When it’s one of those busy weeknights, and I want something comforting yet quick to prepare, enfrijoladas Mexicanas come to my rescue. Imagine soft corn tortillas, lovingly swaddled in a rich and velvety black bean sauce that envelops you like a warm hug. I first fell in love with these savory little wonders at a cozy local taqueria, where the aroma of freshly cooked beans filled the air—a true invitation to indulge.
Best of all, this dish is incredibly flexible, welcoming vegan options or hearty fillings like chicken or chorizo, making it a delight for everyone at the table. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and under 30 minutes of your time, enfrijoladas transform into the perfect meal, whether it’s for a relaxed brunch with friends or a comforting weekday dinner. Let’s dive into this recipe together and create a dish that doesn’t just satisfy your cravings, but also warms your soul!
Why are Enfrijoladas Mexicanas a must-try?
Comforting and Hearty: Enfrijoladas Mexicanas are like a warm embrace on a plate, ideal for cozy dinner nights.
Quick to Prepare: With just under 30 minutes needed, they fit perfectly into a busy schedule, making them a weeknight favorite.
Versatile Options: You can easily customize your dish with various toppings or fillings, accommodating everyone’s tastes—vegan, vegetarian, or meaty!
Flavor-Packed Goodness: The rich black bean sauce blends beautifully with the corn tortillas, creating a deeply satisfying flavor that’s hard to resist.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these enchiladas are sure to impress guests with their homemade charm—always a hit!
For even more ideas, check out our variations to mix things up!
Enfrijoladas Mexicanas Ingredients
For the Sauce
- Cooked Black Beans – The creamy base of the sauce; canned beans can save you time!
- Vegetable Broth/Water – Keeps the sauce smooth; adjust for thickness to your preference.
- Onion – Sweetens the sauce and adds depth; any onion variety works just fine.
- Garlic Clove – Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor; fresh garlic delivers the best punch.
- Lard/Vegetable Oil – Adds richness when sautéing; swap with vegetable oil for vegan versions.
For the Enfrijoladas
- Corn Tortillas – The soft vessel for the sauce; always warm them for easy handling.
- Queso Fresco – A creamy, salty topping; cotija or vegan cheese can easily replace for dairy-free.
- Crema (or Sour Cream) – Adds a delightful tang; vegan alternatives are available if needed.
- Chopped Onion (for topping) – Brings a fresh crunch; great for textural contrast.
- Avocado (optional) – Creamy and nutritious; feel free to skip if you’re out!
- Fresh Cilantro – Brightens the dish with freshness; optional depending on your taste.
These Enfrijoladas Mexicanas ingredients come together to create a comforting, delicious meal that anyone can enjoy!
How to Make Enfrijoladas Mexicanas
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Blend Ingredients: Combine cooked black beans, chopped onion, garlic, and vegetable broth in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. This is the base of your delectable sauce!
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Cook the Sauce: Heat lard or vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the blended bean mixture and let it simmer for about 5-6 minutes until it thickens nicely. Don’t forget to season with salt to enhance the flavors.
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Warm Tortillas: Slightly warm the corn tortillas in a pan or microwave. This makes them pliable and easy to work with, preventing cracking when you fill them.
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Coat Tortillas: Dip each warm tortilla into the bean sauce, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated on both sides. This will give each bite a delightful flavor infusion.
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Arrange on Plates: Fold or roll the coated tortillas and place them neatly on serving plates. Be gentle to maintain their structure!
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Top and Serve: Generously pour additional bean sauce over the plated tortillas. Finish with toppings of your choice: queso fresco, chopped onion, crema, avocado, and cilantro for a colorful and inviting presentation.
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Enjoy Warm: Serve immediately while the enfrijoladas are warm and delicious, ready to be savored by you and your loved ones!
Optional: Garnish with extra cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Enfrijoladas Mexicanas
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Warm Tortillas: Always warm your corn tortillas to maintain their pliability and prevent cracking when rolling them—this ensures a perfect enfrijolada every time.
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Adjustment of Thickness: If you find your bean sauce too thick, simply add a splash of reserved bean liquid or vegetable broth to achieve your desired consistency.
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Flavor Enhancement: For a deeper flavor, sauté the onion and garlic in lard or vegetable oil before blending them with the black beans; it elevates the entire dish.
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Filling Caution: When adding extra toppings or fillings inside the tortillas, be careful not to overstuff them, as this can lead to tearing and messy plating.
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Serving Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings like fresh diced tomatoes or jalapeños to personalize your enfrijoladas Mexicanas!
What to Serve with Enfrijoladas Mexicanas?
Creating the perfect meal is an adventure, and your enfrijoladas will shine even brighter with the right companions.
- Mexican Red Rice: A classic side dish that adds a hint of sweetness and texture, balancing the richness of the bean sauce perfectly.
- Fresh Guacamole: The creamy avocado dip brings a delightful coolness that complements the warm, spicy notes of the enfrijoladas.
- Crispy Tortilla Chips: Add some crunch! These are perfect for scooping any extra bean sauce, giving your meal a satisfying texture.
- Zesty Cabbage Slaw: A fresh, tangy slaw adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy enfrijoladas, making every bite exciting.
- Spicy Salsa Verde: Drizzle this vibrant salsa over the top for a burst of heat and acidity, elevating your dish to new flavor heights.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: A sweet, smoky addition that pairs wonderfully with the earthy black beans—drench it with lime for a zesty kick.
- Refreshing Agua Fresca: Enjoy a cool drink like hibiscus or tamarind agua fresca; it perfectly offsets the warmth of your hearty meal.
- Flan for Dessert: End your dinner on a sweet note with this creamy custard dessert, offering a luscious contrast to the savory enfrijoladas.
Make Ahead Options
Enfrijoladas Mexicanas are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the bean sauce up to 3 days in advance, simply blending the black beans, onion, garlic, and broth, then refrigerating it in an airtight container. Additionally, you can warm and dip the tortillas the day before, wrapping them tightly once coated to prevent drying. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce in a skillet until hot, dip the tortillas again, and assemble with your favorite toppings like queso fresco and crema. This way, you can enjoy a comforting, homemade meal on busy weeknights with minimal effort!
Enfrijoladas Mexicanas Variations
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, these tasty options are perfect for customizing this beloved dish!
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Vegan Twist: Substitute queso fresco with plant-based cheese and top with extra avocado for a creamy finish.
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Meaty Filling: Add shredded chicken or chorizo inside each tortilla for a heartier version that meat lovers will adore.
You can easily mix it up by using leftover roasted chicken for a quick and delightful twist. -
Spicy Kick: Blend in chipotle peppers or jalapeños for a zesty and fiery flavor explosion.
The heat complements the creamy black beans beautifully and awakens the palate! -
Different Beans: Swap black beans for pinto or red beans for a fun flavor change while maintaining that comforting essence.
Each bean variety brings its own uniqueness! -
Greens Galore: Toss in some sautéed spinach or kale in your filling for extra nutrition and color.
It adds a wonderful surprise and boosts the health factor! -
Nutty Delight: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or nuts on top for a delightful crunch and additional texture.
It’s a small detail, but it can elevate the eating experience tremendously. -
Creamy Alternative: Instead of crema, use Greek yogurt for a tangy touch that still provides creaminess.
It’s a perfect swap that keeps the dish light and delightful! -
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different fresh herbs like mint or parsley in place of cilantro to create unexpected flavor combinations.
This twist can take your enfrijoladas to a whole new level!
How to Store and Freeze Enfrijoladas Mexicanas
- Room Temperature: Allow enfrijoladas to cool completely before storing. They can be left out for up to 2 hours before refrigerating.
- Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place assembled unenfrijoladas in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: To reheat frozen enfrijoladas, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the microwave or bake in the oven until heated through, topping with fresh garnishes.
Enfrijoladas Mexicanas Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right black beans for my enfrijoladas?
Absolutely! When selecting black beans, look for those that are firm and uniform in color, without any dark spots or blemishes. If you’re short on time, canned black beans are a convenient alternative. Just rinse them before use to reduce sodium content.
What’s the best way to store leftover enfrijoladas?
Very! Once your enfrijoladas are cooled, transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll last for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep them moist.
Can I freeze enfrijoladas for later? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze unenfrijoladas, allow them to cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.
What should I do if my bean sauce is too thick?
No problem! If you find your bean sauce thickening too much, add a splash of reserved bean liquid or vegetable broth while simmering. Start with a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. It’s all about adjusting to your preference!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of for enfrijoladas?
Absolutely! If you’re vegan, simply swap lard for vegetable oil and use plant-based cheese and crema alternatives. For those with dairy allergies, stick to vegan toppings and ensure your broth is free from animal products. Always check ingredient labels to ensure safety.
How can I enhance the flavor of the bean sauce in my enfrijoladas?
Very! For an extra depth of flavor, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in your cooking oil before blending with the beans. This step caramelizes the onion and garlic, infusing the sauce with a savory richness that’s hard to resist. You can also consider adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika for a lovely spice twist.
Delicious Enfrijoladas Mexicanas for a Cozy Dinner Night
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend Ingredients: Combine cooked black beans, chopped onion, garlic, and vegetable broth in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Cook the Sauce: Heat lard or vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the blended bean mixture and let it simmer for about 5-6 minutes.
- Warm Tortillas: Slightly warm the corn tortillas in a pan or microwave.
- Coat Tortillas: Dip each warm tortilla into the bean sauce, making sure it's coated.
- Arrange on Plates: Fold or roll the coated tortillas and place them on serving plates.
- Top and Serve: Pour additional bean sauce over the tortillas and finish with toppings of your choice.
- Enjoy Warm: Serve immediately while the enfrijoladas are warm.