Mexican Wet Beef Burrito with Green Sauce

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Mexican Wet Beef Burrito with Green Sauce šŸŒÆšŸ„‘

Introduction

If youā€™ve ever craved a hearty, restaurant-style burrito smothered in sauce and cheese, this Mexican Wet Beef Burrito with Green Sauce will satisfy every craving. Unlike handheld burritos, a wet burrito is baked in a dish and drenched with flavorful sauceā€”making it gooey, cheesy, and fork-and-knife-worthy.

This version uses a bold beef and refried bean filling wrapped in a soft flour tortilla, then covered in a tangy, herbaceous green enchilada sauce blended with cilantro, lime, and jalapeƱo. Topped with melted cheese and served with sour cream and avocado, itā€™s the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week.

Whether youā€™re cooking for family dinner, hosting friends, or meal prepping, these burritos are filling, customizable, and downright irresistible.

Why Youā€™ll Love This Recipe

  • šŸŒŸ Restaurant-style at home ā€“ Big, saucy, cheesy burritos without leaving your kitchen.
  • šŸŒ® Flavor-packed filling ā€“ Ground beef, refried beans, onions, garlic, and spices make the perfect base.
  • šŸ„¬ Fresh green sauce ā€“ Cilantro, lime, and jalapeƱo brighten the enchilada sauce for zesty flavor.
  • šŸ§€ Cheesy goodness ā€“ Melted cheese inside and on top for ultimate gooey comfort.
  • šŸ½ļø Family-friendly ā€“ Serves 4 generously and can easily be doubled for a crowd.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 can (15 oz) refried beans

For the Green Sauce

  • 1 can (28 oz) green enchilada sauce (or homemade green sauce)
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 jalapeƱo, chopped (optional, for extra heat)

For Assembly

  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Avocado or guacamole, for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1ļøāƒ£ Prepare the Beef Filling

  1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. SautƩ for 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
  3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the refried beans until fully combined.

2ļøāƒ£ Make the Green Sauce

  1. In a blender, combine green enchilada sauce, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeƱo (if using).
  2. Blend until smooth, fresh, and fragrant.

3ļøāƒ£ Assemble the Burritos

  1. Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface.
  2. Spoon a generous portion of the beef and bean mixture into the center.
  3. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  4. Fold in the sides, then roll up tightly.
  5. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

4ļøāƒ£ Bake the Burritos

  1. Preheat oven to 350Ā°F (175Ā°C).
  2. Place rolled burritos seam-side down in a baking dish.
  3. Pour the green sauce generously over the burritos, fully covering them.
  4. Sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired.
  5. Bake for 20ā€“25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

5ļøāƒ£ Serve & Enjoy

Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with sour cream, avocado or guacamole, and fresh cilantro.

Expert Tips & Variations

  • šŸŒ® Protein swaps ā€“ Use shredded chicken, carnitas, or even ground turkey instead of beef.
  • šŸŒ¶ļø Heat level ā€“ Skip the jalapeƱo for a mild sauce, or add extra for a spicy kick.
  • šŸ§€ Cheese options ā€“ Try queso fresco, pepper jack, or Oaxaca cheese for a more authentic touch.
  • šŸ„‘ Toppings galore ā€“ Add diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or pickled jalapeƱos before serving.
  • šŸ“ Meal prep tip ā€“ Assemble burritos ahead of time, store in the fridge, and bake when ready to eat.

Important Notes

  • Use large burrito-sized tortillas to ensure they hold the filling without breaking.
  • Donā€™t skimp on sauceā€”the burritos should be fully covered so they stay moist while baking.
  • If using homemade enchilada sauce, make sure itā€™s well-seasoned and slightly thick to avoid watery burritos.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving ā€“ 1 burrito)

  • Calories: 720
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Sugar: 5 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is a wet burrito?
A wet burrito is a large, stuffed tortilla baked in sauce (usually red or green) and topped with melted cheese. Itā€™s eaten with a fork and knife rather than handheld.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautƩed mushrooms, zucchini, or extra beans for a hearty meatless version.

3. Can I freeze wet burritos?
Yes. Assemble the burritos, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

4. Whatā€™s the difference between enchiladas and wet burritos?
Enchiladas are typically made with corn tortillas, smaller in size, and rolled tighter. Wet burritos use large flour tortillas and are much heartier.

5. Can I use store-bought green sauce?
Absolutely. A quality store-bought enchilada sauce works great, but blending with cilantro, lime, and jalapeƱo really enhances the flavor.

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