Vegan Enchiladas

These Vegan Enchiladas are the perfect hearty, plant-based meal packed with delicious flavors! Made with a homemade enchilada sauce, fresh veggies like red onion, bell pepper, spinach, and corn, and creamy refried beans, this recipe is both satisfying and vegan-friendly. Whether you’re following a gluten-free or dairy-free diet, these enchiladas are easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving at a gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone. Top with creamy avocado and enjoy a wholesome, flavorful dinner!

Ingredients

For the Enchilada Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (see Notes)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

For the Enchiladas:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ of one medium red onion (chopped)
• 1 medium bell pepper (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 15-ounce can sweet corn (drained)
• 2 cups refried beans (store-bought or homemade)
• Salt to taste
• 8 7-inch flour tortillas (or corn tortillas, see Notes)
• Avocado (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. To make the enchilada sauce, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk together, cooking for 2 minutes.
3. Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and tomato paste. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Set aside.
5. For the enchilada filling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the red onion, bell pepper, and garlic for about 4-5 minutes, until softened.
6. Add the spinach and corn to the skillet and cook until the spinach wilts. Stir in the refried beans and cook until heated through.
7. Spread 1 cup of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish. Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds to soften them.
8. One by one, spoon ¼ cup of the filling into the center of each tortilla and roll it up. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the casserole dish.
9. Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the enchiladas and bake for 15 minutes.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Top with sliced avocado and enjoy!

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Vegan Enchiladas are bursting with bold flavors and are a perfect meal for any occasion. The combination of savory enchilada sauce, hearty refried beans, and fresh veggies makes for a comforting and satisfying dish. Not only is this recipe vegan-friendly, but it’s also easy to make and customizable to fit your taste preferences.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

• Tortillas: You can use flour or corn tortillas for this recipe. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, be sure to use corn tortillas.
• Spice level: Adjust the chili powder and cumin based on your spice preferences. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with the veggies. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even diced tomatoes can be added for a unique twist.
• Refried beans: You can make your own refried beans from scratch or use store-bought versions. If you prefer a creamier texture, blend the beans before adding them to the filling.

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the enchiladas and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
• Can I freeze these enchiladas? Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. To bake, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Can I use a different type of cheese? While the recipe is vegan, you can add vegan cheese on top of the enchiladas before baking for a cheesy touch.

Serving Suggestions

These enchiladas are delicious on their own but can also be served with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, or a crisp green salad. For an extra burst of flavor, serve with a dollop of vegan sour cream or your favorite hot sauce.