These Saucy Enchilada-Style Wet Burritos are a hearty and comforting twist on classic burritos, filled with your choice of shredded meat, beans, rice, and cheese, then smothered in warm enchilada sauce and baked until gooey and golden. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or feeding a crowd, they’re endlessly customizable and deeply satisfying. Add toppings like guacamole or sour cream, and you’ve got a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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3 cups Cooked Shredded Beef, Chicken, Pork, or Steak
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2 cups Red or Green Enchilada Sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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1 can Black or Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed (or use refried beans)
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1½ cups Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice (white or brown)
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2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (or cheese of choice), divided
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5 Large Burrito-Sized Flour Tortillas
Optional Fillings:
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Sautéed Bell Peppers and Onions
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Roasted Corn
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Shredded Cabbage
Toppings:
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Sour Cream
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Guacamole
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Pico de Gallo or Salsa
Directions
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Preheat Oven:
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. -
Assemble the Burritos:
Lay out tortillas and fill each with meat, beans, rice, and half the cheese.
Roll tightly, folding in the sides, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet. -
Bake First Round:
Bake for 20 minutes until the burritos are heated through. -
Add Sauce & Cheese:
While baking, warm the enchilada sauce. After 20 minutes, remove burritos and pour the sauce over them. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. -
Bake Again:
Return to oven and bake a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. -
Serve:
Top with sour cream, guacamole, and pico de gallo or salsa. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrients (Per Burrito, Approximate)
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Calories: ~600–700 kcal
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Carbohydrates: ~45g
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Protein: ~35g
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Fat: ~30g
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Fiber: ~6g
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Sodium: ~800mg
Why These Burritos Are So Satisfying
The appeal of wet burritos lies in their perfect blend of soft, crispy, cheesy, and saucy. Baking the burritos once before adding the sauce ensures the filling is hot and the tortilla slightly crisped. Pouring enchilada sauce over the top and baking again softens the outer layer into a fork-tender wrap that melds beautifully with the filling. It’s a satisfying marriage of comfort food and bold Mexican-inspired flavors. The enchilada sauce infuses the entire dish with warmth and spice, while the melted cheese offers a rich, creamy finish.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can use any protein you like—shredded beef, chicken, pork, or steak all work beautifully. You can even go vegetarian by swapping in roasted vegetables, tofu, or more beans. The beans themselves can be refried, black, or pinto, and the rice can be traditional Mexican-style or a zesty cilantro lime variety. Add sautéed bell peppers, roasted corn, or shredded cabbage for crunch and freshness. Each burrito can be personalized, making this dish ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests with different preferences.
Enchilada Sauce: The Star of the Show
Whether you use red or green enchilada sauce, homemade or store-bought, the sauce is what transforms this from a standard burrito to something indulgent and memorable. Red sauce adds smoky depth and a bit of heat, while green enchilada sauce brings brightness and a slightly tangy kick. Either choice creates that signature “wet” texture, soaking into the burrito shell and merging with the melty cheese on top. For best results, warm the sauce before pouring it over the burritos so it melds more easily with the other components during baking.
Layered with Texture and Flavor
These burritos are more than just heavy—they’re balanced. Inside, you get a combination of tender shredded meat, creamy beans, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese. Outside, the tortilla is crisped from the first bake and then softened by the enchilada sauce during the second. The result is a burrito with just the right amount of bite, chew, and melt. The contrast between the warm fillings and cool toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and fresh salsa adds a refreshing final flourish.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
To elevate your wet burrito experience, add some fresh and creamy toppings once they come out of the oven. A spoonful of sour cream brings tangy richness, while guacamole adds a cooling, buttery contrast. Pico de gallo or salsa adds brightness and acidity, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro offers a pop of herbaceous flavor. Serve with a lime wedge on the side to squeeze over the top, or add pickled jalapeños for a little extra heat. You can also offer sides like:
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Tortilla chips and salsa
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Mexican street corn (elote)
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A crisp romaine salad with avocado and lime dressing
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Cilantro-lime slaw
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Refried beans or Spanish rice
These sides round out the meal and create a festive spread perfect for gatherings.
Tips for the Best Burritos
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Use burrito-sized tortillas that are soft and pliable to avoid tearing when rolling.
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Warm the tortillas briefly before assembling to make them easier to fold.
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Don’t overstuff. Overfilling can cause the burritos to fall apart. Stick to about ½–¾ cup filling per tortilla.
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Place seam-side down on the baking sheet to help the burritos hold their shape.
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Line your baking dish or tray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
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Bake uncovered to get that perfect melted cheese topping and slightly crispy edges.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These wet burritos are perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners:
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Assemble and refrigerate the burritos (without sauce) up to one day in advance. Add sauce and cheese just before baking.
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Freeze assembled burritos before adding sauce. Wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw, add sauce and cheese, and bake as directed.
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Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
These storage tips make them a great option for busy weeknights, packed lunches, or batch cooking for the week ahead.
Nutritional Balance and Dietary Adjustments
At around 600–700 calories per burrito, this is a satisfying and filling meal packed with protein (around 35g), moderate fat, and fiber-rich carbs. For a lighter version:
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Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas
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Choose lean proteins like grilled chicken or ground turkey
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Opt for light cheese or reduce the amount
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Swap rice for cauliflower rice to lower carbs
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Use less sauce or a low-sodium enchilada variety
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Add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to bulk up the filling without extra calories
These swaps make the burritos customizable for keto, gluten-free (with gluten-free tortillas), or lower-fat diets.
Conclusion
These Saucy Enchilada-Style Wet Burritos are the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—hearty, customizable, and packed with bold, comforting flavors. With a satisfying filling, gooey cheese, and a generous blanket of enchilada sauce, they’re the perfect dish for feeding your family, satisfying a craving, or entertaining friends. Serve them hot with all your favorite toppings and watch them disappear fast. Once you’ve tried these wet burritos, they’re sure to become a regular feature in your dinner rotation.