Cheesy Bean Enchiladas

Featured in: Sizzle & Spice Meals

This comforting Mexican main features a savory blend of black and pinto beans sautéed with cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Wrapped in tortillas and smothered with enchilada sauce and shredded cheddar, it’s baked until bubbly and golden. Garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions, this easy-to-make dish offers bold flavors and hearty textures perfect for a satisfying meal. Ready in 45 minutes, it’s a budget-friendly option that delivers warmth and richness in every bite.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:13:00 GMT
Mounds of melted cheese topping bubbly, saucy Cheesy Bean Enchiladas, a hearty Mexican meal. Save
Mounds of melted cheese topping bubbly, saucy Cheesy Bean Enchiladas, a hearty Mexican meal. | sizzlebloom.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.

This recipe became a weeknight favorite when I needed something delicious that everyone would enjoy without breaking the bank. The bubbly cheese and flavorful filling always get rave reviews at our kitchen table.

Ingredients

  • Black beans: 2 cups (1 can, 15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Pinto beans: 1 cup canned, 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:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté aromatics:
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.
Cook 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.
Prepare baking dish:
Spread 1/2 cup enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Assemble enchiladas:
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.
Add sauce and cheese:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 8–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and serve:
Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions, if desired. Serve hot.
Warm, flavorful Cheesy Bean Enchiladas, filled with seasoned beans, ready for a delicious dinner. Save
Warm, flavorful Cheesy Bean Enchiladas, filled with seasoned beans, ready for a delicious dinner. | sizzlebloom.com

My kids love helping roll the tortillas and sprinkling cheese, making this a fun family dinner project. Sharing a tray of cheesy enchiladas always brings smiles at the dinner table.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these enchiladas with sour cream, sliced avocado, or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Variations

Add green chilies, corn, roasted vegetables, or swap in different beans for extra flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition Information

Each serving packs 425 calories with 18 grams of protein and plenty of fiber from the beans, making it both filling and nourishing.

Golden and bubbly, these Cheesy Bean Enchiladas are filled with a savory bean mixture. Save
Golden and bubbly, these Cheesy Bean Enchiladas are filled with a savory bean mixture. | sizzlebloom.com

Enjoy these enchiladas straight from the oven, with your favorite toppings for a comforting meal that delivers every time.

Common Questions

What type of beans are used in this dish?

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

Can I use different kinds of cheese?

Yes, cheddar or Mexican blend cheese works well to create a melted, gooey topping.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas instead of flour to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.

What spices enhance the bean mixture?

Cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder add depth and a subtle smoky heat.

How should I serve this dish?

Serve hot garnished with cilantro and green onions, alongside sour cream or avocado slices for extra flavor.

Cheesy Bean Enchiladas

A satisfying Mexican-inspired dish with beans, tangy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese baked to bubbly delight.

Setup Duration
15 min
Heat Duration
30 min
Complete Duration
45 min
Created by Emily Dawson

Classification Sizzle & Spice Meals

Skill Level Easy

Heritage Mexican

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-Free

Components

Bean Filling

01 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
02 1 cup canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
03 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 tsp ground cumin
06 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 1/2 tsp chili powder
08 1 tbsp 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 (about 7 oz)
03 2 cups enchilada sauce (16 fl oz)
04 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
05 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)

Method Steps

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F and prepare for baking.

Phase 02

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook onion until softened, about 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Phase 03

Cook Bean Mixture: Add black beans, pinto beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook for 2 to 3 minutes while lightly mashing beans until heated through, then remove from heat.

Phase 04

Prepare Baking Dish: Spread 1/2 cup enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Phase 05

Assemble Enchiladas: Distribute the bean mixture evenly among tortillas, sprinkle each with a little cheese, roll up tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Phase 06

Top and Cover: Pour remaining enchilada sauce over rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Phase 07

Bake Covered: Cover dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Phase 08

Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake an additional 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Phase 09

Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions before serving hot.

Kitchen Tools

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

Dietary Alerts

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from cheese and potential gluten from flour tortillas; verify all packaged ingredients for allergens.

Dietary Information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 425
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Proteins: 18 g