Hearty Five Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

Prepare to revolutionize your weeknight meals with these incredibly flavorful and satisfying Five Bean and Cheese Enchiladas. Forget the traditional meat-filled versions; this recipe introduces a brilliant twist, utilizing the wholesome goodness of Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad. Blended into a creamy, savory puree with zesty Rotel tomatoes, rich cream cheese, and a hint of taco seasoning, this unique filling is lovingly wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Each enchilada is then generously bathed in a luscious nacho cheese sauce and baked until bubbling, golden, and utterly irresistible. The result? A perfectly cheesy, comforting, and meatless Mexican masterpiece that promises to become a new family favorite.

The inspiration for these extraordinary bean and cheese enchiladas struck a couple of years ago, following the viral success of a Hot Taco Dip recipe. That dip ingeniously substituted traditional refried beans with Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, proving just how versatile and delicious this pantry staple could be. The overwhelmingly positive response got us thinking: if it works so well in a dip, why not apply the same brilliant concept to enchiladas? But with a delicious twist – instead of typical red enchilada sauce, we opted for an extra layer of cheesy indulgence with rich nacho cheese sauce, elevating this dish to unparalleled levels of comfort food.

And just in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, these enchiladas are ready to steal the show! They offer a fantastic plant-based option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction, making them ideal for Meatless Mondays or any occasion where you crave a hearty, cheesy meal.

This post is sponsored by Paisley Farm, but my opinions and my love of their products are all my own.

Unforgettable Five Bean and Cheese Enchiladas: A Cheesy Delight

These Five Bean and Cheese Enchiladas are the epitome of cheesy comfort food. We’ve layered on the goodness with creamy cream cheese, a vibrant Mexican cheese blend, and a decadent nacho cheese sauce, creating a dish so rich and satisfying it’s destined to become a staple in your home. Baked until the edges are delightfully crisp and the cheese is bubbly and melted, each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and bold Mexican flavors. It’s a culinary experience that redefines what a vegetarian meal can be – utterly indulgent, incredibly easy, and packed with flavor.

The Magic of Five Bean Enchiladas with Paisley Farm

Paisley Farm has been a trusted brand for quality prepared beans in my kitchen for many years, and their Five Bean Salad is truly a standout product. This unique salad combines a delightful blend of green, kidney, garbanzo, pinto, and wax beans, beautifully accented with finely diced onions and red peppers, all suspended in a lightly sweet and tangy marinade. It’s this perfect, pre-blended combination that makes it an ideal, flavorful shortcut for our enchilada filling. The beans provide a hearty, protein-rich base, while the existing seasonings in the salad add depth and complexity that would otherwise require many individual ingredients. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can transform a dish.

If you’re as smitten with these vegetarian enchiladas as we are, you’ll be thrilled to discover other fantastic recipes that showcase the versatility of Paisley Farm’s Five Bean Salad. Explore these equally delicious options: Five Bean Baked Beans for a comforting side, the hearty Five Bean Ground Beef and Noodle Skillet for a quick family dinner, and the refreshing Five Bean Ham and Rice Salad for a lighter meal.

Bean and Cheese Enchiladas: Your Go-To Vegetarian Mexican Meal

Craving the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine but looking for a satisfying meatless option? These Bean and Cheese Enchiladas are the perfect solution. They offer a robust and flavorful alternative to traditional meat, chicken, or pork fillings. By pureeing the Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, we create a rich, creamy texture that mimics refried beans but with a more complex flavor profile and a significant boost of plant-based protein and fiber. This makes these enchiladas an excellent choice for anyone seeking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet without sacrificing taste or heartiness. They’re proof that vegetarian cooking can be incredibly exciting and deeply comforting.

Key Ingredients for Delicious Five Bean Enchiladas

Crafting these delectable vegetarian enchiladas requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad: The star of our filling! One 24-ounce jar, thoroughly drained and rinsed, forms the hearty base. Its diverse bean medley offers a rich flavor and excellent texture.
• Cream Cheese: An 8-ounce block of softened cream cheese (full-fat or low-fat both work beautifully) adds an unparalleled creaminess and tang to the filling, binding all the flavors together.
• Taco Seasoning: A 1-ounce packet of your favorite taco seasoning is crucial for infusing that authentic Mexican flavor. Feel free to use a store-bought mix or whip up your own homemade taco seasoning for a personalized touch.
• Rotel Tomatoes: One 10-ounce can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained, brings a zesty kick and a subtle warmth to the bean mixture. The green chilies add a mild, aromatic spice.
• Mexican Cheese Blend: Approximately two 12-ounce packages of shredded Mexican cheese are needed. This blend, often containing Monterey Jack, cheddar, asadero, and queso blanco, offers superior meltability and a complex, cheesy flavor. Monterey Jack is also an excellent standalone option.
• Flour Tortillas: Eight large, burrito-sized flour tortillas are ideal for rolling a generous amount of filling. Smaller tortillas can be used for mini enchiladas, but adjust the quantity as needed.
• Nacho Cheese Sauce: One 15-ounce can of nacho cheese sauce is what truly makes these enchiladas extra decadent and cheesy. It creates a rich, smooth topping that bakes into pure comfort.
• Optional Toppings: Elevate your enchiladas with a variety of fresh toppings such as diced fresh tomatoes, vibrant cilantro, crisp shredded lettuce, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, thinly sliced green onions, or a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo.

Keep reading to uncover valuable tips, creative substitutions, and answers to common questions about preparing these irresistible bean and cheese enchiladas.

How to Master This Cheesy Enchilada Recipe

Crafting these mouthwatering cheese enchiladas is surprisingly quick and straightforward, making them perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner. Follow these simple steps for a truly rewarding culinary experience:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring your enchiladas won’t stick. Set the prepared dish aside.

Next, it’s time to prepare the star of our filling. In your food processor, add the drained and rinsed Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad. Pulse until the beans are pureed to a smooth, creamy consistency. This creates a wonderful base that’s easy to spread and packed with flavor.

To the pureed beans, add the taco seasoning packet and the softened cream cheese. Blend again until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth, ensuring the cream cheese is fully incorporated for that signature creamy texture.

Now, gently fold in the drained Rotel tomatoes until they are evenly distributed throughout the bean mixture. The vibrant tomatoes add a burst of color and a tangy, zesty flavor that perfectly complements the creamy beans.

Divide the flavorful five-bean mix evenly among the eight flour tortillas. Spread a generous amount of the mixture down the center of each tortilla, leaving a small border on the sides. Then, sprinkle a portion of the shredded Mexican cheese and a bit of diced onion over the filling. This ensures cheesy goodness in every bite.

Carefully roll up each tortilla, tucking in the ends to keep the filling secure. Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange them snugly to ensure they hold their shape during baking.

Once all the enchiladas are arranged in the pan, pour the entire can of nacho cheese sauce evenly over the tops. This creates a wonderfully rich and gooey topping. Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheese and any extra diced onion over the nacho cheese layer. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to help steam the tortillas and melt the cheese beautifully.

Bake the covered enchiladas for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the edges are deliciously bubbly and the top layer of cheese is perfectly melted and slightly golden. This final uncovered bake creates that irresistible cheesy crust.

For an extra burst of freshness and color, garnish your enchiladas with a selection of optional toppings. Chopped fresh cilantro, vibrant diced tomatoes, crisp shredded lettuce, a dollop of cool sour cream, or creamy avocado slices all make fantastic additions. Serve hot and enjoy!

Any leftovers can be easily stored. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer the enchiladas to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze leftover enchiladas for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.

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If you’re already envisioning these delightful five bean and cheese enchiladas on your dinner table, don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so you can easily find it whenever a craving for cheesy, meatless Mexican magic strikes!

Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad: A Pantry Essential

Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad truly is a game-changer in the kitchen. I always make sure to keep multiple jars stocked in our pantry because its versatility and quality are unmatched. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a culinary lifesaver! Whether we’re enjoying it straight from the jar as a simple side dish to accompany grilled meats or sandwiches, or integrating it into more elaborate meals, it always delivers. Beyond these fantastic bean and cheese enchiladas, it shines in recipes like the hearty Five Bean Ground Beef & Noodle Skillet, the comforting Five Bean Chicken Chili, or as a key component in fresh salads such as our beloved Italian Bean Salad or as a protein-rich topper for this Loaded Spinach Salad with Creamy Roasted Garlic Dressing. It’s my secret weapon for answering the eternal question, “What’s for dinner?” with a delicious and wholesome solution every time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bean and Cheese Enchiladas

• How can I prevent my enchiladas from becoming soggy? The key to non-soggy enchiladas lies in managing moisture. One effective method is to lightly fry your tortillas in a small amount of oil for a few seconds per side before filling and rolling. This creates a slight barrier that helps them maintain their structure and prevents them from absorbing too much liquid from the filling or sauce. Alternatively, ensuring your filling isn’t overly wet and using a thicker sauce can also help.
• Are flour or corn tortillas better for enchiladas? While flour tortillas offer a softer, more pliable texture that’s less prone to tearing and is fantastic for these cheesy enchiladas, corn tortillas are traditionally used in many authentic Mexican enchilada recipes. Corn tortillas provide a distinct earthy flavor and slightly firmer bite. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference! For this particular recipe, flour tortillas enhance the creamy, indulgent nature.
• Why do flour tortillas sometimes get soggy in enchiladas? Flour tortillas are more absorbent than corn tortillas, and when they come into contact with a moist filling and sauce during baking, they can absorb liquid, leading to a softer, sometimes soggy texture. The light frying trick mentioned above can help, as can ensuring your sauce isn’t too thin. Embracing a certain level of softness can also be part of the comfort of a good enchilada casserole.
• Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time? Yes, these enchiladas are a great make-ahead meal! You can assemble them completely, cover the baking dish tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Are these enchiladas spicy? As written, this recipe offers a mild flavor profile due to the Rotel tomatoes with green chilies and taco seasoning. If you prefer more heat, you can easily customize the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, extra green chilies, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the bean mixture.

Creative Substitutions for Your Enchiladas

One of the joys of cooking is the freedom to customize, and these bean and cheese enchiladas are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some smart substitutions to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences:

• Tortillas: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option or prefer the traditional Mexican flavor, swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas or a good quality gluten-free tortilla. If using corn, a quick dip in warm oil or enchilada sauce will make them more pliable and prevent cracking.
• Sauce: For a more classic enchilada experience, replace the nacho cheese sauce with a rich red enchilada sauce. Making your own homemade red enchilada sauce is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding, offering a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Cheese: While the Mexican blend offers fantastic melt and flavor, feel free to use your favorite cheese. Sharp cheddar, creamy Colby Jack, or even a spicier pepper jack would all be delicious alternatives.
• Tomatoes: If Rotel tomatoes aren’t available, you can easily create a similar zesty base. Simply use a can of plain diced tomatoes (drained) and stir in a can of diced green chilies for that signature flavor and mild heat.

Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Enchiladas

Elevate your Five Bean and Cheese Enchiladas with these simple yet effective tips:

• Complete Your Meal: For an authentic Mexican feast, serve these enchiladas alongside some flavorful refried beans – whether you prefer pinto beans or refried black beans. Don’t forget to complete the experience with a refreshing margarita!
• Boost the Spice: If you love a little heat, stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or an extra can of chopped green chiles into the bean mixture before filling the tortillas.
• Enhance the Flavor Profile: To add even more depth to the five-bean filling, consider mixing in additional spices. A teaspoon of chili powder, a half-teaspoon of garlic powder, or a touch of ground cumin will significantly enhance the savory Mexican flavors.
• Add More Veggies: For an extra dose of nutrients and texture, feel free to fold some finely diced bell peppers (any color!), a handful of fresh spinach, or a drained can of corn into the bean mixture. This adds wonderful color and boosts the vegetable content.
• Perfectly Soft Tortillas: If your flour tortillas seem a bit stiff, you can warm them slightly in the microwave (stacked and covered with a damp paper towel for 15-30 seconds) or in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.

More Enchilada Recipes to Love Next Time

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting versatility of enchiladas, you’ll be thrilled with these other fantastic recipes. Whether you prefer chicken, beef, or a hearty casserole, there’s an enchilada for every taste:

• Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole (pictured above) for an easy, hands-off meal.
• Brunch Enchiladas With Ham for a savory morning treat.
• White Chicken Enchiladas for a creamy, milder option.
• Shredded Beef Enchiladas for a rich, meat-lover’s delight.
• Bubble Up Enchiladas for a fun, deconstructed take on the classic.
• Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Ready to experience the incredible flavor and convenience of Paisley Farm products? Find out where you can purchase their delicious Paisley Farm Five Bean Salad, along with their other fabulous offerings, by visiting their official website. For ongoing recipe inspiration and updates, make sure to follow Paisley Farm on their social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Discover All My Paisley Farm Recipes Here

These Five Bean and Cheese Enchiladas offer an easy, flavorful, and hearty solution for any dinner, especially when you’re seeking a satisfying meatless meal. Give them a try for your next Meatless Monday or family gathering, and let us know how much your loved ones enjoy this uniquely delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Your taste buds will thank you!