Moist Burritos Recipe
Moist burritos, also known as wet burritos, are a comforting, hearty dish smothered in flavorful sauce and topped with melted cheese. This recipe combines seasoned beef, beans, and a savory enchilada sauce for the perfect dinner to please the whole family. Here’s how to make these delicious, saucy burritos.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 4.5 oz diced green peppers
- 16 oz refried beans
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 10 oz enchilada sauce
- 15 oz beanless chili (e.g., Hormel)
- 6 large flour tortillas (approximately 12 inches)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Minced green onions (for garnish)
- Optional additional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, etc.
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready when you’re done assembling the burritos.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Drain any excess grease from the beef mixture. Add the minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir in the diced green chiles and refried beans until the mixture is well-blended and heated through. Remove from heat, but keep the mixture warm.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate medium-sized skillet, combine the tomato sauce, enchilada sauce, and beanless chili. Whisk the ingredients together and cook over medium heat until the mixture is heated through and begins to simmer. Once warm, turn off the heat and keep the sauce ready for pouring.
Step 5: Assemble the Burritos
Divide the beef and bean mixture into 6 equal portions. Place one burrito-sized flour tortilla on a flat surface, and spoon 1/6 of the beef mixture into the center of the tortilla. Top with a bit of shredded cheese and lettuce (if you prefer the lettuce inside). You can also add other vegetables if desired.
Step 6: Fold the Burritos
To fold the burrito, fold the left and right sides of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the top and bottom sides over the center, creating a secure package. Repeat the process for the remaining tortillas.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Place the assembled burritos seam-side down in two greased 9×13-inch baking dishes. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the top of the burritos, ensuring they are completely covered. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the burritos.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the burritos in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the burritos are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once the burritos are done baking, remove them from the oven and garnish with additional shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, minced green onions, sour cream, and any other toppings of your choice.
Tips for Making Moist Burritos:
- Customizing the Filling: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or shredded chicken to change up the flavor. Vegetarians can substitute the meat with more beans or a meat alternative.
- Sauce Options: If you prefer a spicier dish, choose a hot enchilada sauce or add some diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Keep the Tortillas Warm: Warming the tortillas before assembling will make them easier to fold and prevent them from cracking.
- Freezing for Later: These burritos can be frozen for easy meal prep. Assemble the burritos, but don’t add the sauce or cheese. Wrap them in foil and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw, add sauce and cheese, and bake as directed.
- Serve with Sides: Moist burritos pair well with sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple salad with avocado.
FAQ:
1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with more beans, lentils, or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the burritos and refrigerate them (without the sauce) for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, pour the sauce over the burritos, add the cheese, and bake as directed.
3. How do I prevent the burritos from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, be sure to bake the burritos right after assembling them and avoid adding too much sauce until the final step. Additionally, keeping the lettuce out of the inside will help avoid excess moisture.
4. What type of tortillas work best?
Large, burrito-sized flour tortillas (12 inches) work best for this recipe because they can hold the filling without tearing. Corn tortillas are not recommended as they are more prone to breaking.
5. How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the burrito in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious, moist burritos, packed with flavor and covered in a savory sauce! These burritos are perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or just a satisfying meal on a busy weeknight.