Are you craving a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying dinner packed with the essence of Mexico—but want to keep it 100% plant-based? You’re in the right place!
Vegan Mexican dinner recipes are not only bursting with taste, but they are also hearty, nourishing, and surprisingly easy to whip up at home. Authentic Mexican cuisine offers a wealth of naturally vegan ingredients, from beans and corn to chiles, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
Whether you’re hosting a festive family night, meal-prepping for the week, or simply looking for new ways to enjoy vegetables, these vegan Mexican recipes will brighten your table and satisfy every appetite.
In this blog post, I’ll share three beloved vegan Mexican dinner recipes: Vegan Enchiladas Rojas, Jackfruit Tinga Tacos, and Vegan Mexican Rice & Bean Bowl. Each dish brings authentic flavor, texture, and color to your weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Plus, you’ll find practical tips, nutrition facts, and serving ideas to make your meal complete.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Vegan Mexican dinner recipes are a celebration of bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and eye-catching presentation. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with these dishes:
- Incredibly Flavorful: Each recipe features traditional Mexican spices, sauces, and fresh veggies, delivering layers of taste in every bite.
- Hearty & Filling: Beans, jackfruit, and grains provide plant-based protein and fiber, keeping you satisfied for hours.
- Family Friendly: These recipes are easy to adjust for all ages and dietary needs—great for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.
- Easy to Make: With simple, accessible ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
- Great for Meal Prep: Many components can be prepared in advance, making these recipes perfect for busy lifestyles.
- Allergen Friendly: Naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and customizable for gluten-free or soy-free diets.
“Mexican food is all about boldness—color, flavor, and love. These plant-based versions honor tradition while keeping your meals healthy and compassionate.”
Vegan Enchiladas Rojas
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Corn tortillas | 12 |
Cooked black beans | 2 cups |
Spinach (chopped) | 2 cups |
Red bell pepper (diced) | 1 large |
Red onion (diced) | 1/2 cup |
Enchilada sauce (red, homemade or store-bought) | 2 cups |
Vegan cheese shreds | 1 cup (optional) |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Fresh cilantro (for garnish) | 1/4 cup |
Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Cooking spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the diced bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Mix in the black beans, season with salt & pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Spoon a generous portion of the bean and veggie mixture into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle with vegan cheese if using.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Add more veggies: Zucchini, mushrooms, or corn make delicious fillings.
- Make it spicy: Add a diced jalapeño to the filling for extra heat.
- Gluten-free: Always use certified gluten-free tortillas and sauce.
- Prep ahead: Fill and roll enchiladas a day in advance, then bake when needed.
- For a cheesy, creamy twist, try drizzling Vegan Bechamel Sauce on top before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (2 enchiladas) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 48g |
Fiber | 10g |
Fat | 7g |
Sodium | 640mg |
Nutrition will vary depending on your sauce and optional cheese. These enchiladas are a great source of plant protein and fiber!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh tomato-avocado salad.
- Top with vegan sour cream, pickled onions, or sliced jalapeños.
- Serve alongside a refreshing agua fresca or homemade limeade.
- For a unique fusion, try pairing with Vegetarian Date Cake for dessert!
Jackfruit Tinga Tacos
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Canned young green jackfruit (in brine or water) | 2 (14 oz) cans |
White onion (thinly sliced) | 1 medium |
Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
Roma tomatoes (chopped) | 3 medium |
Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce | 2 peppers + 1 tbsp sauce |
Vegetable broth | 1/2 cup |
Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
Smoked paprika | 1/2 tsp |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Corn tortillas | 10-12 |
Shredded lettuce, sliced radishes, avocado, lime wedges | For serving |
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Can opener
- Knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Blender (for sauce)
- Mixing bowls
Instructions
- Drain and rinse the jackfruit. Remove seeds and core parts, then shred with your fingers or a fork.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- To make the tinga sauce, blend chopped tomatoes, chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, oregano, smoked paprika, and vegetable broth until smooth.
- Pour sauce into the skillet. Add shredded jackfruit. Simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until jackfruit is tender and sauce thickens.
- Season with salt & pepper. Warm your corn tortillas.
- Fill tortillas with the jackfruit tinga. Top with shredded lettuce, radish slices, avocado, and a squeeze of lime.
Tips & Variations
- No jackfruit? Try shredded oyster mushrooms or hearts of palm for a similar texture.
- Mild version: Use just one chipotle pepper or omit adobo sauce for less heat.
- Make ahead: The tinga filling can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.
- For a fun twist, use the filling in burritos or quesadillas (check out our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for more ideas)!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per 2 Tacos |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Protein | 5g |
Carbohydrates | 34g |
Fiber | 6g |
Fat | 4g |
Sodium | 620mg |
Jackfruit is low in calories and makes a wonderful “meaty” taco filling, especially when paired with fresh veggies!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of refried beans or elote-style corn salad.
- Pair with Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for homemade bread to sop up every bit of sauce.
- Top with vegan crema or homemade salsa verde for extra zing.
- Make a taco platter with assorted toppings—let everyone build their own!
Vegan Mexican Rice & Bean Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Long-grain rice (white or brown) | 1 cup |
Vegetable broth or water | 2 cups |
Canned black beans (drained & rinsed) | 1 can (15 oz) |
Corn kernels (fresh or frozen) | 1 cup |
Cherry tomatoes (halved) | 1 cup |
Avocado (diced) | 1 large |
Red onion (thinly sliced) | 1/4 cup |
Lime (juiced) | 1 |
Chopped cilantro | 1/4 cup |
Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
Chili powder | 1/2 tsp |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Mixing bowl
- Knife and cutting board
- Serving bowls
- Cooking spoon
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add rice, cover, and simmer until tender (12-15 minutes for white, 35-40 for brown).
- While the rice cooks, combine black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, cilantro, and salt & pepper in a large bowl.
- Fluff the cooked rice and divide among serving bowls.
- Spoon the bean and veggie mixture over the rice. Top with diced avocado.
- Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately!
Tips & Variations
- Add greens: Stir in chopped baby spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- Protein boost: Add grilled tofu or tempeh strips.
- Spicy bowl: Top with pickled jalapeños or fresh salsa.
- Swap black beans for pinto or chickpeas for a fun twist.
- Looking for a low-calorie option? Try our Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe as a starter!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 340 |
Protein | 10g |
Carbohydrates | 56g |
Fiber | 11g |
Fat | 9g |
Sodium | 410mg |
This bowl offers a complete meal in one dish, with energizing complex carbs and plenty of veggies!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm tortillas or tortilla chips on the side for scooping.
- Pair with a zesty cabbage slaw for crunch and color.
- Enjoy as a meal prep lunch or dinner—this bowl travels well and tastes great cold or hot.
- For a dinner party, offer a toppings bar with salsa, guacamole, and vegan cheese.
Conclusion
Vegan Mexican dinner recipes are a feast for the senses—colorful, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. From saucy enchiladas and smoky jackfruit tacos to hearty rice and bean bowls, these meals showcase the richness of plant-based cooking without sacrificing tradition or taste.
Each dish is easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your table.
If you’re looking for more global vegan inspiration, don’t miss our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or explore Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for hands-off weeknight dinners.
With just a few pantry staples and plenty of fresh produce, you can enjoy a world of plant-based flavors—starting with these irresistible vegan Mexican recipes. Buen provecho!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Description: Colorful bell peppers are stuffed with a flavorful mix of quinoa, black beans, and veggies. This hearty, plant-based dish is perfect for a satisfying Mexican-inspired dinner.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place bell peppers upright in a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt.
- Mix until well combined.
- Spoon the filling evenly into each bell pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 3 g | Carbs: 54 g
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