Enfrijoladas are a delightful Mexican dish made with corn tortillas dipped in a rich, creamy black bean sauce, then filled with cheese and baked to perfection. The savory black bean sauce is infused with chipotle and spices, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. This easy recipe takes only about 50 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or comforting meal any time of day.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Black Bean Sauce:

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans (with juice)

• ¾ cup water

• 1 clove garlic

• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

• ½ tablespoon adobo sauce from chipotles in adobo sauce

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon chili powder

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

For the Enfrijoladas:

• 12 corn tortillas

• 1 ½ cups freshly shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

1. Make the Sauce: Add all the black bean sauce ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth and pureed.

2. Prepare the Tortillas: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Place 4-6 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30-45 seconds until warm and pliable. Repeat for the remaining tortillas.

3. Assemble the Enfrijoladas: Spoon enough black bean sauce into the bottom of the casserole dish to coat. Dip each tortilla into the sauce, then place on a work surface. Add a tablespoon of shredded cheese to the center of each tortilla and roll it up. Place seam-side down in the casserole dish. Repeat until all tortillas are used.

4. Top and Bake: Pour the remaining black bean sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with the remaining cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

5. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy!

Nutrients

Per Serving (Approx.)

• Calories: 212 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 19g

• Protein: 14g

• Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 25mg

• Sodium: 525mg

• Potassium: 280mg

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 358 IU

• Vitamin C: 1mg

• Calcium: 237mg

• Iron: 2mg

The Heart of Enfrijoladas: Black Bean Sauce

The key to a great enfrijolada lies in the black bean sauce. Using canned black beans as the base, the sauce is infused with chipotle adobo sauce, garlic, cilantro, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and other spices, creating a harmonious blend of smokiness, warmth, and savory flavors. The beans themselves provide a smooth, creamy texture that forms the perfect base for dipping the corn tortillas. As the tortillas are dipped into the sauce, they soak up the flavors, making each bite full of richness.

The chipotle adobo sauce adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish, infusing the sauce with a mild heat and smoky undertones that complement the earthiness of the beans. Garlic and cilantro provide freshness, while cumin, paprika, and chili powder contribute warmth and spice. The balance of these ingredients is what makes the black bean sauce so irresistible, setting the stage for the tortillas and cheese to shine.

A Simple Yet Satisfying Dish

What makes enfrijoladas so appealing is their simplicity. The ingredients are easy to find and the preparation process is straightforward, making it an ideal dish for those with limited time but still craving something flavorful and satisfying. From start to finish, enfrijoladas take just about 50 minutes, making them an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on the weekend.

The process begins by blending the black bean sauce ingredients in a blender until smooth. Once the sauce is ready, the tortillas are warmed and dipped into the sauce, then filled with shredded Oaxaca or Monterey Jack cheese. After being rolled up and placed in a casserole dish, the enfrijoladas are baked, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld together.

The combination of the crispy edges of the tortillas, the creamy black bean sauce, and the gooey, melted cheese makes every bite a delightful experience. Whether enjoyed on their own or served with a side of rice or a light salad, enfrijoladas are a dish that never fails to satisfy.

Why Corn Tortillas?

Corn tortillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and their use in enfrijoladas adds authenticity and flavor. The soft, slightly chewy texture of corn tortillas contrasts perfectly with the creamy black bean sauce, creating a satisfying bite. When dipped in the sauce and baked, the tortillas soften and absorb the flavors of the beans, while still retaining their structure. This makes them the ideal choice for this dish, as they hold up well to the sauce without becoming too soggy.

Additionally, corn tortillas add a depth of flavor that complements the black beans and spices in the sauce. They provide a subtle corn flavor that enhances the overall dish, adding another layer of richness that would be missed with other types of tortillas.

The Perfect Cheese for Enfrijoladas

The choice of cheese is another important factor in creating the perfect enfrijolada. Oaxaca cheese is often preferred for its mild, creamy texture that melts beautifully, making it an ideal filling for the tortillas. However, Monterey Jack cheese also works wonderfully in this dish, providing a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that pairs well with the black bean sauce.

As the cheese melts during baking, it forms a gooey, flavorful center for the enfrijoladas. The combination of the melty cheese, smoky black bean sauce, and tender tortillas creates a dish that is both comforting and full of satisfying flavors. If you’re looking to add a bit of extra flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses, such as cheddar or a mix of cheeses, to create your own twist on the classic dish.

Versatility and Customization

Enfrijoladas are a versatile dish that can be customized to suit a variety of tastes. If you prefer more heat, you can increase the amount of chipotle adobo sauce or add extra chili powder to the black bean sauce. For those who like it milder, simply reduce the amount of spice or omit the chili flakes altogether.

In addition to cheese, enfrijoladas can be filled with a variety of ingredients. You could add cooked chicken, beef, or sautéed vegetables like peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling to make the dish even heartier. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco can also be added on top for extra flavor and creaminess.

For a vegan version, simply substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative or skip the cheese entirely. You could also add a topping of avocado slices or guacamole for added richness and freshness. The possibilities for customization are endless, allowing you to tailor the dish to your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Enfrijoladas can be served as a standalone meal or paired with a variety of sides to create a more complete feast. Serve them with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh, zesty salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple tomato and onion salad with a squeeze of lime adds brightness and freshness, making it a perfect complement to the savory enfrijoladas.

For those who love spice, a side of salsa or pico de gallo can enhance the flavors of the dish, adding an extra burst of freshness and heat. Enfrijoladas can also be topped with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, which adds a touch of herbaceous flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce and cheese.

Nutritional Information

Enfrijoladas offer a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat. With 212 calories per serving, this dish provides a satisfying meal that’s not overly heavy. The black bean sauce adds fiber and protein, making it a nutritious choice for those seeking a plant-based meal. The addition of cheese provides healthy fats and calcium, which are essential for bone health.

With 6 grams of fiber per serving, enfrijoladas help support digestive health and contribute to a feeling of fullness. The dish is also relatively low in sugar, with only 1 gram per serving, and contains a moderate amount of sodium, making it suitable for most diets when enjoyed in moderation.

Conclusion: A Comforting and Flavorful Mexican Dish

Enfrijoladas are a perfect example of the delicious simplicity of Mexican cuisine. With their combination of tender corn tortillas, rich black bean sauce, and gooey melted cheese, they offer a satisfying meal that is both flavorful and comforting. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for family and friends, enfrijoladas are sure to impress with their depth of flavor and satisfying texture. Easy to make and highly customizable, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves Mexican food or is looking for a hearty, plant-based meal that’s packed with flavor.