Ultimate Easy Wet Burrito Recipe: Restaurant-Quality Beef Burritos at Home in 35 Minutes
Prepare for a culinary delight with these incredible wet burritos! Bursting with flavorful, juicy ground beef, generously smothered in a rich, spicy sauce, and crowned with a layer of melted cheese, these burritos are pure comfort food. The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, takes only 35 minutes from start to finish, and tastes just as amazing as anything you’d order at your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Who doesn’t love a good burrito? The delightful combination of savory beans, gooey cheese, and perfectly seasoned meat, all wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla, is simply irresistible. Among all the variations, my absolute favorite is the wet burrito, often affectionately called a smothered burrito. The signature rich, piquant sauce and the decadent, melted cheese truly elevate a simple burrito to an extraordinary experience. This specific wet beef burrito recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, featuring tender ground beef that harmonizes beautifully with the vibrant sauce.
Achieving restaurant-quality Mexican cuisine at home might seem daunting, but this recipe makes it surprisingly simple. In just 35 minutes, you can create a saucy, comforting, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for a fun weeknight meal or a special midweek treat. Its impressive flavor profile and ease of preparation make it a fantastic option for any occasion.
What is a Wet Burrito? The Delightful Smothered Burrito Explained
A wet burrito, also widely known as a smothered burrito, stands apart from its drier counterparts by being completely covered in a generous layer of sauce. Unlike traditional handheld burritos, the sheer sauciness of a wet burrito necessitates eating it with a fork. The distinctive sauce is typically a flavorful variation of enchilada sauce, often a vibrant red, but green versions are also popular. To complete this delectable creation, it’s usually topped with a generous amount of cheese, which is then melted until bubbly and golden. Imagine the best qualities of a hearty burrito combined with the rich, saucy goodness of an enchilada – that’s precisely what a wet burrito delivers!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Easy Beef Smothered Burritos
These smothered burritos aren’t just delicious; they bring a whole lot of joy and satisfaction to your dining table. Here are the top reasons why this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite:
- Effortlessly Easy: Many people associate wet burritos with restaurant dining, assuming they’re too complicated to recreate at home. This recipe shatters that myth! It’s incredibly straightforward and requires minimal effort, allowing you to whip up these fantastic burritos in a mere 35 minutes. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to homemade convenience.
- Harmonious and Timeless Flavor Combinations: Every ingredient in this wet burrito recipe is chosen for its perfect synergy. The interior boasts a hearty blend of creamy refried beans, fluffy rice, rich melted cheese, and succulent, seasoned ground beef. This flavorful core is then enveloped by a spicy red enchilada sauce and more melted cheese, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that is both comforting and exhilarating.
- Restaurant-Quality Dining Experience at Home: This is truly one of those impressive meals that will have your friends and family thinking you ordered catering! The depth of flavor and professional presentation of these homemade wet burritos are guaranteed to impress. Plus, the recipe is easily scalable, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing delicious leftovers. Enjoy an authentic Mexican dining experience without leaving your kitchen!
Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Wet Burritos
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these phenomenal wet beef burritos at home. For precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this article.
- Ground Beef: For the best texture and flavor, opt for lean ground beef. If you’re looking for an alternative, ground turkey can also be used for a lighter option.
- Taco Seasoning: A pantry staple that infuses our beef with classic Tex-Mex flavors.
- Tortillas: Ensure you select large, “burrito-sized” flour tortillas to comfortably hold all the delicious fillings and allow for tight rolling.
- Cooked Rice: You have the flexibility to use plain white rice, or elevate the flavor with seasoned options like Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice.
- Refried Beans: These add a creamy, savory layer that is essential to any great burrito.
- Cheddar Cheese: For superior melt and flavor, shred your own block of cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder a smooth melt.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the overall sodium content in your sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is key for creating the roux, which forms the base and thickens our rich enchilada sauce.
- Beef Broth: I recommend using low-sodium beef broth to allow you to adjust the seasoning to your taste without the sauce becoming overly salty.
- Enchilada Sauce: While this recipe calls for a red enchilada sauce for its traditional robust flavor, feel free to use green enchilada sauce if that’s your preference. For an extra touch of homemade goodness, consider making your own homemade enchilada sauce to truly bypass the store-bought options.
- Chili Powder: This spice boosts the warmth and depth of flavor in our sauce, complementing the enchilada base beautifully.
Decoding Taco Seasoning: Your All-Purpose Mexican Spice Blend
Taco seasoning is a remarkably versatile spice blend that you can readily find in the spice aisle of almost any supermarket. Typically, it comprises a harmonious mix of aromatic spices such as cumin, earthy oregano, pungent garlic powder, savory onion powder, smoky smoked paprika, and a touch of chili powder for warmth. If you find yourself without a packet, or simply prefer a fresher, customizable blend, you can easily create your own Homemade Taco Seasoning in just a few minutes using these common pantry spices. It’s a game-changer for enhancing the flavor of your ground beef!
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Juicy, Saucy Wet Burritos
Get ready to create these incredibly juicy and saucy burritos in hardly any time at all! With a total cooking time of just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings without compromising on flavor.
- Step 1: Prep the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your burritos are assembled.
- Step 2: Cook the Beef. Heat a large, sturdy skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your lean ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook thoroughly for approximately 5-7 minutes, until no pink remains. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Step 3: Season the Beef. Stir in the taco seasoning directly into the cooked ground beef. If your taco seasoning packet calls for a specific amount of water, add that now and mix until the beef is evenly coated and fragrant.
- Step 4: Create the Roux. In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has fully melted and is shimmering, whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. This is your roux, the thickening base for our delicious sauce.
- Step 5: Finish the Sauce. Gradually and slowly whisk in the beef broth into the roux, ensuring a smooth consistency. Next, pour in the entire can of enchilada sauce. Add the chili powder for an extra layer of flavor. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook and thicken, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Step 6: Assemble the Burritos. Lay out your burrito-sized tortillas. Evenly distribute the refried beans, cooked rice, seasoned ground beef, and about 1 ½ cups of your shredded cheddar cheese among the tortillas. To form a tight burrito, fold in the sides of each tortilla first, then roll them up firmly from the bottom.
- Step 7: Prepare the Baking Tray. Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Carefully place the assembled burritos into the prepared dish, ensuring the seam side is facing down to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
- Step 8: Smother with Sauce and Cheese. Generously pour the rich, thickened enchilada sauce evenly over all the burritos in the baking dish. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a tempting blanket of cheesy goodness.
- Step 9: Bake to Perfection. Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the burritos are heated through to the center. Remove from the oven and prepare to serve your delicious, restaurant-quality wet burritos!
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Wet Burritos
Elevate your wet burrito game with these simple yet effective tips, ensuring your juicy beef burritos are always a triumph:
- Pre-Warm Your Tortillas: This is a crucial step for flawless burrito assembly. Just before you start filling them, warm your tortillas in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Warm tortillas become much more pliable and flexible, making them significantly easier to fold without tearing or cracking, ensuring a neatly wrapped burrito.
- Incorporate Liquid Slowly into the Roux: When adding the beef broth to your flour and butter roux, patience is key for a silky-smooth sauce. Drizzle in just a few teaspoons of broth at a time, whisking vigorously until the liquid is fully incorporated and smooth before adding more. Repeat this process several times until a loose paste forms, then you can pour in the remaining liquid more normally. This gradual addition prevents lumps and guarantees a perfectly smooth and thick sauce.
- Experiment with Flavored Rice: While plain white rice works wonderfully, using flavored rice can introduce an exciting extra dimension of taste to your smothered burritos. I highly recommend trying my vibrant Cilantro Lime Rice for a zesty kick or my savory Instant Pot Spanish Rice for an authentic Mexican flair. These additions can transform your burritos from great to absolutely unforgettable.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Wet Burritos
To complete your ultimate Mexican feast, I typically serve these incredible wet burritos with some of my all-time favorite Mexican side dishes. A dollop of sour cream or a generous scoop of fresh guacamole on top is also highly recommended for an extra layer of creaminess and flavor. Here are some fantastic recipes that perfectly complement these hearty beef burritos:
- Mexican Skillet Potatoes: Crispy potatoes seasoned with Mexican spices make a wonderful, hearty side.
- Mexican Coleslaw: A refreshing and tangy slaw that provides a perfect counterpoint to the rich burritos.
- Mexican Chopped Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing: A vibrant salad with a smoky, creamy dressing for a fresh and flavorful addition.
- Chips with Pico de Gallo: Crispy tortilla chips paired with fresh, zesty pico de gallo offer a classic and irresistible crunch.
Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Wet Burritos
For convenience and to enjoy these delicious burritos later, you can store any leftover wet burritos in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Always ensure they are placed in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out. When you’re ready to indulge again, reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or simply use your microwave on full power, warming them in 30-second intervals until thoroughly heated.
Can I Freeze Wet Burritos? An Excellent Make-Ahead Option!
Absolutely, wet burritos freeze beautifully, making them an excellent meal prep or make-ahead option! The ideal method for freezing is to prepare the burritos without the sauce and cheese. Place the dry, unbaked burritos in an airtight freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or defrost them gently. Once thawed, proceed with adding the sauce and cheese as directed in the recipe, and then bake them to golden perfection. This ensures they taste fresh and delicious every time!
More Easy Mexican-Inspired Recipes to Try at Home
Craving more fantastic, restaurant-quality Mexican recipes that are surprisingly easy to whip up in your own kitchen? Look no further! I’ve got you covered with a selection of delightful dishes that are perfect for satisfying those Mexican food cravings any day of the week:
- Mexican Pizza
- Baked Mexican Cheese Dip
- Cheese Quesadilla
- Crockpot Fiesta Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
Wet Burrito
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
5
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Ingredients
-
1 pound
lean ground beef
-
1 packet taco seasoning -
5 burrito-sized tortillas -
1 1/2 cups
cooked rice
, Spanish Rice, Cilantro-Lime Rice, or just white rice -
1 15 ounce can refried beans -
2 cups
shredded cheddar cheese
, divided -
1 tablespoon
unsalted butter
-
2 tablespoons
all-purpose flour
-
1/2 cup
beef broth
, low sodium -
28 ounce can enchilada sauce -
1 teaspoon
chili powder
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350ºF (175°C).
-
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, break it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until it is fully cooked and browned. Drain any accumulated fat from the pan. Then, add the taco seasoning and the amount of water specified on the packet directions, stirring well to combine.
-
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, creating a roux. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps, then add the enchilada sauce. Stir in the chili powder and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
-
Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface. Evenly fill each tortilla with refried beans, cooked rice, the seasoned ground beef mixture, and approximately 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Fold the sides of each tortilla inwards, then roll them tightly from one end to form firm burritos.
-
Lightly spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Carefully place the assembled burritos into the dish, ensuring the seam side is facing down to keep them from opening during baking.
-
Generously pour the prepared sauce over all the burritos, ensuring they are well-covered. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the sauce.
-
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the burritos are heated through.
-
Carefully remove from the oven and serve immediately, perhaps with your favorite toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
Notes
- You can replace the ground beef in this recipe with other cooked meats like ground turkey, shredded chicken, or pork.
- Store any leftover wet burritos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second increments until hot.
- For freezing, assemble the burritos dry (without sauce and cheese). Place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, then top with sauce and cheese, and bake as directed.
Nutrition
Calories:
539
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
51
g
|
Protein:
31
g
|
Fat:
23
g
|
Saturated Fat:
11
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
10
g
|
Trans Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
80
mg
|
Sodium:
1794
mg
|
Fiber:
7
g
|
Sugar:
8
g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
Dinner Recipes
Mexican
5
539
beef and bean burrito, beef burrito, smothered burrito, wet burrito recipe
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