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Sharing my vegetarian twist on a classic Mexican dish with these Chipotle Cheddar Cauliflower Black Bean Enchiladas.ย Iโve swapped the meat for nutrient packed cauliflower, but kept things authentic (and delicious) with smoky chipotle powder, hearty black beans, and a nice amount of cheddar cheese. These cauliflower enchiladas are the perfect healthy, yet still delicious, alternative to more traditional versions. The best part? Theyโre super easy, require just 1 sheet pan, 1 baking dish, and 1 hour! Best for when youโre craving Mexican, but just want to stay in and enjoy a healthy home cooked meal.
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Iโve been working on perfecting these enchiladas for weeks now. They started off as something completely different, then moved onto something a bit more green (and very unappealing to the eye), and then they finally developed into the recipe you see today.
It might have taken me a while to get here, but Iโm finally so happy with these enchiladasโฆ5 or so trials later. Enter the side eye emoji here.
Normally it doesnโt take me this long to get a recipe right. But there are times, very annoying times, that a recipe just takes a while to develop. When this happens I always find it helpful to step away from the recipe for a week, or sometimes even longer, and then revisit with a fresh mindset. This kind of applies to most things in life that are giving us a hard time, right?
Many times Iโll just forget about the recipe and move on, but if itโs something I really want to get right, revisiting it usually works. So glad I didnโt give up with these enchiladas! Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but theyโre healthy and delicious too.
Also, itโs often the recipes that I keep coming back to that I end up loving the most. Well, those and my last-minute throw together whatโs in my fridge recipes!
Anyway, a while back I made some cauliflower tacos that to this day (700 or so recipes later) I still love so much. Granted, I really donโt get to make them enough, since Iโm always making new recipes. But it was these tacos that inspired this enchilada recipe.
I started with tossing the cauliflower in a good amount of smoky paprika and spicy chipotle powder. Then I added a poblano pepper and roasted everything together in the oven until the cauliflower was charred. I then added some red enchilada sauce and black beans, to create a bit of a sauce.
I then assembled the enchiladas, added them to a skillet, added a little more sauce, a good amount of cheddar (ok and pepper jack too), and baked the enchiladas until the cheese was melted and the sauce was bubbling upโฆ
SO GOOD.
Since I had 10 minutes to spare while the enchiladas baked, I mixed up a quick mango salsa for topping. If youโre a frequent reader, then you know I canโt resist a good fruity salsa. Some people love a classic tomato salsa, but meโฆIโm all about a fruit based salsa. Especially in the winter months when fruits like pineapple and mangos are in season, and tomatoes are not.
As soon as the enchiladas come out of the oven I like to top them with fresh cilantro and green onions. Be sure to serve these warm, as the gooey cheese and steaming hot sauce are what makes these enchiladas so deliciousโฆ
Well, that and the cauliflower. Which if Iโm being honest, I much prefer over chicken or beef. Honestly, the cauliflower is just as filling, and just as tasty, so be sure to give these a try! Hope you all have a lovely Valentines Day fill with cookies, cakes, chocolates, and pasta too!
If you make the cauliflower enchiladas, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, donโt forget to also tag me onย Instagram!ย Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Chipotle Cheddar Cauliflower Black Bean Enchiladas
Ingredientsย
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 poblano pepper, sliced
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce, homemade or store bought
- 1 can (14 ounce) black beans drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 10-12 corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack
- 2 green onions, chopped
Mango Avocado Salsa
Instructionsย
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. 2. On a baking sheet, toss together the cauliflower, olive oil, chipotle chili powder, paprika, cumin, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Add the poblano and toss to combine. Transfer to the oven and roast for 20-30 minutes, tossing halfway through cooking until charred on the edges. Remove from the oven stir in the black beans, cilantro, 1/4 cup enchilada sauce, and about half of the cheese. Toss to combine.3. Reduce the oven to 375 degrees. Pour 3/4 cup of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9ร13 inch baking dish or 12-inch round skillet.4. Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for one minute. Spoon a little of the cauliflower mixture down the center of each tortilla, tuck and roll, placing the tortilla, seam side down, into the baking dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over top of the enchiladas and then top with the remaining the cheese. Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Remove and top with the mango avocado salsa and green onions.4. To make the salsa. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Season with salt.ย
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Wonderful recipe – on our regular rotation. I have substituted butternut squash for the cauliflower for a slightly sweeter alternative!
Hi Linda,
Happy Sunday! Thanks a lot for making this recipe and your comment, so glad it turned out nicely for you!
Have a great holiday!๐๐
These were perfect and enjoyed by all. Great alternative to meat. Definitely have a bite, so cut back on the poblano pepper and/or the chipotle if you are sensitive.
Hey Kym,
Wonderful! So glad to hear this recipe turned out for you, thanks for giving it a try! Happy Friday! xT
I see this is listed under freezer friendly – but wouldnt they turn extremely mushy after thawing?
Can you list freezer / thawing instructions?
Someone made this recipe after we had a baby, and we all loved it! I have made it myself too, and my husband and kids all enjoy it. Itโs a beautiful dish and also is a nice meal to serve for company.
Hey Andrea,
That’s fantastic to hear! Thanks for trying this dish and your comment, love that it was enjoyed! xT
I struggle to like cauliflowerโฆ.I want to, but I typically donโt. Enter these enchiladas! Easy to make and so delicious, itโs clearly cauliflower without being overly cauliflower.
These are simply great – so thank you!
Hey Kristen,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for making it:)
Do you have freezing recomendations?
Hi Michelle,
Yes, just make through step 4 up until the point of baking, cover and freeze. I hope this recipe turns out well for you, please let me know if you give it a try! xT
This was sooo good! I may cut back a bit on the chipotle chili powder next time..maybe. ๐ Thank you!
Hi Nicci,
Awesome!! I am so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed! Thanks for making it and sharing your feedback:) xx
This is one of the best things I have ever eaten! I love southwest flavors and this hits all the right notes. The only change we made is to use canned jalapenos instead of fresh and everything turned out perfectly.
Hey Lynn,
Happy Friday!! I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for making it! xxT
This is such a delicious vegetarian dinner! Made for my dad’s birthday (he is not vegetarian) and he said he likes it when you don’t notice it’s vegetarian, which is a big compliment from him! Nice level of spice too and the mango salsa perfectly balances it out. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Elaine,
Fantastic! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Have a great week:) xx
Thank you! This recipe was a breath of fresh air in the veggie department. Iโve never been a fan of cook cauliflower and this may have changed my mind. So tasty and simple to make. A really nice alternative to meat enchiladas. Another favourite!
Hey Candace,
Thanks so much for making the recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xTieghan
This has quickly become one of my favorite recipes! It has so many fun flavors. It is also full of healthy ingredients and is so good!
Hey Rayanne,
I am thrilled that you enjoyed the recipe, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
My favorite veggie enchilada recipe I have tried!! Turned out DELICIOUS, I added some butternut squash in with the cauliflower. Mine were not as pretty as the photos but I could use some more practice ?
Thanks for the great recipe!
Thank you Renae! I am really glad this recipe turned out so well for you! xTieghan
Amazing recipe. We normally make half the recipe because we have only a small roasting pan. I make enchilada sauce first and then fry the cauliflower on the stove rather than roast it in the oven. We do end up using 2 cups of sauce even for a half recipe . We love how cheesy it is, thank you so much for this recipe.
Thank you for trying this Lalitya! I am really glad it turned out so well for you! xTieghan