Mexican cuisine is a vibrant celebration of flavors, colors, and textures, and when combined with fresh vegetables, it creates a wholesome and delicious experience that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to Mexican dishes, adding vegetables not only boosts the nutritional value but also enhances the overall taste and appeal of the meal.
Today, we’re diving into a fantastic recipe that highlights the best of both worlds: a hearty, flavorful vegetable-filled Mexican dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is easy to follow, packed with nutritious ingredients, and versatile enough to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak more veggies into your diet without sacrificing the bold, authentic Mexican flavors you crave.
From the fresh crunch of bell peppers to the creamy texture of black beans and the zest of lime, every bite is a fiesta for your taste buds. Ready to spice up your kitchen with this colorful vegetable Mexican recipe?
Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegetable Mexican recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s nutritious, easy to prepare, and makes a perfect meal for both weeknights and weekend gatherings.
The combination of fresh vegetables and traditional Mexican spices creates a harmonious balance of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s flexible — you can customize it with your favorite veggies or add protein if you like.
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance of freshness and spice. The use of black beans and corn adds texture and heartiness, while the fresh cilantro, lime, and diced tomatoes bring brightness.
If you’re looking for a healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or authenticity, this recipe is a must-try.
Also, it’s vegetarian-friendly and can be made vegan with simple adjustments, making it ideal for all kinds of diets. For more vegetable-packed recipe inspiration, check out our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing |
Yellow onion | 1 medium, diced | Fresh for flavor base |
Bell peppers | 2 (red and green), diced | Colorful and crunchy |
Garlic cloves | 3, minced | Essential aromatic |
Black beans | 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed | Protein and texture |
Corn kernels | 1 cup (fresh or frozen) | Sweet crunch |
Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) | Juicy and tangy |
Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon | Earthy spice |
Chili powder | 1 teaspoon | Mild heat |
Smoked paprika | 1/2 teaspoon | Smoky depth |
Salt | To taste | Enhances all flavors |
Fresh lime juice | 2 tablespoons | Bright acidity |
Fresh cilantro | 1/4 cup, chopped | Herbal freshness |
Flour or corn tortillas | 8 small | For serving |
Optional toppings: | As desired | Avocado, salsa, vegan sour cream, shredded cheese |
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Serving dishes or plates
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables. Dice the onion and bell peppers, and mince the garlic cloves. Rinse and drain the black beans if using canned.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it begins to soften and turn translucent.
- Add the bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften but retain some crunch.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma — be careful not to burn it.
- Add the black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes (including juices) to the skillet. Mix everything well to combine.
- Season the mixture with ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir well to ensure the spices coat all ingredients evenly.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to fully cook.
- Finish by stirring in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a burst of brightness and freshness.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble your tacos or wraps by spooning the vegetable mixture into the tortillas. Add your favorite optional toppings such as sliced avocado, salsa, vegan sour cream, or shredded cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your vibrant, vegetable-packed Mexican feast!
Tips & Variations
“To make this recipe even more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa or brown rice to the vegetable mixture. It’s a fantastic way to add extra texture and nutrition.”
If you prefer a bit more heat, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices. For a smoky flavor, try grilling the bell peppers before dicing them.
Not a fan of black beans? Pinto beans or kidney beans work just as well and bring their own unique textures and flavors.
You can also swap the corn for fresh or frozen diced zucchini or squash to keep it low-carb.
For a vegan version, skip the cheese or use plant-based alternatives and avoid sour cream or replace it with vegan yogurt. If you want to try a baked variation, stuff the vegetable mixture into halved bell peppers or sweet potatoes and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Interested in expanding your vegetable recipe repertoire? Discover more delicious plant-based ideas in our Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners and our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per serving |
---|---|
Calories | 230 kcal |
Protein | 8 grams |
Carbohydrates | 38 grams |
Dietary Fiber | 9 grams |
Fat | 5 grams |
Saturated Fat | 0.7 grams |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Vitamin C | 60% of daily value |
Iron | 15% of daily value |
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable Mexican dish shines when served hot with a variety of sides and toppings. Consider pairing it with a fresh green salad, guacamole, or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
If you love creamy sauces, try our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to drizzle over your tacos for an indulgent twist.
For an easy appetizer, serve the vegetable mixture atop crispy tortilla chips as a quick and healthy nacho alternative. Alternatively, use it as a filling for burritos, enchiladas, or quesadillas.
The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Embracing vegetables in Mexican cuisine is a wonderful way to enjoy bold flavors and nourishing ingredients all in one dish. This recipe offers a colorful, delicious, and healthy meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.
Its simplicity makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, while the vibrant flavors keep you coming back for more.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is a fantastic example of how easy it is to create wholesome meals bursting with flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and spices to make it your own.
And if you’re eager for more inspiration, explore our other vegetable-packed recipes like Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
Happy cooking and buen provecho!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetable Enchiladas
Description: A delicious and healthy Mexican dish filled with sautéed vegetables and topped with a flavorful enchilada sauce and cheese. Perfect for a vegetarian meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add bell pepper, zucchini, corn, and black beans; cook for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in a baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with vegetable mixture and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll up.
- Place rolled tortillas seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 35 g
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