Vegetarian Enchiladas Cheesy Filling Sauce
Highlighted under: Easy Plates
Discover the delightful flavors of our Vegetarian Enchiladas Cheesy Filling Sauce, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
This Vegetarian Enchiladas Cheesy Filling Sauce brings together the richness of cheese and the freshness of vegetables, creating a perfect meal for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and cheesy filling that satisfies every craving
- Packed with vibrant vegetables for a nutritious boost
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and spices
The Perfect Vegetarian Comfort Food
Vegetarian enchiladas are a wonderful comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This cheesy filling sauce enhances the traditional enchilada flavors while keeping it entirely meat-free. The combination of black beans, corn, and bell peppers provides a hearty texture, ensuring that every bite is filled with wholesome goodness.
These enchiladas are not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce envelops the tortillas, creating a delightful dish that both vegetarian and non-vegetarian eaters will enjoy. You can easily double the recipe to serve a crowd or to have leftovers for lunch.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best aspects of this enchilada recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what’s in season. Feel free to add zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for an extra nutritional boost. The spices can also be adjusted to match your heat preference, making this dish as mild or spicy as you desire.
Toppings can elevate your enchiladas even further. Consider adding fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream after baking. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute layers of flavor that make the dish even more enjoyable.
Nutritional Benefits
This Vegetarian Enchiladas Cheesy Filling Sauce is packed with nutrients that are beneficial for your health. Black beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, promoting digestive health and keeping you full longer. Corn adds sweetness and additional vitamins, while bell peppers are rich in antioxidants, helping to support your immune system.
With the inclusion of fresh vegetables and wholesome ingredients, this dish is a fantastic way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. It's not only a treat for your taste buds but also a smart choice for your overall well-being.
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Enjoy your delicious enchiladas!
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour a little sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each tortilla with the vegetable mixture, roll them up, and place seam side down in the dish.
Bake and Serve
Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Enjoy your meal!
Pro Tips
- For added spice, consider adding jalapeños to the filling or topping. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, consider serving these enchiladas alongside a fresh green salad or some cilantro lime rice. The acidity from the lime will complement the richness of the cheese and sauce beautifully. You can also offer a side of refried beans for an extra protein boost.
If you're hosting a gathering, set up a taco bar with various toppings. Guests can customize their enchiladas with their favorite ingredients, making the dining experience interactive and fun.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. This will ensure that the cheese remains melty and delicious.
For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked enchiladas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they will keep for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the filling. Adding pepper jack cheese can introduce a delightful kick, while goat cheese can add a tangy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients. You could also try using a vegan cheese alternative for a dairy-free option.
Another variation is to make these enchiladas using different sauces. A green tomatillo sauce can provide a unique twist, or you can use a smoky chipotle sauce for a deeper, richer flavor. The possibilities are endless, so get creative in the kitchen!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, flour tortillas can be used, but corn tortillas add a traditional flavor.
→ How can I make this recipe vegan?
Substitute the cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure the vegetable broth is vegan.
→ Can I freeze the enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled enchiladas before baking. Just cover tightly and bake from frozen when ready to serve.
→ What toppings can I add?
Popular toppings include avocado, cilantro, sour cream, and salsa.
Vegetarian Enchiladas Cheesy Filling Sauce
Discover the delightful flavors of our Vegetarian Enchiladas Cheesy Filling Sauce, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
What You'll Need
For the Enchiladas
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened. Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
In a bowl, mix black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour a little sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each tortilla with the vegetable mixture, roll them up, and place seam side down in the dish. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Extra Tips
- For added spice, consider adding jalapeños to the filling or topping. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 10g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 12g