Mexican Vegetarian Enchiladas with Black Beans and Avocado Crema
Cheesy enchiladas stuffed with black beans, tomatoes, and topped with a creamy avocado crema. This mexican-inspired vegetarian (dairy-free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs tortillas, black beans, tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 tortillas
- 1 can black beans
- 2 tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
- 2 avocados
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup onion
- 1 jalapeño
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking, then add 1/4 cup finely diced onion and 1 julienne’d jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat). Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the jalapeño releases its fragrance.
- Step 2: Add 2 quartered tomatoes (skin-on, cut side down) to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften, break down into a thick sauce, and develop a golden-brown, slightly caramelized edge. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, drain and rinse 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, then mash them lightly with a fork until slightly broken but still chunky. Stir in 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (shredded for even distribution) and a generous pinch of salt. Mix until the cheese is fully incorporated and the beans are evenly coated.
- Step 4: Lay 8 tortillas flat on a clean surface, then spoon 1/3 cup of the black bean and cheese mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward, then roll them up tightly, tucking the ends to seal. Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the sautéed tomato mixture evenly over the enchiladas, ensuring each one is fully coated. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden-brown, bubbly, and the tortillas are crisp and slightly toasted at the edges.
- Step 6: While the enchiladas bake, prepare the avocado crema: mash 2 ripe avocados in a bowl with the juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons) and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Use a fork to press down on the mixture, ensuring no lumps remain, and adjust seasoning with additional lime or salt if desired.
- Step 7: Once the enchiladas are done, remove them from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Top each enchilada with a generous dollop of avocado crema, then serve immediately, ideally while the crema is still cool and the enchiladas are warm, allowing the contrasting textures and flavors to shine.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Mexican Vegetarian Enchiladas with Black Beans and Avocado Crema take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mexican Vegetarian Enchiladas with Black Beans and Avocado Crema?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tortillas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mexican Vegetarian Enchiladas with Black Beans and Avocado Crema?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mexican Vegetarian Enchiladas with Black Beans and Avocado Crema for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Mexican Vegetarian Enchiladas with Black Beans and Avocado Crema dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Served with a side of guacamole, it was a perfect Mexican meal.
- ★★★★★
The crema was creamy and the beans added a nice texture. A hit with the family.
- ★★★★★
Used corn tortillas for a gluten-free option. Still delicious.