You’ve had burritos. You’ve had soggy, disappointing, “why did I even bother” burritos. This is not that.
This is the final boss of burritos. The one that makes you forget every mediocre wrap you’ve ever suffered through.
Imagine a flavor bomb so powerful it resets your standards. A perfectly sauced, cheese-smothered masterpiece that holds together without falling apart in your hands.
This isn’t just dinner. It’s a statement.
It’s the meal you make when you want to win at life. It’s the recipe that gets you texts weeks later asking, “When are you making those burritos again?” Stop settling for bland.
Let’s build a legacy, one burrito at a time.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
This isn’t just ground beef in a tortilla. This is a textural masterpiece. The secret is the simmered sauce that soaks into every layer, making the tortilla soft but never mushy.
We use a blend of spices that creates a deep, complex flavor profile.
It’s savory, slightly spicy, and utterly addictive. The melted cheese acts as a glorious glue, holding the entire operation together.
It’s also incredibly forgiving. Did you slightly overcook the beef?
The saucy blanket and cheese will save it. This recipe is built for success, not stress.
Ingredients
Gather your arsenal. This is everything you need for four massive, life-altering burritos.
- For the Filling: 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for flavor), 1 small yellow onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 packet taco seasoning, 1 cup refried beans.
- For the Sauce: 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce, 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce, ½ cup beef broth.
- For Assembly: 4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas, 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sour cream, sliced jalapeños.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Filling: Brown the ground beef with the onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Drain any excess grease. Add the garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for one more minute until fragrant.
- Create the Magic Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Pour about half of this sauce mixture into the skillet with the cooked beef.
Add the refried beans and stir everything until beautifully combined.
- Warm Tortillas: Briefly heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave between damp paper towels for 20 seconds. This makes them pliable and prevents cracking. This step is non-negotiable.
- Assemble the Burritos: Spoon a generous amount of the meat mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
Top with a handful of cheese. Fold in the sides, then roll from the bottom up tightly, like a delicious edible sleeping bag.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the burritos seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Storage Instructions
Let any leftovers cool completely before storing them. IMO, they taste even better the next day after the flavors have mingled.
Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F until hot to regain that crispy-edged texture.
The microwave will work in a pinch but will make the tortilla softer.
Benefits of the Recipe
This is a complete, macro-friendly meal packed with protein and carbs. It’s the ultimate comfort food that actually fills you up. Who needs a sad salad?
It’s also highly customizable for picky eaters.
You can easily adjust the spice level or swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using cold tortillas: This is the number one reason burritos crack and fall apart. Warm them up.
Every. Single. Time.
Overfilling: You might be tempted to pack in as much as humanly possible.
Don’t. You’ll create a structural integrity nightmare that ends up on your plate, not in your hand.
Skipping the simmer: Just mixing the seasoning with the beef is not enough. Letting it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes is what develops the deep, rich flavor.
Patience is a virtue, especially here.
Alternatives
Ground beef too basic for you? Swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even shredded carnitas. For a vegetarian win, use lentils or a plant-based ground crumble.
Not a fan of flour tortillas?
Large spinach or tomato tortillas work well. You can even use a low-carb wrap if that’s your thing. The sauce and filling are the real stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these burritos ahead of time?
Absolutely.
Assemble the burritos without baking them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake them directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the best way to prevent a soggy burrito?
The key is the layering.
By putting a barrier of cheese between the saucy filling and the tortilla, you create a shield. Also, don’t drown the assembled burrito in sauce until right before it goes in the oven.
Can I freeze wet burritos?
Yes, but FYI, the tortilla texture will change slightly. Assemble and wrap them individually in foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
My burrito cracked while rolling. What did I do wrong?
You almost certainly used a cold tortilla. Or you tried to use a small tortilla for a giant amount of filling.
Warm your tortillas and don’t be greedy with the portion size.
Final Thoughts
This recipe is a game-changer. It transforms simple, affordable ingredients into a legendary meal that feels like a celebration. It’s proof that the best food doesn’t have to be complicated.
So, stop ordering takeout and start building your own burrito empire.
Your taste buds—and anyone lucky enough to get an invite to dinner—will thank you. Now go forth and conquer that skillet.
PrintGround Beef Wet Burrito
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 burritos 1x
Description
These Ground Beef Wet Burritos are savory, cheesy, and loaded with flavor. Soft tortillas are filled with a rich, spiced beef and bean mixture, topped with a luscious sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 cup refried beans
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
4 large (10-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Optional: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, sour cream, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
1. Brown ground beef with onion in skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease. Add garlic and taco seasoning, cook 1 minute.
2. Whisk together enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Pour half into skillet with beef. Add refried beans, stir until combined.
3. Heat tortillas briefly in dry skillet or microwave to make pliable.
4. Spoon meat mixture onto tortillas, top with cheese. Fold sides, roll from bottom up tightly.
5. Place burritos seam-side down in baking dish. Pour remaining sauce on top, sprinkle remaining cheese.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Notes
Cool completely before storing. Refrigerate up to 4 days; reheat in oven or air fryer at 350°F.
Microwave works but softens tortilla.
Can assemble ahead and refrigerate 24 hours before baking.
For freezing, wrap individually in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop and Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burrito
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg