Irresistible Bean, Cheese and Onion Enchiladas: Your Ultimate Meatless Mexican Feast

Every year, planning special meals brings a certain joy. This year was no different, as I eagerly prepared for our Valentine’s Luncheon. My initial thought was to whip up a batch of our family’s favorite cheesy beef enchiladas. The anticipation of that rich, savory flavor was already making my mouth water.

However, as the date approached, a realization hit me. Valentine’s Day this year fell on a Friday, right in the middle of Lent. For those observing Lent, Friday means no meat. My cherished beef enchiladas, while delicious, simply wouldn’t do.

Instead of abandoning the enchilada idea entirely, I decided to embrace the challenge. Why not use the foundational principles of my beloved beef enchilada recipe and transform it into a spectacular meatless alternative? The goal was to create something equally comforting, flavorful, and satisfying, adhering to the Lenten dietary requirements without sacrificing taste. And so, the concept of bean, cheese, and onion enchiladas was born.

What started as a spontaneous adaptation turned into a culinary triumph. These Bean, Cheese and Onion Enchiladas didn’t just turn out good; they were truly AMAZING! They quickly earned a spot as a new favorite, proving that sometimes, the best recipes are born out of necessity and a touch of creativity. This dish is not only perfect for Lent but also for any occasion when you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed Mexican meal that’s entirely vegetarian.

Pictured here with vibrant chili rellenos, this enchilada dish makes a fantastic pair for a complete Mexican dining experience.

Why Choose These Flavorful Meatless Enchiladas?

Beyond being a fantastic option for Lent, these Bean, Cheese and Onion Enchiladas offer a multitude of reasons to become a staple in your recipe rotation. They are incredibly versatile, budget-friendly, and packed with satisfying textures and tastes that even meat-lovers will adore. If you’re looking to incorporate more vegetarian meals into your diet without compromising on flavor, this recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s also remarkably easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a casual weekend gathering.

The Perfect Harmony of Simple Ingredients

One of the beauties of this dish lies in its simplicity. Using readily available ingredients, we create a complex and comforting flavor profile. Let’s break down the stars of this show:

• Refried Beans: The creamy foundation of our filling. Refried beans provide a rich, earthy base that is both filling and nutritious. You can use canned refried beans for convenience, or if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade refried beans will elevate the flavor even further. Mixing them with a bit of milk ensures they are smooth and easy to spread, contributing to the overall moistness of the enchilada.
• Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese: A key component for that gooey, cheesy goodness. A pre-shredded Mexican blend typically includes a mix of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, and Queso Blanco, offering a balanced flavor and excellent melting properties. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite cheeses – a sharp cheddar or a creamy colby jack could also work wonders.
• Diced Onion: The unsung hero providing a pungent, fresh bite that brightens up the rich beans and cheese. When baked, the onion mellows slightly, offering a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth. Finely dicing the onion ensures that its flavor is distributed evenly without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Large Flour Tortillas: The perfect vessel to hold all that delicious filling. Flour tortillas are pliable and hold up well to rolling and baking, absorbing the enchilada sauce beautifully. While corn tortillas are traditional for many enchilada recipes, flour tortillas offer a softer texture and a milder flavor that complements the bean and cheese filling wonderfully.
• Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce: This convenience ingredient makes preparing these enchiladas a breeze. A good quality canned enchilada sauce provides the essential tangy and slightly spicy flavor that defines the dish. If you prefer, a homemade enchilada sauce can be used for an extra layer of freshness and control over the spice level.

Crafting Your Bean, Cheese and Onion Enchiladas: Tips for Success

While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve enchilada perfection. The goal is a bubbling, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that delights with every bite.

Preparation is Key

Before you even begin assembling, ensure your oven is preheated to 350 degrees F (175 C). A properly heated oven ensures even cooking and a beautifully melted cheese topping. Also, remember to generously spray your 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This small step prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Assembling Your Enchiladas Like a Pro

1. Tortilla Prep: Each tortilla will get a light coating of enchilada sauce (about 2 tablespoons). This helps moisten the tortilla and infuses flavor from the inside out.
2. Cheese First: Don’t forget a good pinch of the Mexican blend cheese on the tortilla before adding the beans and onions. This creates a delightful cheesy layer throughout the enchilada.
3. Even Distribution: Carefully divide the bean and onion mixture among the 8 tortillas. The key to a balanced bite is to ensure each enchilada has a consistent amount of filling. Don’t overfill, or they’ll be difficult to roll.
4. Rolling Technique: Roll each tortilla snugly but not too tightly, creating a neat enchilada. Place them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. This keeps them from unraveling during baking.
5. The Grand Finale: Once all your enchiladas are neatly arranged in the pan, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Then, sprinkle generously with the rest of your shredded cheese. This creates that irresistible, bubbly, golden-brown crust we all love.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Cover your baking dish tightly with non-stick foil. This helps to steam the enchiladas, ensuring the tortillas soften and the flavors meld beautifully without drying out. Bake for 30 minutes. After this initial bake, remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese on top is wonderfully bubbly and slightly golden. This final uncovered bake is crucial for achieving that delightful textural contrast.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Mexican Meal

These Bean, Cheese and Onion Enchiladas are hearty enough to be a meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of classic Mexican side dishes. Consider serving them with:

• Fluffy Mexican rice
• Homemade refried beans (if not already incorporated into the enchiladas) or black beans
• Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
• Creamy guacamole or sliced avocado
• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
• A crisp green salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette
• Corn on the cob, grilled or roasted

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions over the top just before serving adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Customizing Your Enchiladas: Endless Possibilities

This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are a few ideas for customization:

• Add More Veggies: Stir in some canned green chiles for a mild kick, corn kernels for sweetness, or sautéed bell peppers for extra texture and flavor. Spinach or zucchini could also be finely chopped and mixed with the beans.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the bean mixture. A spicier enchilada sauce could also be used.
• Different Beans: While refried beans are classic, you could use mashed black beans or a mix of black and pinto beans for a different flavor and texture.
• Cheese Variations: Explore other cheese options like Oaxaca cheese, cotija cheese, or even a vegan shredded cheese blend for a dairy-free version.
• Homemade Sauce: For an extra special touch, try making your own enchilada sauce from scratch. It allows for complete control over the flavor and spice levels.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These enchiladas are excellent for meal prepping. You can assemble them completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from cold.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave for individual servings or cover the dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through. The oven method helps prevent the tortillas from becoming too soft.

Whether you’re observing Lent, embracing a vegetarian lifestyle, or simply seeking a comforting and satisfying meal, these Bean, Cheese and Onion Enchiladas are a fantastic choice. They’re proof that meatless doesn’t mean flavorless – quite the opposite! Give them a try, and prepare to be delighted by this easy, delicious, and incredibly versatile dish.