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Vegetarian Enchiladas recipe


  • Author: Olivia

Ingredients

Scale

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

    • 2 cloves garlic, minced

    • 1 medium bell pepper (any color), chopped

    • 1 small zucchini, chopped (optional)

    • 1 cup frozen or canned corn, drained

    • 1 (15-ounce / 425g) can black beans, rinsed and drained

    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

    • 1 teaspoon chili powder

    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)

    • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

    • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

    • 1 (28-ounce / 790g) can red enchilada sauce (or about 3.5 cups homemade)

    • 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas

    • 1.52 cups shredded Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Mexican blend cheese (about 68 oz / 170-225g)

    • Optional Toppings: Sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, sliced radishes.


Instructions

    1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or spread about 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom. This prevents the enchiladas from sticking.

    1. Sauté the Filling: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper (and zucchini, if using) and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

    1. Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in the drained corn and rinsed black beans. Add the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes more, until the spices are fragrant and everything is heated through. Remove from heat. You can stir in about 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese into the filling mixture now, if desired, for extra cheesiness inside.

    1. Prepare the Tortillas (Important Step): To make the corn tortillas pliable and prevent them from cracking when rolled, you need to warm them. You have a few options:
        • Microwave: Wrap the stack of tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave on high for 45-60 seconds, until warm and flexible. Work quickly as they cool down fast.

        • Light Fry: Briefly fry each tortilla in a lightly oiled skillet (a thin layer of hot oil) for about 10-15 seconds per side until softened but not crisp. Drain on paper towels. This adds flavor but also extra calories/fat.

        • Sauce Dip (Alternative): Warm the enchilada sauce in a separate skillet. Dip each tortilla briefly into the warm sauce to coat both sides, then fill and roll. This method infuses sauce flavor directly into the tortilla.

    1. Assemble the Enchiladas: Lay one warmed tortilla flat. Spoon about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the vegetable and bean filling down the center. Roll the tortilla up snugly (but not too tight) around the filling.

    1. Arrange in Dish: Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them snugly side-by-side in the dish.

    1. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of all the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the sauce.

    1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

    1. Rest: Carefully remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling and sauce to set slightly, making them easier to serve.

    1. Garnish and Serve: Garnish generously with your desired toppings (sour cream, cilantro, avocado, etc.) and serve immediately.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 450-600 kcal