Cheesy Bean Enchiladas

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Dinners

This comforting Mexican-inspired dish combines black and pinto beans seasoned with cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. The mixture is spooned into tortillas, covered with tangy enchilada sauce and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. Garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions, it offers a delicious, budget-friendly meal that's easy to prepare and perfect for any night.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:40:00 GMT
Steaming Cheesy Bean Enchiladas fresh from the oven, with bubbly cheese and savory aroma filling the air. Save
Steaming Cheesy Bean Enchiladas fresh from the oven, with bubbly cheese and savory aroma filling the air. | flavza.com

A comforting, budget-friendly Mexican-inspired dish featuring a hearty bean filling, tangy enchilada sauce, and plenty of melted cheese all baked to bubbly perfection.

I first made these cheesy bean enchiladas on a chilly evening when we wanted something cozy without spending much time or money. The whole family loved how satisfying and flavorful they turned out, especially with that gooey cheese topping.

Ingredients

  • Black beans: 2 cups (1 can, 15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Pinto beans: 1 cup, drained and rinsed
  • Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Chili powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Tortillas: 8 small flour or corn
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend): 2 cups (200 g), divided
  • Enchilada sauce: 2 cups (480 ml), store-bought or homemade
  • Fresh cilantro: 1/4 cup, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • Green onions: 1/4 cup, sliced (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare oven and skillet:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Make bean filling:
Stir in black beans, pinto beans, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes, slightly mashing the beans with a spoon, until heated through. Remove from heat.
Assemble dish:
Spread 1/2 cup enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Fill tortillas:
Spoon the bean mixture evenly into the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle each with a little cheese (reserve most for topping), then roll up and place seam-side down in the prepared dish.
Top and bake:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions, if desired. Serve hot.
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This is a family favorite, especially when the kids help roll up the enchiladas. It makes dinnertime fun and brings everyone together at the table.

Required Tools

Large skillet, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, mixing spoon, knife and cutting board, aluminum foil

Allergen Information

Contains: Dairy (cheese), Gluten (if using flour tortillas). Always check sauce and tortilla ingredients for allergens if needed.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 425, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 53 g, Protein: 18 g

Golden, bubbling Cheesy Bean Enchiladas with melted cheddar cheese; a classic Mexican comfort food made easy. Pin it
Golden, bubbling Cheesy Bean Enchiladas with melted cheddar cheese; a classic Mexican comfort food made easy. | flavza.com

Enjoy these enchiladas piping hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. They taste even better as leftovers the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of beans are used in this dish?

Black beans and pinto beans are combined for a hearty and flavorful filling.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, either corn or flour tortillas can be used depending on preference or dietary needs.

How do I add extra flavor to the filling?

Incorporate green chilies or corn into the bean mixture for additional layers of taste.

What cheese works best for topping?

Cheddar or a Mexican blend shredded cheese melts well and complements the flavors nicely.

Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this dish uses beans and cheese along with seasonings, making it vegetarian-friendly.

How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container; reheat in the oven for best results.

Cheesy Bean Enchiladas

Hearty Mexican-style enchiladas filled with beans, tangy sauce, and melted cheese baked to a golden finish.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Bean Filling

01 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
02 1 cup canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
03 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
08 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 Salt and pepper, to taste

Assembly

01 8 small flour or corn tortillas
02 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend, divided
03 2 cups enchilada sauce, store-bought or homemade
04 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
05 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 02

Prepare Bean Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 03

Cook Beans with Spices: Add black beans, pinto beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, mashing beans slightly with a spoon until heated through, then remove from heat.

Step 04

Prepare Baking Dish: Spread half a cup of enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 05

Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon bean mixture into each tortilla, sprinkle with a small amount of cheese, roll up, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 06

Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Step 07

Bake: Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 08

Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped cilantro and green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from cheese.
  • Contains gluten if prepared with flour tortillas.
  • Check enchilada sauce and tortillas for potential allergens.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Total Fat: 17 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 53 g
  • Protein: 18 g