Wet Burritos with Beef Cheese

Wet burritos make for the ultimate cozy family meal when you crave comfort food that feels a touch special but requires little fuss. Each bite is packed with seasoned beef, creamy beans, gooey cheese, and saucy goodness all snug in a warm tortilla. You get a dish that feels like a restaurant favorite but is a cinch for home cooks.

This was my go-to dish when my friends would drop by unannounced in college. It always made the whole apartment smell like a real celebration and brought everyone to the table.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: One pound makes a juicy flavorful filling Opt for leaner beef for less grease
• Onion: Chopped onion gives sweetness and depth Pick a firm heavy onion for best taste
• Garlic: Fresh cloves make a real flavor difference Press or mince for best results
• Chili powder: Essential for that warm spicy kick Choose a fresh spice for brightest color and aroma
• Cumin: Adds a smoky earthy note Grind your own seeds for extra flavor
• Salt and pepper: Balance out the richness
• Flour tortillas: Large size for easy stuffing Look for soft flexible tortillas for best wrapping
• Refried beans: Bind everything together and deliver creaminess Use homemade or canned just be sure it is well mixed and seasoned
• Cooked rice: Makes the burritos extra filling Any long grain white or brown rice works
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and gives a savory bite Freshly shredded cheese will have the best melt
• Enchilada sauce: Canned sauce makes things quick but taste a little before using Some brands are spicier than others
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds acidity and a gentle heat Look for cans without too much added salt
• Extra shredded cheddar cheese: For topping and extra melt
• Sour cream: For cool creamy garnish
• Sliced green onions: Offer crunch and sharpness Fresh and bright
• Chopped cilantro: Provides freshness and color Always use fresh not dried

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat Add your ground beef chopped onion and minced garlic Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and the onion has softened Spoon off any excess fat so your filling is not greasy Stir in the chili powder cumin salt and pepper and cook for another minute to give the spices time to bloom This is what creates that signature layered flavor

Assemble the Burritos:

Warm your flour tortillas just enough so they bend without tearing Spread a generous spoonful of refried beans across the center of each tortilla Add a scoop of cooked rice then top with the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese To roll tuck the ends inward then fold over one long edge and roll up tightly Place the burritos seam side down in a large baking dish so they keep their shape

Prepare Sauce and Bake:

In a bowl combine the enchilada sauce with diced tomatoes and green chilies Pour this mixture evenly over the burritos in the dish making sure everything is well coated Sprinkle an extra layer of cheddar cheese over the top Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden This step melds all the flavors together and makes the tortillas wonderfully tender

Serve:

Remove the dish from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving This helps the burritos hold their shape Top with a dollop of sour cream a scattering of sliced green onions and chopped cilantro Serve hot and enjoy every saucy bite

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My favorite part is that oozy molten cheese on top I remember my younger sister always insisted on scraping off that top cheesy layer before anyone else could get to it

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The burritos reheat well in the oven or a microwave For freezing cool completely then wrap individual burritos tightly before storing in a large freezer bag They’ll keep for several months and can be thawed overnight or warmed straight from the freezer

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken for the beef or go for a vegetarian version using just beans and extra veggies Use a Mexican cheese blend for extra melt and swap in salsa for enchilada sauce if you’re in a pinch If cilantro is not your thing fresh parsley works

Serving Suggestions

Wet burritos are a meal in themselves but it’s fun to pile on extras like avocado slices shredded lettuce pickled jalapenos or even a sprinkle of crumbly cotija cheese I often serve with a side of crisp salad or simple grilled corn

A Bit Of History

Wet burritos are famously a Midwestern take on the classic burrito popularized in Michigan They are all about comfort hearty portions and that iconic drenched-in-sauce style that sets them apart from their drier cousins Every region adds their spin but the heart of the dish remains the same

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I make the filling more flavorful?

Add extra spices such as smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce, or sauté the beef mixture with fresh jalapeños for heat.

→ Can I use a different meat for the filling?

Yes, ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even sautéed vegetables are tasty alternatives to ground beef.

→ Are there gluten-free options for the tortillas?

Use gluten-free flour tortillas or sturdy corn tortillas as a substitute to accommodate dietary needs.

→ What toppings work well with wet burritos?

Popular choices include extra cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced avocado.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, assemble burritos and keep covered in the fridge. Add sauce and cheese before baking to serve fresh.

→ How do you reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot or microwave individual portions for convenience.