If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, you've probably come across the mouthwatering creation known as the wet burrito. This indulgent and comforting dish takes the classic burrito to new heights by smothering it in a rich and flavorful sauce.

Wet Burrito bake in a white casserole dish

Why Your Family Will Love These

Fast. Made with precooked protein, this wet burrito recipe is ready in under 30 minutes.
Easy. Roll up some of the best ingredients, cover with a flavorful sauce, and bake until bubbly and delicious.
Versatile. Fill with an assortment of your favorites to create a perfectly customized bite for you.

Making a wet burrito is a delightful way to elevate your Mexican food experience. By following this recipe, you'll achieve a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and a satisfying sauciness that will leave you craving more.

What Is A Wet Burrito?

A wet burrito is a type of burrito that is covered or smothered in a flavorful sauce, typically a red enchilada sauce or a chili sauce. Unlike a traditional burrito, which is typically wrapped in a tortilla and eaten as is, a wet burrito is served with the sauce poured over it, giving it a moist and saucy texture.

The filling of a wet burrito can vary, but it often includes ingredients such as cooked protein (such as shredded chicken, beef, or pork), refried beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and sour cream. The sauce adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to the burrito, creating a delicious combination of textures and tastes.

What Is A Wet Burrito Vs Enchilada Style?

A wet burrito is covered in the sauce before or after baking, while a burrito enchilada style is baked with enchilada sauce and cheese on top. Both variations offer a delicious twist to the traditional burrito, but the difference lies in the preparation and presentation.

What Is The Difference Between A Green And Red Wet Burrito?

The difference between a green and red wet burrito lies in the type of sauce used to smother or cover the burrito.

A red wet burrito is covered in a red sauce, typically a red enchilada sauce or a chili sauce. The red sauce adds a rich and tangy flavor to the burrito, enhancing the overall taste and texture.

A green wet burrito, on the other hand, is covered in a green sauce, typically a green enchilada sauce or a salsa verde. The green sauce provides a vibrant and zesty element to the burrito, adding a unique twist to the flavors.

Ultimately, the choice between a red or green wet burrito comes down to the desired flavor profile and the type of sauce that appeals to your taste buds.

Ingredients You'll Need

For The Burrito

Flour tortillas
Cooked protein of your choice- For this recipe, I used precooked ground beef, but you can use precooked Chipotle Chicken, Beef Barbacoa, or Instant Pot Shredded Chicken.
Refried beans- You can buy canned or make your own Instant Pot Refried Beans ahead of time for a more authentic flavor.
Shredded cheese

For The Sauce

Tomato Sauce
Vegetable Oil
Flour
Beef Broth
Chili powder
Cumin
Garlic
Oregano
Salt and pepper

If you already have premade Keto Taco Seasoning in your spice rack, you can use that in place of the spices in this blend to save a little bit of time.

Toppings

Chopped lettuce- Serve the smothered burrito on a large bed of lettuce to make portions stretch to feed a crowd.
Diced tomatoes
Sliced avocado- Gives a creamy and earthy bite.
Chopped onions
Sour cream
Fresh cilantro- If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can top it with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

How To Make A Wet Burrito

Prepare the Sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, add the vegetable oil. Once heated, stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes until it forms a smooth paste. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Stir well to combine the spices with the flour mixture. Gradually pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the sauce aside.
Assemble the Burritos. Take a large flour tortilla and place it on a clean surface. Spread a layer of refried beans in the center of the tortilla. Add your cooked protein of choice on top of the beans, followed by shredded cheese. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll it tightly to form a burrito. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas and filling.
Cover with Sauce. Preheat your oven to 350F. Take a baking dish and spread a small amount of the sauce on the bottom. Place each assembled burrito in the dish, seam side down. Pour the remaining sauce generously over the burritos until they are completely covered.
Bake and Serve. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the burritos are heated through and the cheese is melted. Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Carefully transfer the wet burritos to serving plates using a spatula. Spoon some additional sauce from the baking dish over each burrito for extra moisture and flavor. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Tips And Tricks

These beef wet burritos aren't difficult to make, but there are a few tips and tricks that do make them easier to put together. Check out these tips and tricks before you get started.

Properly Warm the Tortillas- To prevent the tortillas from tearing or becoming too stiff when rolling, warm them up before assembling the burritos. You can quickly warm them on a dry skillet or heat them in the microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them soft and pliable.
Don't Overfill- While it can be tempting to stuff your burritos with lots of fillings, be mindful not to overfill them. Overfilling can make it challenging to roll the burritos tightly, and they may burst open during baking or when serving. Leave some space at the edges to make the rolling process easier.
Sauce Distribution- Ensure that each burrito is evenly coated with the sauce. Pour the sauce over the burritos, ensuring it covers the top and sides. Use a spoon or spatula to spread the sauce and make sure it reaches all parts of the burrito.

Variations

There are several delicious variations you can try to add variety and personalize your wet burritos. Here are a few ideas:

Try a different protein. Ground beef is the easiest option for us to make in a pinch since we keep it precooked in the freezer and it defrosts quickly, but there are so many great protein opinions that go well in these.
- Shredded Chicken: Use cooked and seasoned shredded chicken as the main protein for your wet burrito. You can marinate the chicken with Mexican spices or use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Beef Barbacoa: Slow-cooked and tender beef barbacoa adds a rich and savory flavor to your wet burritos. You can cook it in the Instant Pot or slow cooker with spices, chipotle peppers, and other seasonings.
- Carnitas: Slow-cooked and crispy pork carnitas are another great option for a flavorful filling. Simmer the pork with spices until tender, then shred it and crisp it up in a pan before adding it to your burrito.
Swap out the sauce. Not a fan of enchilada sauce? Try a different sauce on top of your baked burritos.
- Mole Sauce: Instead of traditional red or green enchilada sauce, use a rich and complex mole sauce for a unique flavor experience. Mole is a Mexican sauce made from a blend of chilies, nuts, seeds, spices, and chocolate.
- Chipotle Sauce: Create a smoky and spicy chipotle sauce by blending chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and other seasonings. This sauce adds a bold kick to your wet burritos.
- Creamy Salsa Verde: Combine salsa verde with sour cream or Mexican crema to create a creamy and tangy sauce for your wet burritos. It adds a refreshing and vibrant element to the dish.
Make it spicy.

What To Serve With Beef Burritos

There are so many great flavors already stuffed inside these smothered burritos it's hard to decide what else you could possibly want to go along with it. Check out one of my other Mexican-inspired dishes to find the best sides to serve with them.

Mexican Rice- Serve your wet burritos with a side of fluffy and flavorful Mexican rice. The rice is typically cooked with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spices like cumin and chili powder. It adds a nice texture and complements the flavors of the burrito.
Guacamole- A side of homemade guacamole is a fantastic addition to your wet burrito feast. Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and cilantro to create a creamy and tangy guacamole that pairs perfectly with the burrito.
Salsa and Chips- Offer a selection of salsas, such as pico de gallo, salsa verde, or a spicy chipotle salsa, along with a bowl of crispy tortilla chips. The fresh and vibrant flavors of the salsa will complement the rich and saucy burritos.

How Long Do They Last?

If you have freshly prepared wet burritos, they are best consumed within 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. As time passes, the quality and texture of the burritos may decline.

Can You Freeze Them?

If you want to extend the shelf life of wet burritos, freezing is a great option. If you know beforehand that you're going to freeze them, try to store the sauce and the burritos separately. This will maintain the integrity of the tortillas.

Wrap each burrito tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. Properly stored, frozen wet burritos can last for up to 2-3 months.

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Wet Burrito | Beef Burrito Recipe