Wet Burrito
A hearty burrito filled with seasoned ground beef and beans, then smothered in a rich red enchilada sauce and melted cheese. This Tex-Mex classic is pure comfort food, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Make the red sauce.
- b.Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- c.Add 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and the oregano. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Whisk in the tomato sauce and beef broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
- e.Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with a pinch of salt.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the beef filling.
- b.While the sauce simmers, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- d.Add the ground beef and minced garlic. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- e.Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- f.Add the refried beans and cooked rice to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the burritos.
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- c.Warm the tortillas in the microwave or a dry skillet to make them pliable.
- d.Lay a tortilla flat and spoon about a quarter of the beef and rice mixture into the center.
- e.Fold in the sides, then roll the tortilla up tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling.
- f.Place the burrito seam-side down in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Smother and bake.
- b.Pour the prepared red sauce evenly over the burritos in the dish, making sure to cover them completely.
- c.Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- d.Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted. You can broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a golden-brown top, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and serve immediately.
- b.Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.
- c.Top the burritos with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best melt, shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- 2Don't overfill the burritos or they will be difficult to roll and may burst open during baking.
- 3Warming the tortillas is a crucial step to prevent them from cracking when you roll them.
- 4For a creamier filling, stir a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese directly into the beef mixture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground beef with one 15-ounce can of black beans (rinsed) and 1 cup of corn. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth in the sauce.
high proteinHigh protein
Use shredded chicken or pulled pork instead of ground beef. You can also add a can of black beans to the beef mixture for an extra protein boost.
quickQuick
To save time, use 2 cups of canned red enchilada sauce instead of making it from scratch.
spicySpicy
Add one finely diced jalapeño along with the onion when cooking the filling, and add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the red sauce.
dairy freeDairy free
Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and serve with a dairy-free sour cream or guacamole.