Mexican Zucchini and Black Bean Enchiladas with Avocado

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 3.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

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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.

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