Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

This easy bean and cheese enchiladas recipe is a delightful way to enjoy bold Mexican flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, these enchiladas feature a creamy bean filling, melted cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, this customizable dish is vegetarian-friendly and loved by all at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of refried beans and cheese creates a creamy and satisfying filling that everyone will love.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make these enchiladas uniquely yours.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for vegetarians and can easily accommodate various dietary needs.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time and freeze for quick meals on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process much smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl allows for easy combining of ingredients without spills.
• Spoon or spatula: Useful for spreading the filling evenly inside the tortillas.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure you get the right consistency and flavor.

Ingredients

For this easy bean and cheese enchiladas recipe, you’ll need:

Tortillas

• 8 tortillas (corn or flour)

Filling

• 2 cups refried beans (or mashed black beans)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Sauce

• 2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional)

For Greasing the Dish

• 1 tablespoon oil

How to Make Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your enchiladas cook evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the refried beans with half of the shredded cheese. If using onions, mix them in as well.

Step 3: Fill the Tortillas

Lay each tortilla flat on a clean surface. Place a generous spoonful of the bean mixture in the center. Roll up each tortilla tightly.

Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish

Grease your baking dish with oil. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the dish. Pour enchilada sauce over them, covering well.

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the enchiladas. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as they bake.

Step 6: Bake Your Enchiladas

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Enjoy your Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas!

How to Serve Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

These easy bean and cheese enchiladas are delicious on their own but can be enhanced with a few creative serving suggestions. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Cilantro: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
• Diced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices make for a delightful contrast in texture.

Pair with Sides

• Mexican Rice: Serve alongside fluffy Mexican rice for a hearty combination.
• Refried Beans: A side of refried beans complements the enchiladas perfectly.

Drizzle Sauces

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Hot Sauce: For those who love heat, drizzle some hot sauce over the top.

Serve with Salads

• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette offers a fresh counterpoint.
• Corn Salad: Sweet corn salad adds a crunchy texture that pairs well with the enchiladas.

How to Perfect Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Perfecting your easy bean and cheese enchiladas is simple with a few helpful tips. Follow these guidelines for the best results.

• Use Fresh Tortillas: Fresh corn or flour tortillas will enhance the flavor and texture.
• Layer Ingredients: Spread a bit of enchilada sauce in the bottom of your dish before layering the enchiladas. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the tortillas to prevent tearing when rolling them up.
• Bake Thoroughly: Ensure they bake long enough to let the cheese melt completely and bubble nicely.
• Adjust Spiciness: You can customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy enchilada sauce according to your preference.
• Add Extra Cheese on Top: For an even cheesier topping, sprinkle extra cheese before baking.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Serving side dishes alongside your easy bean and cheese enchiladas can create a complete meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with spices makes for a filling addition.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a comforting side that pairs well with enchiladas.
3. Guacamole: Fresh guacamole offers rich flavors and healthy fats that complement the dish beautifully.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is sweet and savory, making it an excellent pair.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa add an appetizer touch before the main course.
6. Pico de Gallo: This fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and freshness to balance out the richness of the enchiladas.
7. Cabbage Slaw: A zesty cabbage slaw provides crunch and acidity that enhances every bite of enchilada.
8. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing black bean salad adds protein and fiber, making it a nutritious complement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are a few mistakes to keep in mind:

• Using stale tortillas: Stale tortillas can break easily and ruin your enchiladas. Always use fresh tortillas or warm them up before filling.
• Overfilling the enchiladas: Overfilling can make it difficult to roll them tightly without spilling. Stick to a moderate amount of filling for each tortilla.
• Neglecting the sauce: Not adding enough enchilada sauce can lead to dry enchiladas. Ensure you generously coat each layer for the best flavor and moisture.
• Skipping the toppings: Toppings like chopped cilantro or diced onions add extra flavor and freshness. Don’t skip these optional garnishes as they enhance the overall experience.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking unprepared enchiladas can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven before placing your dish inside for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

• Wrap enchiladas tightly in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas:

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, you can use any type of beans you prefer, such as black beans or pinto beans, depending on your taste.

How do I make my own enchilada sauce?

You can make a simple enchilada sauce using tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and vegetable broth.

Are Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas gluten-free?

If you choose corn tortillas that are certified gluten-free, this dish can be made gluten-free.

Can I customize the cheese used?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Print

Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas are not only delicious but also highly customizable. You can adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Whether you’re serving them at a casual gathering or enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner, these enchiladas are sure to please everyone at the table!