Hearty Sausage and Bean Enchiladas

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal: these incredibly flavorful and simple Sausage and Bean Enchiladas! Bursting with savory Italian sausage, hearty beans, and vibrant vegetables, all generously smothered in a rich enchilada sauce and topped with melty cheese, this dish is designed for both ease and exceptional taste. It’s a mild enough recipe to please even the pickiest eaters in your family, yet robust enough to satisfy adult palates craving a bit of Tex-Mex flair.

Tex-Mex cuisine holds a special place in our home, and these enchiladas are a testament to why. For a complete and satisfying meal, consider pairing them with a bright Grilled Corn Salad, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, or a refreshing side of Cilantro Lime Rice, which perfectly complements the rich and spicy notes of the enchiladas.

I’ve long been a dedicated enchilada enthusiast. They’ve always been my go-to for those evenings when I need to whip up something quick and satisfying. The beauty of enchiladas lies in their versatility and the ability to “throw them together” with whatever ingredients you have on hand. While many of my enchilada creations might not adhere strictly to authentic Mexican traditions, they are undeniably delicious. These Sausage and Bean Enchiladas continue that tradition, offering a unique and incredibly tasty twist on the classic comfort food.

This particular enchilada recipe distinguishes itself with its delightful combination of Italian sausage and a robust mix of beans and vegetables, all harmonized with classic Tex-Mex spices. It comes together remarkably fast, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight dinner when you crave something hearty and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. The distinctive taste of the sausage truly sets these enchiladas apart from other recipes, offering a welcome change from the more common beef or chicken versions. It’s a fantastic way to introduce new flavors and textures to your meal rotation, ensuring your dinner table never gets boring.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Sausage and Bean Enchiladas

• Quick & Convenient: Designed to be prepared and baked in under an hour, these enchiladas are a dream come true for busy weeknights when time is precious but you still want a homemade, satisfying meal.
• Hearty & Flavorful: The combination of savory Italian sausage, two types of beans, and aromatic vegetables creates a filling that’s both substantial and packed with a complex flavor profile that’s a refreshing departure from traditional ground beef.
• Family-Friendly: With a mild yet rich spice blend, these enchiladas are palatable for all ages, making them a fantastic option for family dinners where everyone can find something to love. You can easily adjust the spice level to suit individual preferences.
• Customizable: This recipe offers a flexible foundation. Whether you want to swap proteins, add more vegetables, or try different cheeses, it’s incredibly easy to adapt to your specific tastes or whatever ingredients you have in your pantry.
• Comfort Food Appeal: Enchiladas are inherently comforting, and this version, with its warm, saucy, and cheesy goodness, delivers that cozy, feel-good experience in every bite.

The Hearty Foundation: A Look at Our Key Ingredients

Crafting exceptional enchiladas starts with understanding each component. Here’s a deeper dive into the ingredients that make these Sausage and Bean Enchiladas truly special:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This forms the base for sautéing, lending a subtle richness to the initial stages of cooking. While extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor, you can readily substitute it with another cooking oil of your choice, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil, depending on what you have on hand.
• Italian Pork Sausage: This is the star protein that gives these enchiladas their unique character. Unlike many enchilada recipes that feature ground beef or chicken, the Italian sausage brings a fantastic depth of savory flavor, often seasoned with fennel and other herbs, which elevates the entire dish. If you’re looking for an alternative, ground turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a leaner option, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian twist. Just remember that if you swap, you might need to enhance the seasoning with additional herbs and spices to match the robust flavor profile of Italian pork sausage.
• Red Bell Pepper & Onion: These humble vegetables are indispensable. They contribute essential bulk, a pleasant textural contrast, and a foundational layer of aromatic sweetness and savoriness to the filling. Finely chopping them ensures they meld seamlessly into the sausage and bean mixture. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or even a mild poblano pepper for added complexity.
• Chili Powder & Cumin: These are the classic spice duo that defines the warm, earthy, and mildly spicy notes characteristic of Tex-Mex cuisine. They infuse the filling with an authentic taste. For those who enjoy more heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce can be added. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can slightly reduce the amounts. A touch of dried oregano can also enhance the overall herb profile.
• Stewed Tomatoes: These tomatoes, typically cooked and cut into pieces before canning, provide a lovely moisture and a rich, slightly tangy tomato base for the filling. Their tender texture integrates well. If you prefer smaller, firmer chunks of tomato, diced tomatoes can be easily substituted. Ensure you drain them slightly if they are packed in excessive liquid to avoid a watery filling.
• Black Beans and Pinto Beans: The combination of both black and pinto beans adds a wonderful variety in texture and flavor, making the filling extra hearty and nutritious. Black beans are typically creamier, while pinto beans offer a slightly firmer bite. However, don’t hesitate to use all of one type if that’s what you have, or even incorporate kidney beans for another textural dimension. Always remember to drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium.
• Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are critical for bringing all the flavors of the filling into balance. It’s crucial to season the mixture gradually and taste as you go, adjusting to your preference. Don’t underestimate the power of proper seasoning to transform a good dish into a great one.
• Whole Wheat Flour Tortillas: For a slightly healthier touch without sacrificing flavor or texture, whole wheat flour tortillas are a great choice. They provide a bit more fiber. Regular flour tortillas will work just as well and are often more pliable. If you wish to use traditional corn tortillas for an authentic touch, you will likely need more than eight, as they are typically smaller and might require a brief fry or dip in warm oil to prevent tearing and make them more flexible.
• Enchilada Sauce: This is the lifeblood of any enchilada dish. The sauce ties everything together, infusing every bite with its signature rich and savory flavor. The quality of your enchilada sauce significantly impacts the final taste, so use a brand you genuinely enjoy. For an extra special meal, consider making a homemade enchilada sauce for an even fresher and more customized flavor.
• Monterey-Jack Cheese: Known for its excellent melting properties and mild, creamy flavor, Monterey Jack is a superb choice for these enchiladas. It adds a delicious layer of gooey goodness without overpowering the other ingredients. For a slightly sharper taste or a more colorful presentation, you could substitute with Colby Jack, mild cheddar, or a Mexican blend cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a superior texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Expert Tips & Tricks for Enchilada Perfection

Achieving restaurant-quality enchiladas at home is easier than you think with a few simple techniques:

• Don’t Skip the Sauce Layer: Spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of your baking dish is a small step with big benefits. It not only helps prevent the tortillas from sticking to the pan during baking but also ensures that the bottom of each enchilada gets thoroughly coated in that delicious sauce, preventing dryness and adding flavor.
• Make Tortillas Pliable: Dry or cold tortillas can tear easily when rolled. To make them soft and flexible, microwave a stack of tortillas (about 4-5 at a time) for 20-30 seconds until they are warm and bend easily. Alternatively, you can quickly warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 10-15 seconds per side. This simple trick makes rolling much easier and prevents frustrating tears.
• Freezing for Future Meals: These sausage and bean enchiladas are excellent candidates for freezing. For best results, I recommend assembling and freezing them *before* baking. Tightly wrap the unbaked enchiladas in foil and then again with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer. Cook covered with foil for about 45-60 minutes at 350°F (175°C), then uncover and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. This method allows for a convenient, ready-to-bake meal on demand.
• Elevate with Toppings: While delicious on their own, a variety of toppings can take your enchiladas to the next level. Fresh cilantro and thinly sliced green onions add a vibrant, herbaceous finish. Consider serving with dollops of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, creamy slices of avocado or homemade guacamole, a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Make-Ahead Magic: To save even more time on a busy weeknight, prepare the enchilada filling a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble, simply warm the filling slightly to make it easier to work with, then proceed with the rolling and baking steps.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: The current recipe offers a mild flavor profile suitable for families. If you prefer more heat, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of chipotle powder, or finely diced jalapeños to the filling. For a milder version, ensure your Italian sausage is sweet or mild, and consider reducing the chili powder slightly.

What to Serve with Your Sausage and Bean Enchiladas

To transform these delicious enchiladas into a truly memorable meal, consider these complementary side dishes:

• Grilled Corn Salad: The sweet and smoky flavors of grilled corn, often combined with fresh herbs, lime, and a touch of spice, offer a refreshing and light contrast to the rich enchiladas. Its vibrant colors and textures make it an appealing addition to any plate.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: A classic pairing, this light, fluffy rice infused with zesty lime and fresh cilantro provides a perfect neutral base that soaks up the enchilada sauce beautifully and balances the robust flavors of the filling.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the enchiladas, adding freshness and a healthy component to your meal.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elotes): For another authentic touch, grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice is an irresistible side that complements the Tex-Mex theme.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans, whether homemade or canned, are a traditional and satisfying side dish that adds extra heartiness to your plate.
• Chips and Salsa or Guacamole: Start your meal with a bowl of crispy tortilla chips alongside fresh salsa or creamy guacamole to set a festive tone.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad featuring tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and papaya can offer a sweet and refreshing end to a savory meal.

More Enchilada Inspiration

If you’re an enchilada enthusiast like us, explore these other fantastic recipes from our collection:

Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
White Chicken Enchiladas
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
Chicken, Black Bean and Zucchini Enchiladas with Creamy Green Chile Sauce
Beef and Bean Enchiladas
Ground Beef Enchiladas

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Sausage and Bean Enchiladas

Rating: 5 from 1 vote

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

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Filled with savory Italian sausage, hearty beans, and colorful veggies, and topped with zesty enchilada sauce, these Sausage and Bean Enchiladas are an easy, flavorful, and family-friendly dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound sweet Italian pork sausage
• 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 (14.5 oz) can stewed tomatoes
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (10-oz) can enchilada sauce
• 8 (6-inch) whole-wheat flour tortillas
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey-Jack cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175°C). Spray a 9×13” baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, red bell pepper, and onion. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking up the sausage, until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are soft, about 6-8 minutes.
3. Stir in the chili powder and ground cumin. Cook for 1 minute more, allowing the spices to become fragrant.
4. Add the stewed tomatoes, black beans, and pinto beans to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Spread about 1/3 of the enchilada sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Take one tortilla, spoon some of the filling down the center, and roll it up. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down at one end of the dish. Continue with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them snugly in the dish. As you place each rolled enchilada, ensure its outer surface gets coated in the sauce at the bottom of the dish.
6. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle with the shredded Monterey-Jack cheese. Bake until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 30-35 minutes.
7. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the enchiladas to set and makes them easier to cut and serve.

Recipe Notes:

Adapted from the Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook.

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.

Nutrition Information

• Serving: 1 serving
• Calories: 442 kcal (22% Daily Value)
• Carbohydrates: 48g (16% Daily Value)
• Protein: 20g (40% Daily Value)
• Fat: 17g (26% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 8g (50% Daily Value)
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 53mg (18% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1221mg (53% Daily Value)
• Fiber: 10g (42% Daily Value)
• Sugar: 8g (9% Daily Value)

Keywords: easy enchilada recipe, sausage enchiladas, bean enchiladas, weeknight dinner, family friendly, Tex-Mex, comfort food