Wet burritos are a delicious twist on the classic burrito, smothered in a rich sauce that makes them extra flavorful and comforting. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. If you’re looking for a comforting meal that hits the spot, you’re in the right place. To get your breakfast started on a tasty note, consider trying breakfast burritos for a delightful morning treat. You may also find Breakfast Burritos Recipe useful.

Why Make This Recipe
This wet burrito recipe is not only easy to follow, but it also uses ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. The combination of savory beef, creamy beans, and melted cheese, topped with a warm enchilada sauce, creates a mouth-watering dish that you will love. It’s a great way to impress your family or guests with minimal effort.
How to Make Wet Burritos
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling, you’ll need:
- 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can refried beans
- ½ cup beef broth or water
For the Burritos:
- 6 large flour tortillas (10–12 inch)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese (or cheddar + Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional, but traditional in many versions)
For the Enchilada-Style Sauce (Wet Sauce):
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For Topping:
- ¾ cup shredded cheese
- Optional: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños
Directions
Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat evenly. Mix in the refried beans and beef broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick but spreadable. Remove from heat.
Make the Wet Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, cumin, and garlic powder. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Assemble the Burritos: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay each tortilla flat. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center. Add rice (if using) and ⅓ cup cheese per burrito. Fold in the sides and roll tightly.
Bake “Wet” Style: Place burritos seam-side down in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Pour the warm sauce evenly over all burritos. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with sour cream, tomatoes, cilantro, or jalapeños.
How to Serve Wet Burritos
Serve your wet burritos warm from the oven and let everyone customize their plates with toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced tomatoes. These toppings can enhance the flavors and add freshness to each bite.
How to Store Wet Burritos
If you have leftovers, you can store wet burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring the sauce doesn’t dry out.
Tips to Make Wet Burritos
- Use a mix of cheeses for more flavor—try combining cheddar with Monterey Jack.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, feel free to add diced jalapeños to the filling.
- For an extra touch, you can garnish the burritos with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.
Variation
You can make this recipe vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini or using a meat substitute. Just make sure to keep the seasonings to enhance the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, flour tortillas work perfectly and may be easier to roll.
Can I freeze wet burritos?
Absolutely! You can freeze assembled burritos before baking. Just wrap them well in foil or plastic wrap.
How can I make the sauce from scratch?
To make a homemade enchilada sauce, blend tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic, and salt, then simmer for 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
Wet burritos are sure to be a hit at any gathering, offering a comforting and hearty meal that everyone will enjoy.
Print
Wet Burritos
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Meat
Description
Delicious wet burritos smothered in a rich enchilada sauce, combining savory beef and melted cheese for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can refried beans
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 6 large flour tortillas (10–12 inch)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese (or cheddar + Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ cup shredded cheese (for topping)
- Optional: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease if needed. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the meat evenly. Mix in the refried beans and beef broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick but spreadable. Remove from heat.
- Make the Wet Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, cumin, and garlic powder. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble the Burritos: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay each tortilla flat. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center. Add rice (if using) and ⅓ cup cheese per burrito. Fold in the sides and roll tightly.
- Bake “Wet” Style: Place burritos seam-side down in a greased 9×13 baking dish. Pour the warm sauce evenly over all burritos. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbling and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with sour cream, tomatoes, cilantro, or jalapeños.
Notes
Consider using a mix of cheeses for more flavor. For spice, add diced jalapeños to the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg