Verde Wet Burritos

Verde Wet Burritos are a flavorful twist on traditional burritos, combining tender pork carnitas (or your favorite protein), refried beans, and Mexican rice all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla.

Smothered in zesty green chile enchilada sauce and topped with melted white cheddar cheese, these burritos are baked to perfection for a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, they bring the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine straight to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Verde Wet Burrito recipe because it combines the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and flavorful ingredients.

The tender pork carnitas (or your preferred protein) paired with the creamy refried beans, flavorful rice, and zesty green chile enchilada sauce make each bite a satisfying experience.

The melted cheese and baked tortilla create a comforting, gooey texture that elevates the dish to a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, it’s customizable, so you can easily adjust the fillings to suit your tastes, making it a versatile and delicious meal for any occasion.

Key Ingredients:

Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping up the filling.

Pork carnitas: Tender, flavorful slow-cooked pork (or substitute with seasoned chicken or ground beef).

Refried beans: Creamy and savory, providing a rich base for the burrito.

Mexican or Spanish rice: Fluffy rice that complements the other ingredients and adds texture.

Shredded white cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy and savory topping.

Green chile enchilada sauce: Adds a zesty, tangy kick that ties the burrito together.

How to make Verde Wet Burritos

Ingredients

2 large flour tortillas 10″

3/4 cup pork carnitas (or substitute seasoned chicken, shredded or ground beef)

1/2 cup refried beans

1/2 cup Mexican or Spanish rice (we use Zatarain’s)

3/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese divided

1 cup green chile enchilada sauce

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375° F (190° C).

Warm the flour tortillas to make them pliable. Mix the rice and beans together and spread equally onto the center of each tortilla.

Divide the meat equally on top of the bean mixture.

Top with half the cheese.

Fold in the sides of the burrito and roll it tightly.

Pour half the enchilada sauce into an 8×8″ baking dish.

Place the rolled burritos seam-side down in the baking dish.

Pour the remaining sauce over the top.

Bake for 10 minutes.

Remove from oven and sprinkle on the remaining cheese.

Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.

Notes

You can use any type of meat you want, but be sure to season it well for added flavor.

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You can substitute the verde enchilada sauce with red enchilada sauce, for a different version.

Notes:

Customizable Protein: This recipe is versatile and allows you to use different proteins such as pork carnitas, seasoned chicken, shredded beef, or ground beef. Ensure your choice of protein is well-seasoned for optimal flavor.

Substitution of Sauces: While the recipe uses green chile enchilada sauce for a verde version, you can switch it up by using red enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile.

Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare these burritos ahead of time, wrap them in foil, and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This is convenient for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Topping Suggestions: Customize your burritos with various toppings such as fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice. These toppings add freshness and complement the flavors.

Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. While the recipe uses shredded white cheddar, you can substitute with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses based on your preference.

Adjusting Spice Levels: The spiciness of the dish can be tailored by choosing a mild, medium, or hot variety of green chile enchilada sauce. You can also adjust the amount of sauce used to control the heat level.

Convenience with Store-Bought Ingredients: You can use store-bought precooked carnitas to save time, or make them from scratch using your preferred cooking method for a homemade touch.

Vegetarian Option: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the meat and replace it with additional beans or roasted vegetables.

Customizing the Filling: Enhance the burrito filling by adding sautéed bell peppers, diced onions, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and texture.

Spicing it Up: If you prefer spicier burritos, use a spicier variety of green chile enchilada sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling mixture. Serving with a side of spicy salsa or hot sauce can also elevate the heat level.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different protein instead of pork carnitas?

Yes, you can substitute pork carnitas with other proteins such as seasoned chicken, shredded beef, or ground beef to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions.

Can I make the burritos ahead of time and reheat them later?

Yes, you can prepare the burritos ahead of time, wrap them in foil, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.

When reheating, make sure to cover the burritos with foil to prevent them from drying out.

What can I serve as toppings for the Verde Wet Burritos?

You can garnish the burritos with various toppings such as fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice to add extra flavor and texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for shredded white cheddar cheese, you can use other types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Is the enchilada sauce spicy?

The spiciness of the enchilada sauce can vary depending on the brand and type you use. If you prefer a milder version, choose a mild green chile enchilada sauce.

For more heat, you can opt for a medium or hot variety.

You can also adjust the amount of enchilada sauce to suit your spice preference.

Can I use store-bought carnitas or should I make them from scratch?

You can use store-bought pre-cooked carnitas to save time, or you can make them from scratch using your favorite slow-cooker or braising method for more control over the flavor.

Can I use different types of beans in the recipe?

Yes, you can customize the recipe by using different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, based on your preference.

What other vegetables can I add to the filling?

You can enhance the filling with additional vegetables like sautéed bell peppers, diced onions, or even sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the pork carnitas or any other meat and replacing it with additional beans or roasted vegetables.

How can I make the burritos spicier?

To increase the spiciness, you can use a spicier variety of green chile enchilada sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes to the filling mixture.

Additionally, serving with a spicy salsa or hot sauce can add more heat to the dish.