If you are craving something hearty, comforting, and packed full of vibrant flavors, this Wet Burritos with Enchilada Sauce and Cheddar Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture warm, soft flour tortillas stuffed with a savory, spiced meat filling, bathed generously in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with bubbly melted cheddar that brings it all together in a gooey, irresistible embrace. This dish is not just a meal, but an experience that brings a cozy, festive flair to your dining table, perfect for sharing with friends or family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these wet burritos truly unforgettable. From the seasoned ground beef to the melty cheeses and vibrant spices, these essentials ensure you get that perfect balance with every bite.
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey): The hearty protein base that carries all the delicious spices and fillings.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed until tender.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning): Provides authentic Mexican-inspired flavor with the perfect mix of spices.
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional): Adds a comforting, fluffy texture and helps stretch the filling to feed more mouths.
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional): Offers a creamy, earthy contrast while adding fiber and protein.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A sharp, melty cheese that enriches the filling beautifully.
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for topping): Brings cool creaminess to balance the bold spices.
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade): The vibrant, tangy sauce that makes these burritos “wet” and extra saucy.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps thin the sauce slightly for perfect coverage.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat): Amp up the spice level to suit your taste buds.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory undertone to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- 6 large flour tortillas: Soft, pliable wraps that hold all the filling and sauce deliciously.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar cheese): Sprinkled on top for that gorgeous melted crown.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal punch and a pop of color.
- Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for serving (optional): Perfect accompaniments to elevate every bite.
How to Make Wet Burritos with Enchilada Sauce and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by cooking your ground beef (or choice of chicken or turkey) in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and browned. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even cooking and great texture. Then add the chopped onion and cook together for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in your taco seasoning mix along with any water required if using a packet seasoning, and let that simmer so all the flavors meld wonderfully. If you want to stretch the filling, mix in cooked rice and black beans – these add a heartiness that makes every bite so satisfying.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the filling is simmering, pour your enchilada sauce into a small saucepan. Add water, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder for that extra burst of flavor. Heat it over medium heat, stirring now and then until it’s warmed through. This sauce is going to be the showstopper that drenches your burritos in rich, tangy goodness.
Step 3: Assemble the Burritos
Warm your flour tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a dry skillet — this makes them easy to roll without tearing. Spoon an even amount of the filling onto each tortilla, adding a sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top before rolling tightly into burritos. This cheesy layer inside adds a gooey surprise with every bite.
Step 4: Bake the Wet Burritos with Enchilada Sauce and Cheddar Recipe
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay out your rolled burritos in the dish, then pour the prepared enchilada sauce all over them, making sure each burrito is completely covered with sauce. Sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly on top, then pop the dish into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. When you take it out, the cheese should be melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, creating that perfect crust that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Wet Burritos with Enchilada Sauce and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing with fresh cilantro sprigs really brightens up these wet burritos and adds a lovely herbal note that cuts through the richness. A dollop of sour cream on the side not only adds creaminess but also tempers any extra heat for a perfectly balanced bite. Guacamole and spicy salsa make wonderful companions as well, bringing fresh, zesty elements to the plate.
Side Dishes
Pair your wet burritos with simple yet complementary sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette. These sides round out the meal by adding varied textures and flavors while staying aligned with the comforting, homestyle vibe of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make an impression? Serve your wet burritos in individual casserole dishes for personal portions or stack them in a lazy “burrito tower” topped with all your favorite garnishes. For family gatherings, this recipe doubles beautifully and can be served buffet-style so everyone can scoop their favorite extras on top. Don’t forget, a sprinkling of pickled jalapeños can add a delightful zing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more satisfying.
Freezing
This Wet Burritos with Enchilada Sauce and Cheddar Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy later with minimal flavor loss.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap and place the burrito on a baking sheet. Cover with foil to keep them moist and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them in short bursts but baking maintains that lovely baked cheese texture better.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with sautéed veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini, and swap the meat-based taco seasoning for a vegetarian-friendly mix. The beans and rice already included make it filling and delicious.
What can I use if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce on hand, you can make a quick version by mixing tomato sauce with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust to taste for that signature tangy-spicy flavor.
Is it necessary to add rice and beans?
No, rice and beans are optional but recommended if you want to stretch the filling and add more texture and nutrition. They help make the burritos more substantial without overpowering the classic flavors.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Sure! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or simply omit the cheese and sour cream. The enchilada sauce carries plenty of flavor, and the dish will still be satisfying without dairy.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mildly spicy by default but easily adjustable. Leaving out the optional chili powder tones down the heat, while adding jalapeños or extra chili powder cranks it up for heat lovers.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Wet Burritos with Enchilada Sauce and Cheddar Recipe is like inviting a warm fiesta right into your kitchen. Its rich flavors, melty cheese, and that irresistibly saucy finish make it a standout meal any day of the week. I promise once you make this, it will become one of your go-to dishes for gatherings or cozy family dinners — so don’t wait, grab those ingredients and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious comfort food!
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Wet Burritos with Enchilada Sauce and Cheddar Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Delicious and hearty Wet Burritos made with seasoned ground beef, rice, and black beans, smothered in enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Perfectly baked to create a comforting and satisfying meal, served with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning)
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Assembly and Serving
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar cheese)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef (or chicken) over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Cook Onion: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Seasoning and Mix-ins: Stir in the taco seasoning mix (include water if directed by the seasoning package) and simmer following package instructions. If using, stir in the cooked rice and black beans, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the enchilada sauce, water, chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, then remove from heat.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a dry skillet to make them pliable for rolling.
- Assemble Burritos: Spoon the filling evenly onto each tortilla, top with a little shredded cheddar cheese, then roll the tortilla tightly to form a burrito.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange Burritos: Place the rolled burritos seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the burritos, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the sauce-covered burritos.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Optional ingredients like rice and black beans add texture and fiber but can be omitted for a meatier burrito.
- Adjust chili powder to control the heat level to your taste.
- Be sure to warm the tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For gluten-free, choose corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, but note the texture and rolling might differ.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
