Mexican Zucchini and Black Bean Enchiladas with Avocado
A Mexican twist on enchiladas with zucchini, black beans, and a creamy avocado crema. This mexican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs large tortillas, grated zucchini, (15 oz) black beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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
- 6 large tortillas
- 2 cups grated zucchini
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans
- 1/2 cup mashed avocado
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil. Tip: Greasing the dish prevents the enchiladas from sticking during baking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups grated zucchini, 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed), and 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Stir until the zucchini is evenly coated with the beans and cheese. Tip: Use a fork to mash the zucchini slightly to release moisture and prevent sogginess.
- Step 3: Warm 6 large tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. Place each tortilla on a clean surface and spoon 1/3 cup of the zucchini-bean mixture into the center. Fold the tortilla into a half-moon shape, pressing the edges together to seal. Tip: Warming the tortillas makes them pliable and less likely to tear.
- Step 4: Pour 1 cup enchilada sauce into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the filled tortillas seam-side down in a single layer. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring each enchilada is fully coated. Sprinkle any remaining shredded cheese over the sauce. Tip: Use a ladle to evenly distribute the sauce for consistent flavor.
- Step 5: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Rotate the dish halfway through baking for even cooking. Tip: Check for doneness by gently pressing the top of an enchilada — it should feel firm and slightly crisp.
- Step 6: While the enchiladas bake, prepare avocado crema by combining 1/2 cup mashed avocado, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside. Tip: For a creamier texture, blend the crema in a food processor until silky.
- Step 7: Serve the enchiladas immediately, topped with a dollop of avocado crema and additional chopped avocado if desired. Tip: The crema should be cool to the touch — serve it alongside the enchiladas to prevent melting.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mexican Zucchini and Black Bean Enchiladas with Avocado take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Zucchini and Black Bean Enchiladas with Avocado?
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 large tortillas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mexican Zucchini and Black Bean Enchiladas with Avocado?
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 Zucchini and Black Bean Enchiladas with Avocado for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Zucchini and Black Bean Enchiladas with Avocado vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.