Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish beloved by many for their rich flavors and comforting warmth. Combining tender beef with a variety of fresh vegetables, this beef and vegetable enchilada recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a hearty, wholesome meal.
The blend of seasoned ground beef, sautéed veggies, and a vibrant enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas creates a mouthwatering harmony of textures and tastes. This recipe is easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Mexican cuisine, this dish promises to impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and satisfying filling.
Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or spice levels, making it a crowd-pleaser for all palates. Ready to dive into a delicious dinner?
Let’s get started with this flavorful beef and vegetable enchilada recipe that will soon become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This beef and vegetable enchilada recipe is a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh flavors. The combination of seasoned ground beef and colorful vegetables makes it both nutritious and filling.
You’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare, yet it looks and tastes like a dish you’d find in a restaurant.
The enchilada sauce, made from scratch or store-bought, infuses every bite with tang and zest. Additionally, this recipe is highly adaptable — you can swap out veggies based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
It also freezes well, so you can enjoy it anytime without extra effort.
For those interested in vegetarian options or other Mexican-inspired dishes, don’t miss our 8 Vegetarian Enchilada Recipes You Won’t Be Able to Resist, which offer fantastic plant-based alternatives.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (mix of red, green, yellow)
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream or guacamole for serving (optional)
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking dish (9×13-inch)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Can opener
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish and set it aside.
- Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the beef: Push the vegetables to the sides of the pan and add the ground beef to the center. Break it up with your spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Combine the mixture: Mix the cooked beef with the sautéed vegetables evenly. Stir in the black beans and corn. Cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the enchiladas: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon about ½ cup of the beef and vegetable mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle some cheese over the filling, then roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream or guacamole if desired.
Tips & Variations
For a spicier enchilada, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.
Try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Vegetarian? Replace the beef with extra beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for a delicious meat-free version.
Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free alternative.
Make your own enchilada sauce to control the spices and sodium levels—check out our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for a great seasoning base!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 enchilada) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your beef and vegetable enchiladas with classic Mexican sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top adds creaminess and balances the spices perfectly.
For a fresh twist, try topping with pickled jalapeños or a squeeze of lime juice. If you want to keep it lighter, pair with steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber and tomato salad seasoned with lime and cilantro.
For more inspiration on delicious, wholesome meals, explore our collection of A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.
Conclusion
This beef and vegetable enchilada recipe is sure to become a favorite for anyone who loves Mexican flavors with a nutritious twist. It’s simple to prepare, packed with vibrant vegetables, and bursting with bold seasoning that will satisfy your cravings.
Whether you are cooking for your family or entertaining friends, these enchiladas offer a comforting, delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.
Don’t hesitate to customize the filling and spice levels to suit your taste. Plus, with easy make-ahead options, you can enjoy this dish any day of the week.
Explore more exciting recipes on our site to continue your culinary adventure, from hearty stews to vibrant salads and flavorful spice blends. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Beef and Vegetable Enchilada
Description: A hearty and flavorful beef and vegetable enchilada perfect for a family dinner. Packed with seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and onions; sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook until browned.
- Stir in bell peppers and corn; cook for 5 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in a baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with beef mixture, roll up, and place seam side down in dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 22 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 25 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Beef and Vegetable Enchilada”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful beef and vegetable enchilada perfect for a family dinner. Packed with seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT50M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb ground beef”, “1 cup diced bell peppers”, “1 cup diced onions”, “1 cup corn kernels”, “2 cups shredded cheddar cheese”, “8 flour tortillas”, “2 cups enchilada sauce”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tsp ground cumin”, “1 tsp chili powder”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 tbsp olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and onions; saut\u00e9 until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add ground beef, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook until browned.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in bell peppers and corn; cook for 5 more minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in a baking dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fill each tortilla with beef mixture, roll up, and place seam side down in dish.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “350 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “22 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “25 g”}}