Bean and Rice Enchiladas: The Perfect Quick & Easy Vegetarian Dinner
Our family is absolutely obsessed with Mexican food, and this Bean and Rice Enchiladas recipe has become a staple in our household. It’s incredibly simple to make, and the entire family enjoys it, making it a win-win for busy weeknights and picky eaters alike. If you’re searching for a satisfying and flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, you’ve found the right recipe!
If your family shares our love for delicious Mexican-inspired dishes, then this recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the irresistible flavors of enchilada sauce and perfectly seasoned Mexican rice, all combined into one amazing dish. Imagine the comforting warmth of the enchiladas, the savory filling, and the satisfying taste of a homemade meal – all without the hassle of complicated recipes or lengthy preparation times.
What makes these vegetarian enchiladas even better is how incredibly easy they are to prepare. They are perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. This recipe comes to the rescue, providing a wholesome and flavorful dinner option that can be on the table in under an hour. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a healthy, homemade meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Bean and Rice Enchiladas
This recipe uses common and affordable ingredients, making it an accessible option for anyone looking to create a delicious and satisfying meal without breaking the bank. You probably have many of these items already in your pantry!
- Rice: For convenience and a burst of flavor, grab a pouch of Knorr “Taco Rice” or “Mexican Rice” from your local grocery store. These pre-seasoned rice options add depth and complexity to the filling, saving you time and effort. Alternatively, you can use your own seasoned rice recipe for a personalized touch.
- Beans: Reach for a can of your favorite refried beans. Refried beans provide a creamy and satisfying base for the enchilada filling, complementing the rice and other seasonings perfectly. Choose a variety you enjoy, whether it’s classic refried beans or a flavored option with added spices.
- Seasonings: To elevate the flavor profile of the enchiladas, you’ll need chili powder and cumin. These classic Mexican spices add warmth, depth, and a hint of smokiness to the filling. Adjust the amount of each spice to suit your personal preference and create a flavor that excites your taste buds.
- Tortillas: The size of your enchiladas will depend on the tortillas you choose. Medium-sized flour tortillas are generally a good option, providing enough space for a generous filling without being too large to handle. Consider the filling capacity you desire when selecting your tortillas.
- Sauce: A can of red enchilada sauce is essential for that classic enchilada flavor. We recommend Old El Paso brand for its consistent quality and delicious taste. Pick your preferred spice level, whether you prefer mild for a subtle warmth or medium for a bit of a kick. For a truly homemade experience, you can even make your own homemade enchilada sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Bean and Rice Enchiladas
Making these enchiladas is a breeze, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the enchiladas will cook evenly and the tortillas will become perfectly soft and pliable.
Step 2: Cook the rice according to the package instructions. While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the other ingredients, making the process even more efficient. Perfectly cooked rice is essential for a flavorful and texturally pleasing enchilada filling.
Step 3: In a large bowl, stir together the can of refried beans and the seasonings (chili powder and cumin) into the cooked rice. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the filling is well combined. This ensures that every bite of the enchiladas is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the enchiladas from sticking to the dish during baking, making cleanup a breeze. Alternatively, you can grease the dish with a light coating of oil or butter.
Step 5: Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of the rice and bean mixture. The amount of filling you use will depend on your preference and the size of your tortillas. Don’t overfill the tortillas, as this can make them difficult to roll and cause them to burst during baking. Aim for a balanced filling that is evenly distributed throughout each tortilla.
Step 6: Roll the tortillas up tightly and place them seam side down onto the prepared baking dish. This prevents the enchiladas from unrolling during baking, ensuring that they maintain their shape and presentation.
Step 7: Spray or brush the tops of the rolled tortillas with olive oil or any cooking oil. This helps the tops of the tortillas get crispy and golden brown during baking, adding a delightful textural contrast to the soft and savory filling.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This allows the filling to heat through and the tortillas to soften slightly. Keep an eye on the enchiladas during baking to prevent them from browning too quickly.
Step 9: Remove the baking dish from the oven and pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the tops of the enchiladas. Make sure to coat each enchilada generously with sauce for maximum flavor. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and heated through. Let the enchiladas cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
How to Store Leftover Enchiladas
If you have any leftover enchiladas (which is rare in our house!), storing them properly will ensure they taste just as delicious the next day.
Fridge: The best way to store leftover enchiladas is to keep them in the glass baking dish they were cooked in. Cover the dish tightly with the lid that comes with the container, or cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil. Store the remaining enchiladas in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Bean and Rice Enchiladas
To help you achieve enchilada perfection, here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind while preparing this recipe:
Customize with Your Favorite Toppings
The beauty of enchiladas is that they are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your individual tastes and preferences. Feel free to get creative with your toppings and add your favorite ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Picante sauce for an extra kick
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese or cheddar cheese for a melty, cheesy topping
- Chopped green chiles for added heat and flavor
- Diced green pepper (or your favorite bell pepper) for a touch of sweetness and crunch
- Fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and aroma
- A dollop of sour cream for a creamy and tangy contrast
- Crumbled queso fresco for a salty and crumbly topping
- Pico de Gallo for a fresh and vibrant flavor
- A squeeze of lime wedge or lime juice for a touch of acidity
- Black beans for added protein and fiber
What to Serve with These Delicious Enchiladas
These bean and rice enchiladas are a satisfying meal on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and balanced dining experience.
For a simple and classic pairing, serve the enchiladas with a side of crispy tortilla chips and your favorite salsa. Alternatively, you can prepare a simple side salad with fresh greens, a light vinaigrette, and your favorite vegetables. The cool and refreshing salad provides a welcome contrast to the warm and savory enchiladas.
Looking for More Meatless Recipe Inspiration?
If you’re enjoying this vegetarian enchilada recipe and are looking for more delicious and easy meatless meals, we have you covered! Here are a few of our favorite vegetarian recipes that are sure to please:
Sweet Potato Black Bean Skillet: A hearty and flavorful skillet dish packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Veggie Pasta: A customizable pasta dish loaded with your favorite vegetables and a flavorful sauce.
Pesto Orzo Casserole: A creamy and comforting casserole featuring orzo pasta, pesto, and a variety of vegetables.
Broccoli Panko Orzo: A simple and satisfying orzo dish with tender broccoli and a crispy panko topping.
Bean and Rice Enchiladas (Dinner)
Julia Pacheco
5
minutes
30
minutes
35
minutes
5
servings
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