There are few dishes in Mexican cuisine that hit the spot like a wet burrito. This comfort food staple takes the familiar, beloved burrito and elevates it to new heights with a rich, flavorful red sauce that envelops the burrito in a delightful, tangy embrace. The wet burrito, often filled with seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and cheese, is smothered in a delicious homemade red sauce that brings all the elements together in a burst of bold flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a satisfying, hearty meal, this authentic Mexican wet burrito recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

In this blog post, we will walk you through the entire process of creating the perfect wet burrito from scratch, including the homemade red sauce that makes this dish so special. From prepping the filling to smothering the burrito with that delicious sauce and baking it to perfection, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and get started!

How to Make an Authentic Mexican Wet Burrito with Red Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need

A great wet burrito starts with high-quality, fresh ingredients. The filling is simple yet packed with flavor, while the homemade red sauce ties everything together with its rich, smoky depth. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

For the Burrito Filling:

• 4 large flour tortillas (8-10 inches)
• 1 lb ground beef (or chicken for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup cooked pinto beans or black beans (you can also use refried beans)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Red Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 dried ancho chilies (or use any dried chili of your choice, like guajillo or pasilla)
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon lime juice (for a touch of acidity)

Preparing the Red Sauce

The red sauce is arguably the star of this dish, giving the wet burrito its rich, tangy, and smoky flavor. Making the sauce from scratch is simple and ensures the best taste. Follow these steps to create the perfect red sauce:

1. Soften the Chilies: Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried ancho chilies (or whichever chili you choose). Soak them in a bowl of hot water for about 15 minutes until softened.
2. Cook the Aromatics: While the chilies are soaking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
3. Blend the Chilies: Once the chilies have softened, blend them with tomato sauce, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the chili mixture into the saucepan with the cooked onions and garlic. Stir and bring to a simmer over low heat. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add more salt, chili powder, or even a splash of lime juice for an extra zing. Once it’s perfect, remove from heat and set aside.

Cooking the Burrito Filling

Now that your red sauce is ready, it’s time to cook the burrito filling. The combination of seasoned ground beef (or chicken) with beans and rice creates a hearty, flavorful base for the burrito.

1. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or chicken) and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like, such as cumin, garlic powder, or paprika.
2. Add the Aromatics: Once the meat is browned, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Add Rice and Beans: Stir in the cooked rice and beans, mixing everything together. Let the mixture cook for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Prepare the Filling: Once the meat, rice, and beans are well combined, remove from heat and set aside.

H2: Assembling the Wet Burritos
It’s time to put everything together and create the wet burrito masterpiece. This part is easy and fun—simply fill, roll, and top with sauce!

1. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they’re soft and pliable.
2. Fill the Burritos: Place one tortilla on a flat surface and spoon a generous amount of the meat, rice, and bean mixture in the center. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese and any additional toppings you prefer (such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa).
3. Roll the Burritos: Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it up tightly to enclose the filling. Make sure the burrito is secure so the filling doesn’t spill out during baking.

H2: Baking and Serving the Wet Burritos
The final step is to bake the burritos in the red sauce. This step allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt, creating a gooey, irresistible texture.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare for Baking: Pour a thin layer of the red sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the rolled burritos in the dish, then pour the remaining red sauce over the top of the burritos. Make sure each burrito is generously covered in the sauce.
3. Bake the Burritos: Sprinkle extra cheese over the top and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is hot and sizzling.
4. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh shredded lettuce, a dollop of sour cream, and any other toppings you like. Serve your wet burritos with extra salsa, guacamole, or chips on the side for a complete meal.

Conclusion

The authentic Mexican wet burrito with red sauce is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy any craving. With its combination of seasoned meat, rice, beans, melted cheese, and a rich red sauce, this dish is a true Mexican comfort food classic. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or sharing it with friends and family, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the wonderful taste of Mexico right at your table. Happy cooking!

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