If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you know that burritos are a staple, but have you ever tried a wet burrito? This delectable dish takes your typical burrito and elevates it by smothering it in a rich, flavorful sauce, adding a whole new level of deliciousness. Today, we’re diving into how you can make a mouth-watering Wet Beef Burrito right at home.
What is a Wet Burrito?
A wet burrito, also known as a “burrito mojado,” is a large flour tortilla filled with various ingredients—typically meat, beans, rice, and cheese—before being topped with a savory red or green sauce and more cheese. The burrito is then baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, resulting in a dish that’s warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Wet Beef Burrito recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Burrito Filling:
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1 can (15 oz) refried beans
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
2 cups cooked rice (white or Mexican-style)
8 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
For the Wet Sauce:
1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
Sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro
Sliced avocado
Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Burrito Filling
Brown the Beef: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Season the Beef: Add the taco seasoning mix and a splash of water, mixing well to coat the beef. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combine with Refried Beans: Stir in the refried beans and diced green chilies, mixing until well combined and heated through.
Assemble the Burritos
Warm the Tortillas: To make the tortillas easier to work with, warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Fill the Tortillas: Lay a warm tortilla flat and spoon about 1/2 cup of the beef mixture down the center. Add a scoop of cooked rice and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly, folding in the sides as you go, to create a burrito.
Repeat: Continue filling and rolling until all the tortillas are assembled.
Prepare the Wet Sauce
Mix the Sauces: In a medium saucepan, combine the enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
Bake the Burritos
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the burritos seam-side down in a large baking dish. Pour the wet sauce evenly over the top of the burritos, ensuring they’re fully covered.
Add More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the sauce-covered burritos.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Garnish
Plate the Burritos: Carefully transfer the baked burritos to serving plates.
Garnish: Top each burrito with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, and slices of avocado and jalapeños, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Wet Burrito
Customize the Filling: Feel free to customize the filling by adding black beans, corn, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Choose Your Sauce: While this recipe uses a red sauce, you can easily swap it out for a green enchilada sauce or even a creamy cheese sauce for a different flavor profile.
Make Ahead: The burritos can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the sauce and cheese right before baking.
This Wet Beef Burrito recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, offering a delightful combination of hearty beef filling, zesty sauce, and melted cheese. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual dinner party, these wet burritos are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich flavors of this Mexican classic, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides like guacamole, Mexican rice, or a fresh salad!
Pairing Suggestions and Side Dishes
To complete your meal, consider adding some traditional Mexican side dishes that will complement the richness of the Wet Beef Burrito. Here are a few ideas:
Mexican Rice
A side of Mexican rice is a classic choice. The fluffy rice, cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices, adds a light and flavorful contrast to the hearty burrito.
Refried Beans
Refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and their creamy texture pairs perfectly with the beefy, cheesy goodness of the wet burrito. You can also mix in some cheese or top them with a sprinkle of queso fresco.
Guacamole and Chips
No Mexican meal is complete without some fresh guacamole. Serve it with a side of tortilla chips for a crunchy, creamy accompaniment.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Grilled corn on the cob, slathered with a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, makes for a deliciously messy but satisfying side dish.
Fresh Salad
A light and refreshing salad with ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the burrito. Consider adding some grilled corn or black beans for added texture and flavor.
Drinks to Complement Your Burrito
Pair your Wet Beef Burrito with a refreshing beverage to enhance the dining experience. Here are some drink ideas that work well:
Classic Margarita
A margarita, whether frozen or on the rocks, is a quintessential pairing for any Mexican dish.
The tangy lime and tequila mix beautifully with the rich flavors of the burrito.
Agua Fresca
For a non-alcoholic option, consider serving an agua fresca. These light and refreshing drinks are made from fruit, water, and a touch of sugar. Popular flavors include hibiscus, watermelon, and cantaloupe.
Mexican Beer
A cold Mexican beer like Corona, Modelo, or Pacifico is a simple yet effective choice. For a twist, serve it as a Michelada with lime juice, hot sauce, and a salted rim.
Horchata
This creamy, cinnamon-flavored rice drink is another non-alcoholic favorite. Its sweet and cool profile provides a delightful contrast to the savory burrito.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Wet burritos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored and reheated with ease.
Storing: Place the leftover burritos in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the burritos in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, though the texture may not be as ideal.
Wet Beef Burritos are a delicious twist on the classic burrito, combining the comforting elements of a hearty filling, a rich sauce, and melted cheese into a single, satisfying dish.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress guests at a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. With customizable fillings and sauces, the possibilities are endless, allowing you to put your own spin on this Mexican classic.
So, next time you’re craving something comforting yet full of flavor, give this Wet Beef Burrito recipe a try. It’s a dish that promises warmth, comfort, and a whole lot of deliciousness with every bite!
Exploring Variations of the Wet Burrito
One of the best things about a Wet Beef Burrito is how versatile it can be. Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, you can experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Chicken Wet Burrito
Swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook chicken breasts with spices and shred them yourself. Add a bit of salsa or enchilada sauce to the chicken for extra flavor. This version pairs wonderfully with a green enchilada sauce for a tangy, slightly spicy twist.
Vegetarian Wet Burrito
For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and load your burrito with beans, rice, sautéed vegetables, and plenty of cheese. Black beans, pinto beans, and even lentils work well in this version. You can also add grilled zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and corn for added texture and flavor. Consider topping it with a creamy avocado sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce.
Seafood Wet Burrito
For seafood lovers, try making a wet burrito filled with shrimp, crab, or a mix of both. Sauté the seafood with garlic, lime juice, and a touch of chili powder before wrapping it in the tortilla. A creamy white sauce or a mild green tomatillo sauce complements the delicate flavors of the seafood beautifully.
Turn your wet burrito into a hearty breakfast option by filling it with scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, potatoes, and cheese. Top it with a spicy salsa or a cheese sauce, and garnish with sliced avocado and fresh pico de gallo. This variation is perfect for brunch or a special weekend breakfast.
Keto-Friendly Wet Burrito
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can still enjoy a wet burrito by using a low-carb tortilla and focusing on a filling that’s high in protein and healthy fats. Ground beef, cheese, and avocado make an excellent base, and you can top it with a sugar-free enchilada sauce. Add some cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to keep it keto-friendly.
Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips
When serving Wet Beef Burritos, presentation can make a big difference, especially if you’re entertaining guests. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
Individual Serving Dishes
Instead of baking all the burritos in one large dish, consider using individual serving dishes.
This makes it easier to serve and gives each person their own perfectly presented burrito. It also allows for personalized toppings and garnishes.
Drizzle with Extra Sauce
Just before serving, drizzle a bit of extra sauce over the burritos for added flavor and visual appeal. You can also use a squeeze bottle to create decorative patterns with the sauce.
Garnish Generously
Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and crumbled queso fresco not only add color but also enhance the flavor of the dish. A wedge of lime on the side adds a fresh citrus note that can be squeezed over the burrito just before eating.
Add a Side of Salsa or Pico de Gallo
Serve the burritos with a side of homemade salsa or pico de gallo. The fresh, tangy flavors of these condiments pair well with the rich, savory burrito. You can also provide a variety of hot sauces for those who like an extra kick.
Make It Your Own
The Wet Beef Burrito is more than just a meal—it’s a canvas for culinary creativity. Whether you stick with the classic beef version or experiment with different fillings, sauces, and garnishes, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for hearty, flavorful Mexican food. Its comforting warmth and rich taste make it a perfect dish for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive gathering with friends and family.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, homemade Wet Beef Burrito. And remember, the best part of cooking is making the dish your own—so don’t be afraid to try new things and put your personal touch on this Mexican favorite.
