Fabulous Wet Burritos: Authentic Recipes and Step-by-Step Guide

Wet burritos, also known as smothered burritos, are the ultimate comfort food. Imagine a hearty burrito filled with your favorite ingredients, then generously blanketed in a flavorful sauce and melted cheese. This isn’t your grab-and-go burrito; it’s a sit-down-and-savor experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the art of making fabulous wet burritos, from selecting the perfect fillings to crafting the most delicious sauces. Get ready to elevate your burrito game!

## What Makes a Burrito a “Wet Burrito”?

The defining characteristic of a wet burrito is, of course, the sauce. Unlike regular burritos that are wrapped and eaten dry, wet burritos are smothered in a warm sauce, typically a red chile sauce, a green chile sauce (salsa verde), or a cheese sauce. This sauce soaks into the tortilla, creating a soft, flavorful, and intensely satisfying dish. The addition of melted cheese on top is almost mandatory, adding another layer of richness and gooey goodness.

## The Anatomy of a Perfect Wet Burrito

To create a truly fabulous wet burrito, you need to consider each component carefully:

* **The Tortilla:** A large, high-quality flour tortilla is essential. It needs to be sturdy enough to hold all the fillings and withstand being drenched in sauce without falling apart. Look for tortillas that are at least 12 inches in diameter.
* **The Filling:** This is where you can get creative! Common fillings include seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, carnitas, beans, rice, cheese, and various vegetables. The key is to choose fillings that complement each other and the sauce you’ll be using.
* **The Sauce:** The sauce is the soul of a wet burrito. It adds moisture, flavor, and richness. You can make your own sauce from scratch or use a high-quality store-bought sauce. We’ll share some delicious sauce recipes below.
* **The Cheese:** A generous layer of melted cheese on top is the perfect finishing touch. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are all excellent choices.

## Essential Ingredients and Equipment

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s gather the necessary ingredients and equipment:

**Ingredients:**

* Large flour tortillas (12-inch or larger)
* Ground beef, shredded chicken, carnitas, or other protein of your choice
* Cooked rice (white or brown)
* Cooked beans (pinto, black, or refried)
* Shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mexican blend)
* Onions, chopped
* Bell peppers, chopped
* Garlic, minced
* Tomatoes, diced
* Jalapeños, minced (optional)
* Cilantro, chopped
* Spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper)
* Red chile sauce, green chile sauce, or cheese sauce (recipes below)
* Vegetable oil or olive oil

**Equipment:**

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Baking dish (9×13 inch or similar)
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Chef’s knife

## Recipe 1: Classic Ground Beef Wet Burrito

This recipe is a timeless classic that’s sure to please everyone.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
* 2 cups cooked rice
* 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
* 4 large flour tortillas
* 2 cups red chile sauce (recipe below)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Ground Beef:** In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. **Add Aromatics and Spices:** Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3. **Assemble the Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, pinto beans, rice, and 1/2 cup of the shredded Cheddar cheese. Mix well.
4. **Warm the Tortillas:** Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable.
5. **Fill the Burritos:** Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 1/2 cups of the filling onto the center of the tortilla. Fold in the sides, then fold the bottom up and over the filling. Roll tightly to form a burrito.
6. **Arrange in Baking Dish:** Place the burritos seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. **Smother in Sauce:** Pour the red chile sauce evenly over the burritos.
8. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese over the sauce.
9. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. **Serve:** Let the burritos cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sour cream, if desired.

## Recipe 2: Shredded Chicken Wet Burrito with Salsa Verde

This recipe uses tender shredded chicken and a vibrant salsa verde for a fresh and flavorful twist.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 onion, quartered
* 2 cloves garlic, smashed
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
* 2 cups cooked rice
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* 4 large flour tortillas
* 2 cups salsa verde (recipe below or store-bought)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts, quartered onion, and smashed garlic in a large pot. Cover with water and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
2. **Shred the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken with two forks.
3. **Assemble the Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, rice, and 1/2 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Mix well.
4. **Warm the Tortillas:** Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable.
5. **Fill the Burritos:** Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 1/2 cups of the filling onto the center of the tortilla. Fold in the sides, then fold the bottom up and over the filling. Roll tightly to form a burrito.
6. **Arrange in Baking Dish:** Place the burritos seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. **Smother in Sauce:** Pour the salsa verde evenly over the burritos.
8. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the sauce.
9. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. **Serve:** Let the burritos cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sour cream, if desired.

## Recipe 3: Carnitas Wet Burrito with Queso Sauce

This recipe features slow-cooked carnitas (Mexican pulled pork) and a rich, creamy queso sauce for an indulgent treat.

**Ingredients:**

* 3 pounds pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
* 1 orange, quartered
* 1 onion, quartered
* 4 cloves garlic, smashed
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
* 2 cups cooked rice
* 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
* 4 large flour tortillas
* 2 cups queso sauce (recipe below)

**Instructions:**

1. **Cook the Carnitas:** Place the pork shoulder, quartered orange, quartered onion, and smashed garlic in a large Dutch oven. Season with cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add enough water to cover the pork. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
2. **Shred the Carnitas:** Remove the pork from the Dutch oven and let it cool slightly. Shred the pork with two forks. Skim off any excess fat from the cooking liquid and reserve about 1/2 cup of the liquid.
3. **Crisp the Carnitas (Optional):** For extra flavor and texture, you can crisp the shredded carnitas in a skillet with a little of the reserved cooking liquid. Cook over medium-high heat until the carnitas are slightly browned and crispy.
4. **Assemble the Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the shredded carnitas, pinto beans, rice, and 1/2 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend. Mix well.
5. **Warm the Tortillas:** Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable.
6. **Fill the Burritos:** Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1 1/2 cups of the filling onto the center of the tortilla. Fold in the sides, then fold the bottom up and over the filling. Roll tightly to form a burrito.
7. **Arrange in Baking Dish:** Place the burritos seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. **Smother in Sauce:** Pour the queso sauce evenly over the burritos.
9. **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend over the sauce.
10. **Bake:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. **Serve:** Let the burritos cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro and pickled onions, if desired.

## Sauce Recipes

No wet burrito is complete without a delicious sauce. Here are some recipes to get you started:

### Red Chile Sauce

**Ingredients:**

* 4 ounces dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
* 2 cloves garlic
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon oregano
* Salt to taste
* 2 cups water

**Instructions:**

1. **Rehydrate the Chiles:** Place the dried chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes, or until softened.
2. **Blend the Sauce:** Drain the chiles and transfer them to a blender. Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and 2 cups of water. Blend until smooth.
3. **Strain the Sauce (Optional):** For a smoother sauce, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Pour the sauce into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

### Salsa Verde

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound tomatillos, husked and rinsed
* 1/2 onion, roughly chopped
* 2 cloves garlic
* 2 jalapeños, stemmed and roughly chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
* 1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
* 1/4 cup water
* Salt to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Roast the Tomatillos:** Preheat your broiler. Place the tomatillos on a baking sheet and broil for 5-7 minutes, or until they are slightly charred and softened. Flip them over and broil for another 5-7 minutes.
2. **Blend the Sauce:** Transfer the roasted tomatillos to a blender. Add the onion, garlic, jalapeños, cilantro, water, and salt. Blend until smooth.
3. **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt or jalapeño for more heat.

### Queso Sauce

**Ingredients:**

* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
* 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
* 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Make a Roux:** In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
2. **Add Milk:** Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
3. **Melt the Cheese:** Reduce heat to low. Add the Velveeta cheese and Monterey Jack cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in the diced green chiles and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

## Tips for Making the Best Wet Burritos

* **Don’t Overfill the Burritos:** Overfilling the burritos will make them difficult to roll and more likely to fall apart when smothered in sauce.
* **Warm the Tortillas:** Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your wet burritos. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
* **Don’t Skimp on the Sauce:** The sauce is what makes a wet burrito a wet burrito! Be generous with the sauce to ensure that the tortillas are fully soaked and flavorful.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of jalapeños or chili powder in the recipes to suit your personal preference.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the burritos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
* **Get Creative with Fillings:** Feel free to experiment with different fillings to create your own unique wet burrito creations. Consider adding roasted vegetables, grilled shrimp, or your favorite type of beans.

## Variations and Customizations

The beauty of wet burritos is that they are incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas:

* **Vegetarian Wet Burritos:** Replace the meat with seasoned tofu, black beans, or roasted vegetables.
* **Spicy Wet Burritos:** Add extra jalapeños or chili powder to the filling and sauce.
* **Seafood Wet Burritos:** Fill the burritos with grilled shrimp or fish and top with a creamy cilantro-lime sauce.
* **Breakfast Wet Burritos:** Fill the burritos with scrambled eggs, sausage, potatoes, and cheese, and top with a spicy salsa verde.
* **Green Chile Chicken Wet Burritos:** Use shredded chicken and a green chile sauce for a Southwestern-inspired twist.

## Serving Suggestions

Wet burritos are a complete meal on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides, such as:

* **Mexican Rice:** A classic accompaniment to any Mexican dish.
* **Refried Beans:** A creamy and flavorful side dish.
* **Guacamole:** A refreshing and healthy dip.
* **Sour Cream:** A cool and tangy topping.
* **Pico de Gallo:** A fresh and vibrant salsa.
* **Mexican Street Corn Salad:** A sweet and savory side dish.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover wet burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the burritos with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the tortillas may become a bit soggy.

## Conclusion

Wet burritos are a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a little practice, you can easily create your own fabulous wet burrito creations at home. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable burrito experience!

Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and creating your own fabulous wet burrito variations. Bon appétit!