Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

BY :

Ovia Smith

Posted On :

September 9, 2025

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas. This dish is not only simple to prepare, but it also evokes the comforting essence of traditional Mexican cuisine. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual gathering with friends, these enchiladas are a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of beans and cheese wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Plus, they’re vegetarian, making them a great option for Meatless Mondays or any day of the week!

What makes these enchiladas so appealing? Their simplicity and versatility! You can easily customize them to suit your taste preferences. Want to add some heat? Toss in some jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder. Prefer a creamier texture? Try using a mix of cheeses or a layer of sour cream on top. The options are endless, allowing you to personalize your enchiladas to perfection. Not to mention, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a fantastic family-friendly meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Many people are on the lookout for meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare. Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas tick all the right boxes! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:

Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, these enchiladas can be on your table in no time. Perfect for those hectic evenings when you need a home-cooked meal without the fuss!
Minimal Ingredients: The recipe calls for common pantry staples. You’ll only need refried beans, cheese, corn tortillas, and enchilada sauce. This means less grocery shopping and less stress!
Customizable: Whether you want to add veggies, different types of cheese, or protein, these enchiladas are a blank canvas. You can easily adapt them to suit your dietary needs and preferences.
Flavorful and Filling: The combination of creamy refried beans and melted cheese wrapped in a soft tortilla creates a comforting dish that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These enchiladas freeze beautifully, making them an excellent option for meal prepping. Just prepare a batch, freeze them, and reheat when you’re ready to eat!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Aside from being simple and delicious, Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas offer a wealth of benefits that make them a must-try.

Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber from the beans, these enchiladas are a nutritious choice. They offer a wholesome alternative to heavy meat-based meals, making them suitable for health-conscious eaters.
Budget-Friendly: With minimal ingredients that are typically low-cost, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to save money on groceries. You can easily feed a family without breaking the bank.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love cheesy dishes, and these enchiladas are no exception! They’re easy to eat and can be paired with a variety of toppings, making them a hit among younger diners.
Great for Entertaining: Hosting a gathering? These enchiladas can be made in large batches and served as a crowd-pleaser. Pair them with sides like Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Vegetarian Delight: With more people adopting vegetarian diets, this dish provides a tasty option that everyone can enjoy. It’s a fantastic way to introduce meat-free meals into your diet without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

To make your Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups refried beans
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
8 corn tortillas
1 cup enchilada sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Sour cream (optional, for serving)

Necessary Utensils

Make sure you have the following kitchen tools ready for a smooth cooking experience:

9×13-inch baking dish
Medium mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Spoon or spatula for mixing
Aluminum foil
Microwave-safe plate (for warming tortillas)

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these steps to create your Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas:

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your enchiladas cook evenly and thoroughly.
Prepare the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans, 1 cup of shredded cheese, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Warm the Tortillas: To make rolling the tortillas easier, heat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This softens them, preventing breakage when you roll them.
Fill the Tortillas: Spread about 1/4 cup of the bean and cheese mixture down the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, ensuring it’s well sealed.
Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps keep them intact while baking.
Add Sauce: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the enchiladas. Ensure every enchilada is well coated for maximum flavor.
Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the enchiladas. This layer will melt beautifully and create a deliciously cheesy topping.
Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps steam the enchiladas, allowing the flavors to meld.
Uncover and Finish Baking: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side. Enjoy your delicious Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas!

FAQs

Can I make Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the enchiladas ahead of time. Assemble them in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are coming straight from the fridge.

What can I serve with Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas?

These enchiladas pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for added flavor.

Can I freeze Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas?

Absolutely! These enchiladas freeze well. Just assemble them, cover tightly, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What type of cheese is best for enchiladas?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack are popular choices for enchiladas. They melt well and provide a rich flavor. Feel free to mix different cheeses for a unique taste!

How can I make these enchiladas spicier?

To add heat, consider using spicy refried beans, adding jalapeños to the filling, or drizzling hot sauce over the finished enchiladas. You can also use a spicier enchilada sauce.

In conclusion, Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas are a delicious and simple meal perfect for any occasion. Their versatility, ease of preparation, and delightful flavors make them a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting dish. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below, let us know how your enchiladas turned out, or share this recipe with friends and family. Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful recipe!

For more delicious recipes, check out some of our favorites: Crockpot Cheesy Kielbasa Meal, Easy Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak, and Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe.

For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page for a collection of mouthwatering recipes!