Wet  Burritos

Of course! Wet Burritos, also known as “Smothered Burritos,” are a quintessential comfort food. They take all the delicious components of a standard burrito and elevate them by smothering them in a rich, flavorful enchilada-style sauce and melted cheese. They are hearty, messy, and absolutely delicious.

Here’s how to make the ultimate homemade wet burritos.

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The Ultimate Wet Burritos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

· Family Favorite: A complete, satisfying meal in one package.
· Customizable: Easily adapt the fillings to your liking (beef, chicken, bean).
· Perfect for Crowds: Great for feeding a family or for meal prep.
· Comfort Food at its Best: The combination of saucy, cheesy, and hearty is unbeatable.

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Ingredients

For the Filling:

· 1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20) or ground turkey
· 1 medium yellow onion, diced
· 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning OR 2 tbsp homemade seasoning
· ½ cup water
· 1 (16 oz) can refried beans (pinto or black bean)
· 2 cups cooked Spanish rice (or white rice)
· 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided

For the Sauce:

· 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce (or 1 ½ cups homemade)
· 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup* (This is the secret for a creamy, rich, and thick sauce!)
· Substitute: For a non-creamy version, use a second can of enchilada sauce. For a from-scratch creamy substitute, make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth.

For Assembly:

· 4-6 large burrito-size flour tortillas (10-inch)
· Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add the taco seasoning and ½ cup water. Stir and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the water is mostly absorbed. Remove from heat.
3. In a bowl, warm the refried beans slightly in the microwave to make them easier to spread.

Step 2: Make the Wet Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the can of enchilada sauce and the can of cream of chicken soup until smooth. This creates a rich, thick, and incredibly flavorful sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Burritos

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Warm the tortillas: Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds. This makes them pliable and prevents cracking.
3. Lay a tortilla flat. Spread a generous spoonful of refried beans down the center.
4. Top with a layer of the seasoned meat mixture, a layer of Spanish rice, and a sprinkle of cheese.
5. Fold: Fold the sides of the tortilla inward over the filling, then roll from the bottom up, tucking tightly to form a burrito. Place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
6. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, placing them snugly in the dish.

Step 4: Smother and Bake

1. Pour the prepared enchilada sauce mixture evenly over the top of the burritos, making sure to cover the ends to prevent drying out.
2. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the sauce.
3. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
4. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let the burritos sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly so they are easier to handle.
2. Carefully lift each burrito onto a plate with a spatula. Spoon any extra sauce from the pan over the top.
3. Add your favorite fresh toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of sour cream, and olives.

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Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success:

· Tortilla Tip: Warming the tortillas is non-negotiable! It makes rolling so much easier.
· Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting, but overfilling will make the burritos difficult to roll and they may burst open in the oven.
· Make Ahead: You can assemble the burritos (without the sauce and cheese topping) a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, prepare the sauce, pour it over the cold burritos, add the cheese, and add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.
· Protein Swaps: Feel free to use shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!), ground turkey, or seasoned black beans for a vegetarian version.
· Spice Level: Control the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce and adding chopped green chiles or jalapeños to the filling.

Enjoy your incredibly satisfying, saucy, and cheesy homemade wet burritos