Wet Burritos

Wet Burritos are hearty, cheesy, and packed with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and rice, all wrapped inside large flour tortillas and covered with a rich red enchilada-style sauce. The burritos are finished with plenty of shredded cheese and baked until hot, bubbly, and golden.

This easy Mexican-inspired dinner is filling enough for the whole family and simple enough for a weeknight meal. You can customize each burrito with your favorite toppings, or serve them with sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and filling: Ground beef, beans, rice, and cheese make a satisfying meal.
• Rich and flavorful: The seasoned beef and enchilada-style sauce add plenty of flavor.
• Easy to customize: Add your favorite toppings or extra vegetables.
• Great for family dinners: Six large burritos make this a generous meal.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble the burritos ahead of time and bake when ready.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

• 1½ pounds (680 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 g) refried beans
• ½ cup beef broth or water

For the Burritos

• 6 large flour tortillas, 10–12 inches
• 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese, or a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack
• 1 cup cooked rice, optional

For the Wet Sauce

• 2 cups red enchilada sauce, homemade or store-bought
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Topping

• ¾ cup shredded cheese

How to Make Wet Burritos

1. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

Once the beef is browned and cooked through, drain excess grease if necessary.

2. Add the Onion and Garlic

Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Season the Beef

Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Stir well so the spices coat the beef evenly.

Cook for another 1–2 minutes to bring out the flavor of the spices.

4. Add the Refried Beans

Stir the refried beans into the seasoned beef mixture.

Pour in the beef broth or water and stir until everything is well combined.

Cook for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the filling is hot and spreadable.

If the mixture seems too thick, add another small splash of broth or water.

Remove from the heat.

5. Prepare the Wet Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the red enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, cumin, and garlic powder.

Stir until smooth and set aside.

6. Warm the Tortillas

Warm the flour tortillas briefly in the microwave, skillet, or oven until flexible.

This makes them easier to roll without tearing.

7. Assemble the Burritos

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spread a portion of the beef and bean mixture down the center of each tortilla.

Add some cooked rice if using, followed by shredded Mexican-blend cheese.

Fold the sides of the tortilla toward the center, then roll it tightly from the bottom to form a burrito.

Place each burrito seam-side down in a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

8. Add the Wet Sauce

Pour the enchilada-style sauce evenly over the tops of the burritos.

Make sure most of the tortillas are covered with sauce so they become soft and flavorful while baking.

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.

9. Bake the Burritos

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 15 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 8–12 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling around the edges.

For a more golden top, place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.

10. Serve

Let the wet burritos rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Top with your favorite garnishes, such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, avocado, or jalapeños.

Serve warm with extra sauce if desired.

Recipe Tips for Success

Warm the Tortillas Before Rolling

Cold flour tortillas can crack when folded. Warming them briefly makes them softer and easier to roll.

Don’t Overfill the Burritos

It’s tempting to add a lot of filling, but overfilled tortillas are harder to roll and can split during baking. Keep the filling centered and leave enough room around the edges.

Make the Filling Thick

The beef and bean mixture should be thick enough to stay inside the tortilla. If it is too loose, simmer it for another few minutes before assembling the burritos.

Cover the Burritos Well

The sauce is what gives wet burritos their signature texture. Pour enough over the top to cover the tortillas while leaving the edges of the baking dish slightly exposed.

Let Them Rest Before Serving

Allowing the burritos to rest for a few minutes makes them easier to serve and gives the filling time to settle.

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground beef: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead.

Refried beans: Black beans or pinto beans can be substituted, although refried beans provide a smoother filling.

Beef broth: Water or chicken broth can be used if needed.

Mexican-blend cheese: Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a combination of your favorite melting cheeses.

Flour tortillas: Large burrito-size tortillas work best because they provide enough space for the filling.

Enchilada sauce: Homemade or store-bought red enchilada sauce can be used.

Recipe Variations

Chicken Wet Burritos

Replace the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken. Season it with the same spices and combine it with the refried beans before assembling.

Spicy Wet Burritos

Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or a spicy enchilada sauce to the filling.

Vegetarian Wet Burritos

Replace the ground beef with additional beans, sautéed peppers, corn, and onions. Black beans work especially well.

Loaded Beef Wet Burritos

Add diced bell peppers, corn, black olives, or sautéed mushrooms to the beef filling.

Extra Cheesy Wet Burritos

Add another layer of cheese inside each burrito and finish the baking dish with extra cheese before baking.

Topping Ideas

Wet burritos are especially good with fresh toppings added just before serving.

Try:

• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Green onions
• Jalapeños
• Diced red onion
• Sliced black olives
• Fresh lime wedges
• Extra shredded cheese

What to Serve with Wet Burritos

For a complete meal, serve the burritos with:

• Mexican-style rice
• Refried beans
• Black beans
• Corn salad
• Guacamole
• Fresh salsa
• Simple green salad
• Tortilla chips

How to Store Leftovers

Allow leftover burritos to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.

Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

For best results, reheat them covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave.

If the burritos seem dry after refrigeration, add a little extra enchilada sauce before reheating.

Can You Freeze Wet Burritos?

Yes, wet burritos can be frozen, although the tortillas will become softer after thawing.

For the best results, assemble the burritos but do not add the final sauce and cheese topping. Wrap each burrito tightly and freeze in a freezer-safe container.

When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, cover with enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake until hot throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a burrito a wet burrito?

A wet burrito is covered with enchilada-style sauce and usually topped with melted cheese before being baked. The sauce gives the tortilla a soft texture and adds extra flavor.

Can I make wet burritos ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the burritos in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the sauce and cheese before baking if you prefer the best texture.

Can I use rice in wet burritos?

Yes. Cooked rice is optional, but it adds texture and makes the burritos even more filling.

Can I use green enchilada sauce?

Yes. Green enchilada sauce works well if you prefer a different flavor profile. The color and flavor will be different from traditional red-sauce wet burritos.

How do I keep the burritos from falling apart?

Don’t overfill the tortillas, roll them tightly, and place them seam-side down in the baking dish. Warming the tortillas before assembly also helps prevent cracking.

Can I make these burritos without rice?

Absolutely. Rice is optional, so you can leave it out and use a little extra beef and bean filling instead.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving, based on 6 burritos:
Calories: 680
Protein: 39g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1,450mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the tortillas, cheese, enchilada sauce, ground beef, and other ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

Wet Burritos are a satisfying Mexican-inspired dinner packed with seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, optional rice, and plenty of melted cheese. The red enchilada-style sauce transforms ordinary burritos into a warm, saucy baked meal that’s perfect for a family dinner.

Customize them with your favorite toppings and serve them straight from the oven for a comforting meal everyone can enjoy.

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