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Vegetarian enchiladas with melted cheese and cilantro in baking dish

Vegetarian Enchiladas: 7 Secrets to Make Them Perfect Every Time


  • Author: Nancy McCarthy
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Vegetarian Enchiladas are a comforting and hearty meatless meal packed with black beans, zucchini, bell pepper, and topped with cheese and red enchilada sauce. Easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 zucchini, chopped

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

2 cups red enchilada sauce

For Assembly:

8 small flour or corn tortillas (gluten-free if needed)

1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or dairy-free)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Lime wedges, for serving

Optional Toppings:

Diced avocado or guacamole

Sour cream or dairy-free yogurt

Pickled red onions

Sliced jalapeños


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and sauté 2–3 mins.

3. Add garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook until tender, 4–5 mins.

4. Stir in black beans, corn, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 2–3 mins.

5. Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.

6. Spoon about 1/3 cup filling into each tortilla. Add cheese if desired and roll up tightly.

7. Place rolled tortillas seam-side down in baking dish. Pour sauce over, top with cheese.

8. Cover with foil and bake 15 mins. Uncover and bake an additional 10 mins until bubbly.

9. Let cool, garnish with cilantro, avocado, or sour cream. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Make it vegan by using dairy-free cheese or cashew queso.

Prepare and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for easy meal prep.

Freeze unbaked enchiladas for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: vegetarian enchiladas, meatless enchiladas, enchiladas with beans, plant-based comfort food