling, sprinkle with cheese, and add some shredded lettuce (optional).
  3. Fold into a burrito (tuck in the sides and roll).
  4. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat with all tortillas.

Step 5: Smother & Bake

  1. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the burritos.
  2. Sprinkle generously with the remaining cheese.
  3. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and melted.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

  • Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, then top with green onions, sour cream, avocado, tomatoes, or jalapeños.
  • Serve warm with rice and beans, or enjoy them as a stand-alone meal!

Expert Tips & Variations 🌟

  • Add protein variety – Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, pork carnitas, or ground turkey.
  • Spice it up – Add jalapeños, hot enchilada sauce, or extra chili powder to the sauce.
  • Make ahead – Assemble burritos, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve.
  • Freezer-friendly – Assemble and freeze unbaked burritos. Thaw overnight, then bake with sauce and cheese.
  • Veggie option – Use black beans, sautéed peppers, and corn instead of beef.

Important Notes ⚠️

  • Don’t overfill burritos—too much filling makes them fall apart.
  • Always bake uncovered so the cheese melts evenly and gets bubbly.
  • For extra crispy edges, lightly toast tortillas on a skillet before filling.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings) 🍽️

  • Calories: 580
  • Protein: 32g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Sodium: 1020mg

(Values are estimates and vary based on toppings and ingredient brands.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓

1. What’s the difference between wet burritos and enchiladas?
Enchiladas are usually smaller, made with corn tortillas, and tightly rolled. Wet burritos are much larger, made with flour tortillas, and smothered in sauce and cheese.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the burritos, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add sauce and cheese just before baking.

3. Can I freeze wet burritos?
Definitely. Wrap each burrito tightly in foil and freeze before baking. When ready, thaw and bake with sauce and cheese.

4. What sides go best with wet burritos?
Mexican rice, refried beans, chips and salsa, or a fresh salad pair beautifully.

5. How do I keep burritos from getting soggy?
Toast the tortillas lightly before assembling, and don’t add too much lettuce inside the burrito.

✨Cheesy, saucy, and downright irresistible, these Wet Burritos are a Mexican-American comfort classic you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for family dinners or game nights, they bring restaurant-style flavor straight to your table. 🌯🔥

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