Name: Bean and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil; 2 Tbsp chili powder; 2 Tbsp flour; 2 cups water; 3 oz. tomato paste; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; ¾ tsp salt; 16 small corn tortillas; 4 cups refried beans; 8 oz. Pepper Jack cheese, shredded (2 cups); ½ large avocado, sliced thin; ¼ bunch cilantro or green onions, roughly chopped

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 5 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor, then this Bean and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that transforms weeknight dinner into something spectacular and satisfying. Creamy refried beans meld with melty Pepper Jack cheese, all wrapped in toasted tortillas and smothered in a rich, homemade enchilada sauce that has just the right amount of kick. Every bite is a celebration of warm, savory goodness that will have you coming back for seconds, trust me!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of a silver pot filled with smooth, dark reddish-brown sauce, slightly thick in texture. A wooden spoon with a light brown color is placed inside the pot, with the spoon's head dipping into the sauce, creating a subtle swirl. The pot is set on a white marbled surface, clean and simple. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, essential ingredients that each play an important role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the spices that build the rich sauce to the fresh garnishes that brighten every bite, each component is a star.

Vegetable or canola oil: Helps toast the chili powder and flour, building depth in the sauce’s flavor.
Chili powder: The heart of the sauce, adding that classic smoky, spicy enchilada vibe.
Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
Water: Provides the base to meld all the sauce ingredients together smoothly.
Tomato paste: Gives the sauce a rich, concentrated tomato flavor and beautiful color.
Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that elevates the overall aroma.
Garlic powder: Brings a subtle savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
Cayenne pepper: Injects a gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds just right.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite more satisfying.
Small corn tortillas: The perfect vessel, lightly toasted to add a little texture while remaining pliable for rolling.
Refried beans: Creamy and hearty, they form the filling’s satisfying base.
Pepper Jack cheese: Offers a melty, spicy creaminess that perfectly complements the beans.
Avocado: Adds a fresh, buttery contrast with its cool slices.
Cilantro or green onions: A fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the finished dish.

How to Make Bean and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Enchilada Sauce

Begin by combining the chili powder, flour, and oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly for one to two minutes to toast the spices and flour, coaxing out a fragrant aroma that signals the start of something delicious. Then whisk in water, tomato paste, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. As the sauce simmers, it thickens to a luscious consistency that will coat your spoon perfectly. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste, ensuring every spoonful carries a balanced flavor punch.

Step 2: Toast the Tortillas

While the sauce simmers, toast each corn tortilla in a dry skillet over medium heat just until they develop little brown flecks on both sides. This step firms up the tortillas slightly so they hold the filling well without breaking but keeps them flexible enough to roll without cracking. Stack the warm tortillas on a plate as you go to keep them soft and ready for filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Prepare your casserole dish by lightly spraying it with non-stick spray and spreading a thin layer of the homemade enchilada sauce across the bottom — this helps prevent sticking and adds flavor from the very first bite. Scoop about a quarter cup of refried beans onto each tortilla along with a small pinch of shredded Pepper Jack cheese. Roll the tortillas tightly around the filling and arrange them seam-side down in the dish. Once all are nestled in, spoon more sauce over the top, leaving some edges showing to get delightfully crispy in the oven. Finish by sprinkling the remaining cheese all over for that irresistible melty topping.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in a preheated 350-degree oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the sauce bubbling enthusiastically around the edges and the cheese on top looking golden and inviting. The filling should be heated through, melding all the flavors into one luscious bite. This oven time not only cooks but also brings the dish together perfectly.

Step 5: Add Fresh Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, top the enchiladas with thin avocado slices and a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro or sliced green onions. These fresh garnishes cut through the richness and add a refreshing brightness, making every forkful balanced and lively.

How to Serve Bean and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe

A white plate holds a single enchilada with a golden-brown baked cheese layer on top, slightly melted and textured. The enchilada is covered with a rich reddish-brown sauce that seeps into the edges. On top, there is a fresh slice of bright green avocado and chopped green cilantro leaves scattered across the dish and plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a black and white patterned cloth partly visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh toppings take this dish from delicious to unforgettable. Avocado slices provide a creamy, cool counterpoint to the warm, spicy sauce, while cilantro or green onions add bursts of herbal brightness and subtle crunch. Don’t be shy about adding a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice to elevate it further.

Side Dishes

Bean and Cheese Enchiladas pair beautifully with simple sides that complement their bold flavors. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, Mexican rice, or charred corn on the cob can add texture and freshness to your meal. Even some pickled jalapeños or a side of black beans ramp things up on the flavor front.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve individual enchiladas on colorful plates with a swirl of extra sauce artistically drizzled on top. You can also turn this into a layered casserole to serve family-style, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese right before serving. For a fun twist, try wrapping the filling in flour tortillas or adding sautéed veggies inside for new flavor dimensions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and you might, but that’s nothing to complain about), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for an easy, ready-to-reheat meal that tastes like it just came out of the oven.

Freezing

This Bean and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe also freezes beautifully. Assemble the enchiladas completely, then wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They can be stored for up to 2 months and make an excellent frozen dinner option for busy nights when you still want a homemade touch.

Reheating

To reheat, remove the wrapping and bake the frozen or refrigerated enchiladas at 350 degrees until warmed through and bubbly again, approximately 20 minutes for refrigerated or 40-50 minutes for frozen. You can cover with foil to prevent over-browning and remove it near the end to crisp up the edges if you like.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Absolutely! Flour tortillas work well if you prefer a softer texture or find corn tortillas difficult to roll. Just warm them slightly to make rolling easier.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

The classic Bean and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe includes cheese, but you can easily swap in vegan cheese or skip the cheese altogether and add extra beans or veggies for a vegan version.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The enchilada sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently before assembling your enchiladas.

What if I want more spice?

Feel free to increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the enchilada sauce for a spicier kick. Just remember to adjust to your taste so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.

How do I know when the enchiladas are done baking?

Look for bubbly sauce edges and melted, slightly browned cheese on top. The center should be hot throughout when tested with a knife or fork.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and heartwarming about this Bean and Cheese Enchiladas Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to share with friends or family. I hope you try making this dish soon and fall in love with its delicious layers of flavor and texture just like I have. Enjoy every bite!