Verde Wet Burritos are a delicious and hearty meal that combines flavorful pork carnitas, refried beans, Mexican rice, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a large flour tortilla and smothered in green chile enchilada sauce. This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner or a festive gathering. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 large flour tortillas (10″)
- 3/4 cup pork carnitas (substitute seasoned chicken, shredded or ground beef if desired)
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup Mexican or Spanish rice (we recommend Zatarain’s)
- 3/4 cup shredded white cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup green chile enchilada sauce
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- If you haven’t already, cook the pork carnitas according to your recipe or package instructions. You can also substitute with seasoned chicken or ground beef if preferred.
- Prepare the Mexican or Spanish rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Warm the flour tortillas in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a dry skillet over medium heat until pliable.
- Assemble the Burritos:
- Lay one tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spread 1/4 cup of refried beans in the center of the tortilla.
- Add 1/4 cup of Mexican or Spanish rice on top of the beans.
- Place half of the pork carnitas on top of the rice.
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese over the pork.
- Fold in the sides of the tortilla and roll it up tightly from the bottom to create a burrito. Repeat with the second tortilla.
- Prepare the Enchilada Sauce:
- Pour half of the green chile enchilada sauce into a baking dish, spreading it out to cover the bottom.
- Bake the Burritos:
- Place the assembled burritos seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the burritos, making sure they are well-coated.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded white cheddar cheese on top of the burritos.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the burritos in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the burritos are heated through.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Use a spatula to transfer the burritos to serving plates.
- Garnish with additional toppings if desired, such as chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, or pico de gallo.
Tips for Perfect Verde Wet Burritos:
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to customize the filling based on your preferences. You can add sautéed vegetables, black beans, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
- Cheese Choices: While white cheddar cheese works great, you can also use a blend of Mexican cheeses like Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level of the green chile enchilada sauce by choosing a mild, medium, or hot variety based on your preference.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with grilled vegetables, black beans, and corn for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Different Meats: Try using shredded beef, grilled chicken, or even shrimp for different flavor profiles.
- Sauce Variety: Experiment with different enchilada sauces like red enchilada sauce or a creamy white sauce for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 650
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 1400mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 64g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 34g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make these burritos ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the burritos ahead of time and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, add the enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until heated through.
Q: Can I freeze these burritos? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled burritos without the enchilada sauce. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, add the sauce and cheese, then bake from frozen, adjusting the baking time as needed.
Q: What can I serve with Verde Wet Burritos? A: Verde Wet Burritos pair well with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, a simple green salad, or chips and salsa.
Q: Can I use homemade enchilada sauce? A: Absolutely! Homemade green chile enchilada sauce can add a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish. Simply prepare your favorite recipe and use it in place of the store-bought sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Verde Wet Burritos are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:
- Main Course: Serve them as a hearty main course with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, and a fresh salad.
- Party Dish: Cut the burritos in half or thirds to serve as a crowd-pleasing party dish.
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced onions, and jalapeños so everyone can customize their burrito.
Verde Wet Burritos are a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With their hearty filling, melty cheese, and savory green chile enchilada sauce, these burritos are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a festive dish to serve at a gathering, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience. Enjoy the delicious combination of ingredients and the ease of preparation with this simple yet delectable Verde Wet Burrito recipe.
