Saucy Ground Beef Wet Burrito

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These wet burritos are the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavors. The savory ground beef, paired with the rich enchilada sauce, creates a mouthwatering base, while the rice and refried beans add heartiness. Topped with gooey melted cheese, these burritos are truly a meal that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table. Plus, it’s easy to customize with extra sauce or spice to match your taste!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ⅔ cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)

• 1 pound ground beef (80-90%)

• 1 yellow onion (diced)

• 3 jalapeños (diced and de-seeded)

• 3-4 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade, divided)

• 1 16-oz can refried beans

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

• 6 large tortillas

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Add rice and 1 ⅓ cups of water to a small pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Salt to taste.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and jalapeños until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft (about 7–10 minutes). Drain excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Stir in ½ cup of enchilada sauce to the beef mixture and spread ¼ cup of enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

5. Lay a tortilla flat and spread the refried beans down the center. Add 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese, rice, and the beef mixture. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it in the prepared baking dish, seam side down. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, ensuring they don’t touch each other in the baking dish.

6. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the burritos. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.

7. Bake the burritos for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.

8. Serve hot, spooning the extra sauce from the pan over the top for a fully smothered experience.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 burritos

• Prep Time: 45 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add more heat: If you love spicy food, leave some jalapeño seeds in the filling to kick up the heat level.

• Extra saucy: For a more saucy burrito, add an extra cup of enchilada sauce (around 4 cups total).

• Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with black beans or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover wet burritos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the burritos in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 2-3 minutes, covered, until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the burritos the night before and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pour the enchilada sauce on top and bake as instructed.

2. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, flour tortillas work great for this recipe. They will give the burritos a softer texture.

3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work well in this recipe as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

4. Can I freeze these burritos?

Yes! After assembling the burritos, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen at 375°F for about 40 minutes or until heated through.

5. Can I make my own enchilada sauce?

Yes! Homemade enchilada sauce adds an extra layer of flavor to these burritos. You can find simple recipes for enchilada sauce online.

6. How do I know when the burritos are done?

The burritos are done when the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges of the baking dish.

7. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes! You can increase the number of jalapeños or add in some chili powder to make it spicier.

8. How can I make these burritos more flavorful?

Try adding extra seasonings like cumin, garlic powder, or chili powder to the beef mixture for added flavor.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes! You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses.

10. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just make sure to use gluten-free tortillas and check the ingredients in your enchilada sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Saucy Ground Beef Wet Burritos are an easy, delicious, and filling meal that the whole family will love. With layers of flavorful ground beef, beans, rice, and melty cheese smothered in enchilada sauce, this dish offers the perfect balance of taste and texture. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering, these burritos are sure to be a hit!