Wet Burrito Recipe Ground Beef: Drenched in Flavor!

The wet burrito. The smothered burrito. Whatever you call it, this dish is a monument to delicious comfort food. Imagine a perfectly seasoned ground beef burrito, generously blanketed in a rich, flavorful sauce and melted cheese. It’s a culinary hug in a tortilla, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Forget takeout; this recipe delivers an authentic, restaurant-quality experience without the restaurant prices or the wait. Get ready to experience burrito bliss!

Why This Recipe Works

This wet burrito recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s a carefully constructed symphony of flavor. Here’s why it’s a guaranteed winner:

• Flavor-Packed Ground Beef: We’re not just browning ground beef. We’re building layers of flavor with onions, garlic, and a custom blend of spices that perfectly complements the other components of the burrito.
• Homemade Sauce: The star of the show is the homemade burrito sauce. Using canned tomato sauce as a base, we add chili powder, cumin, and other seasonings to create a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy sauce that elevates the entire dish. It’s far superior to store-bought options.
• Perfectly Balanced Fillings: The combination of ground beef, refried beans, rice, and cheese creates a satisfying and well-rounded filling that’s both hearty and flavorful. You can, of course, customize this to your liking.
• Easy to Assemble: The assembly process is straightforward and forgiving. Even if your burrito-rolling skills are less than perfect, the sauce and cheese will hide any imperfections!
• Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily adapt to your preferences. Add your favorite toppings, adjust the spice level, or swap out ingredients to create your own signature wet burrito.

Ingredients

• For the Ground Beef Filling:
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup water
• For the Burrito Sauce:
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Burrito Assembly:
• 4 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
• 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
• 2 cups cooked rice (Mexican rice is a great choice)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend
• Optional Toppings:
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped cilantro
• Pickled jalapeños

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Season the Beef: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
4. Simmer the Beef: Add the water to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Prepare the Burrito Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to develop.
6. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until pliable. You can also warm them in the microwave, wrapped in a damp paper towel, for 15-20 seconds.
7. Assemble the Burritos: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread a layer of refried beans down the center, followed by a layer of cooked rice and the seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle with about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
8. Roll the Burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then fold the bottom up and over the filling. Roll tightly to form a burrito.
9. Smother in Sauce: Place the assembled burritos in a baking dish (9×13 inch is ideal). Pour the prepared burrito sauce evenly over the burritos, ensuring they are well covered.
10. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the sauce-covered burritos.
11. Bake (or Broil): Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can broil the burritos for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the wet burritos from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and chopped cilantro.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overfill the Burritos: Overfilling will make them difficult to roll and more likely to burst during baking.
• Warm Tortillas are Key: Warm tortillas are more pliable and less likely to tear when rolling.
• Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Taste the ground beef and burrito sauce as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more chili powder for a spicier flavor, or more cumin for a smoky taste.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the final dish.
• Don’t Skip the Simmering Step: Simmering the ground beef and burrito sauce allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
• Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other fillings to your burritos, such as black beans, corn, or sautéed vegetables.
• Broiling for a Quick Finish: If you’re short on time, broiling the burritos for a few minutes will melt the cheese quickly and give them a slightly browned top. Watch them closely to prevent burning.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating: Leftover wet burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave.

Freezing: To freeze wet burritos, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheating from frozen is possible in the oven, but will take significantly longer.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey or shredded chicken would also work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Can I make the burrito sauce ahead of time? Yes, the burrito sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Can I use store-bought burrito sauce? While homemade is best, you can use store-bought burrito sauce in a pinch. Look for a high-quality brand with good reviews.

Can I make these vegetarian? Yes, substitute the ground beef with seasoned lentils or crumbled tofu.

How spicy is this recipe? As written, this recipe has a mild to medium spice level. You can increase the heat by adding more cayenne pepper or using a spicier chili powder.

What kind of cheese is best for wet burritos? Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican blend cheeses all work well. Choose your favorite or use a combination of cheeses.

Can I grill these burritos after assembling? While not traditionally grilled, you can grill the assembled burritos for a few minutes per side to give them a smoky flavor and crispy exterior before adding the sauce and cheese and baking or broiling.

Conclusion

This wet burrito recipe with ground beef is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for Mexican comfort food. With its flavorful ground beef filling, rich homemade sauce, and customizable toppings, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to experience the ultimate burrito indulgence. Enjoy!