Can I make these wet burritos less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply omit the green chilies and use mild chili powder in the sauce. You can also reduce the amount of taco seasoning if your blend is particularly spicy. For the mildest version, consider using a plain tomato sauce and adding just a pinch of the spices to taste.

What's the difference between a wet burrito and an enchilada?

The main difference is the tortilla and assembly. Wet burritos use flour tortillas and are typically larger with more filling, fully enclosed with the ends tucked in. Enchiladas use corn tortillas, are often smaller, and are rolled without tucking the ends. Both are covered in sauce and cheese, but wet burritos typically have a richer, gravy-like sauce compared to the thinner enchilada sauce.

Can I prepare these in advance for a party?

These wet burritos are perfect for entertaining! You can prepare the entire dish up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the covered baking time. You can also prepare all components separately and set up an assembly line for guests to create their own custom burritos.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

There are several ways to lighten up this recipe while maintaining great flavor. Use lean ground beef (90/10) or substitute ground turkey or chicken. Opt for whole wheat tortillas for added fiber. Use reduced-fat cheese or reduce the overall amount. For the sauce, you can reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons and use all broth instead of some of the fat. Adding extra vegetables to the filling is another great way to boost nutrition.

Easy Ground Beef Wet Burrito Recipe

Name: Easy Ground Beef Wet Burrito Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons dark chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 & 1/2 cups unsalted chicken stock or beef broth; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 2 teaspoons granulated sugar; 1 pound ground beef; 4-ounce can diced green chilies; 1 & 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided); 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas; Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish (optional); Favorite toppings (optional)

This mouthwatering Ground Beef Wet Burrito is the ultimate comfort food that brings restaurant-quality Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen table. Tender seasoned ground beef wrapped in soft flour tortillas, smothered in a rich homemade enchilada-style sauce, and topped with melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. Ready in about an hour with minimal hands-on time, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and incredible flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant Quality at Home: These wet burritos rival anything you’d find at your favorite Mexican restaurant, but at a fraction of the cost.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy families, you can prepare components or the entire dish ahead of time and simply bake when ready to eat.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit picky eaters or dietary preferences – add your favorite toppings and fillings to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of savory meat, rich sauce, and melted cheese makes this a hit with kids and adults alike.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick dinner solution on hectic weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The star protein that provides savory flavor and satisfying texture. Use 80/20 for the best flavor, or substitute with leaner options if preferred.
Flour Tortillas: The vessel that holds all the delicious fillings. 8-inch size works perfectly for individual portions.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds incredible melty goodness and rich flavor. Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor punch, but you can substitute with other varieties.
Taco Seasoning: Provides classic Mexican flavor without needing multiple spice jars. Use store-bought for convenience or make your own to control salt and heat.
Green Chilies: Adds mild heat and authentic Mexican flavor. They’re not overly spicy but add wonderful depth.
Butter: The fat base for our sauce that adds richness and helps create a smooth texture.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating the burritos.
Chili Powder: Provides essential flavor and color to the sauce. Dark chili powder offers deeper flavor.
Cumin & Oregano: Classic Mexican spices that bring warmth and earthy notes to the sauce.
Chicken Stock/Beef Broth: Forms the liquid base of our sauce. Use unsalted to control the sodium level.
Tomato Sauce: Adds tanginess and rich color to balance the other flavors in the sauce.
Sugar: Just a touch helps balance the acidity of the tomato and rounds out the sauce flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Options

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
Use shredded chicken, beef, or pork instead of ground meat
Make it vegetarian with black beans, pinto beans, or plant-based meat alternatives

Heat Level Adjustments

Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers for extra spice
Use mild chili powder for a kid-friendly version
Include a dash of hot sauce in the filling for heat lovers

Filling Enhancements

Mix in sautéed bell peppers and onions
Add black beans or refried beans for extra protein and texture
Incorporate corn or rice for a heartier filling
Include olives or diced tomatoes for more flavor dimensions

How to Make Ground Beef Wet Burritos

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Whisk in cornstarch and cook for 1 minute until well combined. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrantly aromatic. Gradually whisk in chicken stock until smooth, then add tomato sauce and sugar. Simmer until the sauce thickens to a pourable consistency, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles until no pink remains (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess grease. Stir in green chilies and taco seasoning until well incorporated. Mix in 1/2 cup of cheese until melted, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Burritos

Spread 1/2 cup of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Add about 1/4 cup of meat filling down the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with a tablespoon of cheese, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the remaining sauce over the assembled burritos, making sure to cover them completely. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overfill: Keep the filling amount moderate to ensure your burritos roll neatly and stay closed during baking.
Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth.
Cheese Strategy: Reserve the best-quality cheese for the topping where its flavor will really shine.
Tortilla Trick: Warm your tortillas for 10-15 seconds in the microwave before rolling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable.
Even Coverage: Make sure each burrito is completely covered with sauce to prevent dry edges and ensure that perfect “wet burrito” texture.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve these wet burritos with Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete restaurant-style meal. A simple side salad with cilantro-lime dressing provides a fresh contrast to the rich burritos.

Topping Ideas

Set up a topping bar with diced avocado, sour cream, pico de gallo, sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, and extra cilantro so everyone can customize their burrito.

Drink Suggestions

These pair wonderfully with a cold Mexican beer, classic margarita, or for non-alcoholic options, try horchata or fresh-squeezed limeade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

Prepare the sauce and filling up to 2 days ahead and store separately in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop and taste even better the next day!

Freezing

These wet burritos freeze beautifully! You can freeze them either before or after baking. For unbaked burritos, assemble the dish but don’t add the sauce or cheese topping. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. For baked leftovers, portion into individual servings and freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For the best texture, reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes or until hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I make these wet burritos less spicy?

Absolutely! Simply omit the green chilies and use mild chili powder in the sauce. You can also reduce the amount of taco seasoning if your blend is particularly spicy. For the mildest version, consider using a plain tomato sauce and adding just a pinch of the spices to taste.
What’s the difference between a wet burrito and an enchilada?

The main difference is the tortilla and assembly. Wet burritos use flour tortillas and are typically larger with more filling, fully enclosed with the ends tucked in. Enchiladas use corn tortillas, are often smaller, and are rolled without tucking the ends. Both are covered in sauce and cheese, but wet burritos typically have a richer, gravy-like sauce compared to the thinner enchilada sauce.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?

These wet burritos are perfect for entertaining! You can prepare the entire dish up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the covered baking time. You can also prepare all components separately and set up an assembly line for guests to create their own custom burritos.
How can I make this recipe healthier?

There are several ways to lighten up this recipe while maintaining great flavor. Use lean ground beef (90/10) or substitute ground turkey or chicken. Opt for whole wheat tortillas for added fiber. Use reduced-fat cheese or reduce the overall amount. For the sauce, you can reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons and use all broth instead of some of the fat. Adding extra vegetables to the filling is another great way to boost nutrition.

Final Thoughts

These Ground Beef Wet Burritos bring restaurant-quality Mexican flavor right to your dinner table with surprisingly little effort. The combination of seasoned meat, homemade sauce, and melted cheese creates a comforting, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving a hungry family on a weeknight or entertaining friends for a casual dinner, this versatile recipe is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!