Saucy Wet Burritos Delight

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

These saucy wet burritos feature seasoned ground beef and optional refried beans rolled into flour tortillas, then generously smothered with a savory red enchilada sauce and crowned with melted cheddar cheese. Baking brings everything together for a cheesy, bubbly finish. Fresh garnishes like sour cream, tomatoes, and cilantro add brightness and contrast. Perfect for satisfying cozy cravings and easy to customize with chicken or veggies. Serve hot with classic sides like guacamole, rice, or chips for a complete, comforting meal right at home.

Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Sun, 15 Jun 2025 10:59:10 GMT
A white dish with a burrito in it. Save
A white dish with a burrito in it. | recipesfoodyummy.com

Saucy wet burritos are exactly what you want when you need something cozy cheesy and full of bold flavor straight from your own oven These burritos come bubbling out with a blanket of rich homemade sauce golden melted cheese and toppings that let you make every plate your own

I still remember the moment my family first tasted these everyone was silent until that first bite then all you could hear were happy sighs and forks scraping plates

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: brings the savory fullbodied flavor that is classic for burritos look for lean ground beef to keep things from getting greasy
  • Small onion: adds gentle sweetness and depth choose a firm onion with no soft spots
  • Fresh garlic: punches up the flavor and goes further than preminced
  • Cumin and chili powder: layer in essential warmth and that unmistakable TexMex taste use fresh spices for best results
  • Refried beans: add creamy texture and extra protein totally optional but you will get a richer filling if you use them
  • Large flour tortillas: are perfect for wrapping without splitting choose soft fresh ones from the bakery section
  • Shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend: is melty and helps everything hold together look for bold sharp cheese if you want a richer taste
  • Red enchilada sauce: makes the signature wet coating choose a brand with a short ingredient list for the richest flavor
  • Tomato sauce: rounds out the tang in the main sauce look for plain sauce without added sugar
  • Garlic powder and extra cumin: give the sauce an extra punch use fresh spices to avoid a flat tasting sauce
  • Salt and pepper: pull everything together
  • Sour cream: is for serving cold and creamy against the hot burrito
  • Chopped fresh tomatoes and cilantro: are bright finishing touches use ripe firm tomatoes and fresh herbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Beef Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat cook ground beef and diced onion until beef is thoroughly browned and onion is softened about seven minutes Drain off excess fat This is your flavor foundation so take your time Stir in minced garlic cumin and chili powder then salt and pepper to taste Cook about one minute longer to let the spices bloom Mix in refried beans if using and set aside
Make the Sauce:
Combine red enchilada sauce tomato sauce cumin and garlic powder in a small saucepan Set heat to low and let it simmer gently for about five to seven minutes stirring now and then This melds the flavors for a richer sauce Set aside
Assemble the Burritos:
Lay each tortilla on a clean surface Spoon enough beef filling into the center so you can roll it up without overfilling Sprinkle some cheese over the filling Roll firmly tucking in edges so nothing leaks and place burritos seam side down in your baking dish
Smother and Bake:
Pour your warm sauce generously over the assembled burritos making sure every corner is coated Scatter the rest of your cheese over the top Bake in a hot oven at three seventy five degrees for fifteen to twenty minutes Cheese should be deeply melted and beginning to bubble around the edges
Garnish and Serve:
Transfer each burrito to a plate Add a spoonful of sour cream on top a sprinkle of chopped tomatoes and a dusting of cilantro These toppings are the contrast in color and flavor and make each bite pop
A white plate with a burrito on it. Save
A white plate with a burrito on it. | recipesfoodyummy.com

My favorite part is always the bubbly sauce and cheese crust on top When I make this for family gettogethers everyone wants extra sauce and fights over those extra cheesy edge pieces I always double the sauce for sauciness lovers

Storage Tips

Let leftover burritos cool before transferring to an airtight container Refrigerate for up to three days For best texture reheat in the oven otherwise a microwave is fine If you plan to freeze wrap burritos without sauce in foil or plastic then add sauce and bake straight from the freezer

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not eat beef use shredded cooked chicken or even ground turkey For a vegetarian meal fill with black beans rice corn and diced bell peppers You can swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or use a dairyfree cheese blend

Serving Suggestions

Serve these burritos piping hot with traditional sides like Spanish rice guacamole or tortilla chips For bonus flavor squeeze a little fresh lime over the top or add sliced jalapenos at the table

A Little History

Wet burritos come from the American Southwest evolving from classic Mexican burritos Enchiladas and burritos merge here so you get the extravagance of sauced and baked enchiladas with the heartiness of giant flour tortillas I love knowing every time I make these I am passing along food traditions that comfort and bring people together

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of sauce is used for wet burritos?

They are smothered in a red enchilada-style sauce, adding rich flavor and a delicious, saucy texture.

→ Can I make them spicy?

Absolutely. Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef filling for an extra spicy kick.

→ Which cheese works best for topping?

Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully and add great flavor.

→ How should wet burritos be reheated?

Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add extra sauce or cheese if desired.

→ Can these be made ahead?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate the burritos, then bake with sauce and cheese right before serving.

→ Are there vegetarian options?

Swap the beef for black beans, rice, corn, and bell peppers for a satisfying meatless version.

Saucy Wet Burritos

Tender beef burritos, smothered in enchilada sauce, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. A cozy, flavorful meal.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
20 mins
Total Duration
40 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican-American

Portions Yielded: 4 Serving Size (4 large burritos)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Beef Filling

01 450 grams ground beef
02 1 small onion, diced
03 1 garlic clove, minced
04 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
05 1 teaspoon chili powder
06 Salt, to taste
07 Black pepper, to taste
08 120 milliliters refried beans (optional)

→ Burrito Assembly

09 4 large flour tortillas
10 100 grams shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
11 60 milliliters sour cream, for garnish
12 80 grams fresh tomatoes, chopped, for garnish
13 Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

→ Sauce

14 300 milliliters red enchilada sauce
15 120 milliliters tomato sauce
16 1 teaspoon ground cumin
17 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
18 Salt, to taste

Steps To Follow

Step 01

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook ground beef and diced onion until meat is browned and onion softens. Drain excess fat. Stir in minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in refried beans if using, then remove from heat.

Step 02

In a saucepan, combine enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, cumin, and garlic powder. Simmer on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt as needed. Set aside.

Step 03

Lay tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon beef filling along the center of each and sprinkle with a portion of cheese. Roll each tortilla tightly, folding in the sides, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.

Step 04

Pour the prepared sauce over the assembled burritos, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Bake at 190°C for 15 to 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 05

Transfer burritos to plates. Top with sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and fresh cilantro. Serve hot.

Notes and Tips

  1. Warm tortillas briefly to prevent cracking when rolling.
  2. Use lean ground beef for a lighter filling.
  3. Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
  4. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze burritos without sauce for longer storage.

Required Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Oven
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) in flour tortillas.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, sour cream).

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 640
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 36 g