Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s the perfect combination of hearty, flavorful fillings and a rich, savory sauce. The burritos are incredibly customizable, allowing you to choose your favorite proteins, toppings, and spice level. The addition of a warm, savory sauce and melted cheese makes these burritos extra comforting and filling. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a delicious, satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Wet Burritos with Savory Sauce

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 burritos

Ingredients

For the Burritos:

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans
• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies (optional)
• 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Sour cream
• Avocado slices
• Salsa

Instructions

For the Burritos:

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the Veggies: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Season the Filling: Stir in the taco seasoning mix, refried beans, and optional chopped green chilies and cooked rice. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the mixture is heated through and everything is well combined.
4. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or heat them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll.
5. Assemble the Burritos: Divide the filling evenly among the tortillas. Spoon the mixture down the center of each tortilla and then fold in the sides before rolling them up tightly.
6. Place in Baking Dish: Arrange the rolled burritos seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

For the Sauce:

1. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should be smooth and slightly golden.
2. Add Liquids and Spices: Gradually whisk in the broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

To Assemble and Bake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the burritos, making sure they are completely covered.
3. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the sauce.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the burritos are heated through.

To Serve:

• Garnish: Once the burritos are baked, garnish with optional toppings like fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, avocado slices, and salsa for extra flavor and freshness.
• Serve: Serve the wet burritos hot and enjoy a satisfying meal with all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors!

Tips and Tricks

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the burrito filling and sauce ahead of time. Simply store them in separate containers in the fridge and assemble the burritos when ready to bake.
• Customize the Protein: You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
• Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder burrito, reduce the chili powder and omit the jalapeños or use mild green chilies. For more heat, add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or use spicy salsa on top.
• Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, you can stir in some chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini into the filling mixture before baking.
• Crispy Option: If you prefer crispy burritos, after assembling, you can pan-fry them in a skillet with a bit of oil until the outside is golden brown before baking.

Notes

• Taco Seasoning: You can use a store-bought taco seasoning mix or make your own with a combination of chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, and salt.
• Rice Variations: If you like, you can add flavored rice like Spanish rice, cilantro-lime rice, or even brown rice for a healthier alternative.
• Tortilla Size: Use large flour tortillas for the best results. If using smaller tortillas, you may need to adjust the amount of filling and sauce to suit the size.

Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Leftover wet burritos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the burritos in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual burritos for about 1-2 minutes, but the sauce may lose some of its texture.
• Freezing: These burritos freeze well! To freeze, wrap each burrito tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or microwave from frozen for about 3-4 minutes, then bake to finish.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different sauce for these burritos?
   Yes, you can use a salsa-based sauce, green enchilada sauce, or even a creamy cheese sauce for a different flavor profile.
2. Can I make these burritos vegetarian?
   Absolutely! You can omit the meat and substitute it with beans, tofu, or grilled vegetables. The rest of the recipe will still work perfectly!
3. How can I make these burritos spicier?
   To make them spicier, you can increase the chili powder or cumin in the sauce, use spicy salsa, or add fresh diced jalapeños as a topping.
4. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
   Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but they may not roll as easily as flour tortillas. You might want to warm them up before filling to make them more pliable.

Enjoy these Wet Burritos packed with flavor and topped with your favorite ingredients for a true Tex-Mex treat!