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America's Melting Pot
Wet Burritos hero image coming soon
1970-1989 - Tex-Mex restaurants and American casual dining establishments of the 1970s-1980s.
Wet Burritos are large flour tortillas filled with seasoned meat, beans, and cheese, generously topped with red chili sauce and melted cheese. Originating in Tex-Mex fusion cuisine, they rose in popularity across the United States in the 1970s and 1980s as a hearty, saucy alternative to traditional dry burritos popular at tailgates and casual dining.
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Difficulty
Medium
Prep time
20 minutes
Cook time
20 minutes
Total time
40 minutes
Servings
4
Region
Texas and the Southwest
Era introduced
1970-1989
Introduced by
Tex-Mex restaurants and American casual dining establishments of the 1970s-1980s.
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Wet Burritos, characterized by their smothering in chili sauce and melted cheese, became a Tex-Mex favorite in the late 20th century, especially between the 1970s and 1980s. Their popularity extended beyond regional Mexican-American communities into broader American fast and casual dining settings, including tailgates and food stands. The dish emphasizes hearty portions and sauciness, reflecting indulgent comfort food trends of the era.
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