Brace yourselves, folks – we’re about to embark on a flavor-packed journey with the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort food: Baked Wet Burritos! These hearty, saucy burritos are a family favorite for good reason. With layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a tantalizing sauce, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving more.
The origins of the baked wet burrito can be traced back to the vibrant Tex-Mex cuisine, where bold flavors and creative twists on classic Mexican dishes reign supreme. This dish takes the humble burrito and elevates it to new heights, transforming it into a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Baked Wet Burritos
To create these mouthwatering baked wet burritos, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp cumin
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp pepper
- 1 (16 oz) can refried beans
- 1 (4.5 oz) can diced green chile peppers
- 1 (15 oz) can chili without beans
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce
- 6 (12-inch) flour tortillas, warmed
- 2 cups shredded lettuce, divided
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes, divided
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- ½ cup chopped green onions, divided
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in these baked wet burritos. The ground beef provides a hearty base, while the refried beans and green chiles add a creamy, slightly spicy element. The combination of chili, tomato soup, and enchilada sauce creates a rich, saucy topping that truly makes these burritos “wet” and irresistible.
How to Prepare Baked Wet Burritos
Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s get started with the step-by-step instructions for making these incredible baked wet burritos:
- Preheat the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the burritos.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s evenly browned. Drain any excess grease, then add the chopped onion and cook until the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper, and continue cooking for an additional minute.
- Add Beans and Chiles: To the seasoned beef, stir in the refried beans and diced green chile peppers until everything is well combined.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the chili without beans, condensed tomato soup, and enchilada sauce. Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and well blended.
- Assemble the Burritos: Place a warmed tortilla on a plate and spoon a generous portion of the beef-bean mixture into the center. Top with some shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes. Carefully roll up the tortilla, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Smother and Bake: Arrange the rolled burritos in a baking dish and pour the prepared sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the shredded Mexican cheese blend and chopped green onions.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the mixture is hot and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your piping hot baked wet burritos and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips and Variations for Baked Wet Burritos
To make these baked wet burritos even more amazing, consider these handy tips and variations:
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re looking to mix things up, try substituting the ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a leaner protein option. You can also experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, to change up the flavor profile.
Vegetarian Options
For a meatless version, skip the beef and use a vegetable-based filling, like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also substitute the refried beans with a plant-based protein, such as lentils or tofu.
Spice Level Adjustments
Love a little extra kick? Increase the amount of diced green chiles or add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chiles or omit them altogether.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your baked wet burritos with a side of Spanish rice, sour cream, guacamole, or a fresh, crunchy salad for a complete and satisfying Tex-Mex feast. Don’t forget the ice-cold margaritas or Mexican beer to wash it all down!
Storing and Reheating
Leftover baked wet burritos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the burritos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or pop them in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
Nutritional Information for Baked Wet Burritos
While baked wet burritos are undoubtedly a comforting and delicious treat, it’s important to keep an eye on portion sizes and balance them with a healthy diet. A single serving of this dish (about one-sixth of the recipe) contains approximately:
- Calories: 500
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 1,200mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 26g
To make these baked wet burritos a bit healthier, consider using leaner ground turkey or chicken, opting for low-sodium canned goods, and incorporating more vegetables into the filling. Serve with a fresh salad or a side of roasted veggies to round out the meal and create a more balanced nutritional profile.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Cheesy Beef Taco Pasta Skillet
- Cheesy Ground Beef Enchilada Pasta Skillet
- Loaded Beef Nacho Bake
- Cheesy Taco Mac and Cheese Mashup Casserole
FAQs About Baked Wet Burritos
How can I make baked wet burritos healthier without sacrificing flavor?
To make baked wet burritos healthier, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for whole wheat tortillas to increase fiber content. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used or substitute with a lower-fat cheese option. Incorporating more vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini into the filling can add nutrients without significantly altering the flavor. Additionally, using low-sodium versions of canned ingredients and sauces can help cut down on sodium intake while maintaining taste.
Can I make baked wet burritos ahead of time for meal prep?
Yes, baked wet burritos are perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the burritos in advance, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to prepare them further in advance, consider freezing the assembled burritos. Just ensure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
What are some creative ways to use leftover baked wet burritos?
Leftover baked wet burritos can be repurposed in several delicious ways. You could slice them into bite-sized pieces and serve them as an appetizer with dips like guacamole or salsa. Another idea is to crumble them over a salad for a Tex-Mex twist, or use them as a filling for a burrito bowl with rice, beans, and fresh toppings. Additionally, you can blend them into a casserole by layering the burrito pieces with cheese and sauce, then baking until bubbly.
How can I adjust the recipe for baked wet burritos to accommodate food allergies?
To accommodate food allergies, you can make several adjustments to the baked wet burrito recipe. For gluten intolerance, use gluten-free tortillas and ensure that all sauces and canned ingredients are labeled gluten-free. If you have dairy allergies, substitute dairy cheese with a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. For those with legume allergies, you can replace refried beans with mashed sweet potatoes or a veggie medley to maintain a similar texture and flavor profile. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs.
Get ready to dive into the delicious world of baked wet burritos! This Tex-Mex classic is sure to become a new family favorite. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to savor every bite of this comforting and satisfying dish. Bon appétit!
Looking for more visual inspiration? Follow me on Pinterest, where I share new recipes, dinner tips, and behind-the-scenes kitchen moments every week. Buon appetito!
Print
Enjoy Flavorful Baked Wet Burritos for Your Next Meal!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Baked Wet Burritos are a Tex-Mex comfort food featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a rich sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
- 1 (4.5 ounce) can diced green chile peppers
- 1 (15 ounce) can chili without beans
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
- 6 (12 inch) flour tortillas, warmed
- 2 cup shredded lettuce, divided
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes, divided
- 2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- ½ cup chopped green onions, divided
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease, then add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in refried beans and diced green chile peppers until well combined.
4. In a saucepan, combine chili without beans, condensed tomato soup, and enchilada sauce. Heat until hot and well blended.
5. Place a warmed tortilla on a plate, spoon a portion of the beef-bean mixture into the center, top with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes, then roll up the tortilla.
6. Arrange rolled burritos in a baking dish, pour sauce over the top, and sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped green onions.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and mixture is hot and bubbly.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
To make these burritos healthier, consider using leaner ground turkey or chicken, opting for low-sodium canned goods, and incorporating more vegetables into the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Tex-Mex
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 50mg