Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas
Why this recipe works
- Built-in depth: Softened onion, garlic, cumin and chilli powder give the tomato sauce a savoury base before the enchiladas go into the oven.
- Bright filling: Lime juice lifts the black beans and sweetcorn, cutting through the richness of the cheese and sauce.
- Practical for planning: The baked enchiladas refrigerate and freeze well, making them useful for batch cooking or preparing dinner in advance.
Get the most out of this recipe
Adjust the heat
- For less heat: Reduce the hot chilli powder or swap it for smoked paprika to keep warmth and colour without as much spice.
- For more heat: Add extra chilli powder to the sauce or finish with sliced chillies at the table so each serving can be adjusted.
- Keep the flavour balanced: If you increase the chilli, add lime and seasoning gradually so the sauce stays bright rather than harsh.
Texture tips
- Cover the tortilla edges: Spoon sauce over the exposed edges before baking so the tortillas soften evenly instead of drying out.
- Let them rest before serving: A short rest after baking helps the enchiladas hold together when lifted from the dish.
- Bake just until bubbling: Once the sauce is hot and the cheese has melted, the filling is ready; longer baking can make the tortillas too soft.
Make-ahead tips
- Make the sauce ahead: The tomato sauce can be cooked in advance and chilled, then used when you are ready to assemble.
- Reheat gently: Warm leftovers in a 180°C (355°F) oven until piping hot, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.
- Freeze cooked portions: Cool completely, wrap well and freeze in portions; defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving ideas
- Serve with rice or salad: Plain rice, a crisp green salad or a simple cabbage slaw balance the saucy baked tortillas.
- Add fresh toppings: Finish with coriander, sliced spring onions, avocado or a spoonful of yoghurt-style topping for freshness.
- Offer extra sauce: Serve with salsa, hot sauce or a squeeze of lime for diners who want a sharper finish.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Lightly oil a baking dish large enough to fit the enchiladas snugly.
- Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion with a pinch of the salt and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in the ground cumin and hot chilli powder for 20 seconds, then add the tomato passata and water. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly thickened; season with the remaining salt and the black pepper.
- Tip half the sauce into the baking dish and spread it out. In a mixing bowl, combine the black beans and sweetcorn, then squeeze in the lime juice and stir well.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry frying pan for 10 to 15 seconds per side until pliable. Fill each tortilla with the bean mixture, roll up, and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas, making sure the edges are covered. Sprinkle over the cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until bubbling and the cheese has melted. Rest for 5 minutes before serving so the enchiladas hold together neatly.
Recipe notes
Tips
- If your tortillas crack when rolling, warm them a little longer so they soften before filling.
- For a milder dish, reduce the hot chilli powder to 0.5 tsp and let everyone add extra at the table.
- If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the enchiladas are baked until piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace Cheddar cheese with Monterey jack cheese for a softer melt.
- Replace Hot chili powder with Smoked paprika for a gentler heat and a smoky flavour.
- Replace Lime with Lemon for a similar brightness.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 180°C (355°F) oven for 15 to 20 minutes until piping hot; add a splash of water if the sauce looks dry. Freeze portions well wrapped for up to 2 months and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 45min (20min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
-
Allergens:
Milk
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