Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Lora Lopez

Posted on September 10, 2025

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner: Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas. This delightful dish is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy families or anyone looking to whip up a quick and satisfying meal. Picture this: soft corn tortillas wrapped around a creamy filling of refried beans and melted cheese, all smothered in savory enchilada sauce and baked to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will have you serving up delicious enchiladas in no time.

Not only is this recipe easy to follow, but it is also customizable. You can add your favorite vegetables, spices, or even proteins to elevate the dish to your liking. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, let’s dive into the world of enchiladas and discover how to create this comforting dish that brings the taste of Mexico right to your dining table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something magical. Here are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with this dish:

Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these enchiladas ready for the oven in under 30 minutes!
Budget-Friendly: Refried beans, tortillas, and cheese are affordable staples, making this dish economical for families and students alike.
Versatile: You can easily adapt this recipe to include additional ingredients like cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, or even different types of cheese.
Comfort Food: Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food – warm, cheesy, and satisfying, they are perfect for any occasion or just a cozy night in.
Meal Prep Friendly: These enchiladas can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a great option for meal prepping.

Imagine coming home after a long day, and in just a short while, you’re enjoying a plateful of gooey cheese and hearty beans wrapped in warm tortillas. This easy dish not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your heart.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence about trying out these Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas, here are some compelling reasons to get started:

Healthier Option: Packed with protein and fiber from the refried beans, this dish can fit into a balanced meal plan. You can also use low-fat cheese or whole-grain tortillas for a healthier twist.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love cheese, and these enchiladas are a fantastic way to introduce beans into their diet without them even realizing it!
Perfect for Leftovers: The enchiladas taste even better the next day, making them a great option for lunch or dinner leftovers.
Customizable Toppings: Serve with a variety of toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh salsa to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Great for Entertaining: Impress your guests with a homemade dish that looks as good as it tastes, without spending hours in the kitchen.

In short, this recipe is not just about the food; it’s about bringing people together around the table, sharing stories, and enjoying a meal made with love.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create these Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas, you will need the following ingredients:

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

9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Microwave-safe plate (for warming tortillas)
Aluminum foil
Spatula (for serving)

Having the right tools and ingredients on hand will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Make sure to gather everything before you start to cook!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all the ingredients and utensils ready, let’s get into the step-by-step process for making Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas:

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your enchiladas bake evenly.
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 well combined. This mixture is the heart of your enchiladas, so ensure it’s mixed thoroughly.
Warm the tortillas: To make the corn tortillas pliable and easier to roll, heat them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This step prevents them from cracking 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 that the filling stays securely inside.
Arrange in baking dish: Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This will keep them from unrolling while baking.
Add the sauce: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the enchiladas, ensuring they are well-covered. This adds moisture and flavor, making them even more delicious.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the enchiladas, creating a cheesy topping that will melt and bubble during baking.
Cover and bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps steam the enchiladas and keeps them moist.
Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve with sour cream on the side for added creaminess.

Remember, the key to success with these enchiladas is to ensure that your filling is well-seasoned and that you don’t overfill the tortillas, which can cause them to burst during baking. Enjoy the process and have fun with it!

FAQs

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

Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just cover them tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I substitute for refried beans?

You can substitute refried beans with black beans, pinto beans, or even lentils. Just mash them slightly for a similar texture before using them as a filling.

How can I make these enchiladas spicier?

To add spice, you can include diced jalapeños or green chilies in the filling or choose a spicier enchilada sauce. You can also sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper into the bean mixture.

Can I freeze Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas?

Absolutely! These enchiladas freeze well. Just prepare them as normal, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake directly from the freezer, adding extra time as needed.

What toppings pair well with these enchiladas?

Toppings such as fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, guacamole, or even a drizzle of hot sauce work wonderfully with enchiladas. Feel free to get creative!

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Easy Bean and Cheese Enchiladas are not just a meal; they are a delightful experience that brings warmth and comfort. With their simple preparation and delicious taste, they are sure to become a staple in your home. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your own tips or variations! If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on social media or pin it for later. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out Crispy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders!