These enchiladas hit that early evening sweet spot when you want comfort without a heavy lift. The filling is simple. The sauce is smooth and full of warm chili flavor. The whole pan is baked until bubbling and tender. If you cook for mixed diets, this recipe is flexible. It is written as vegan and gluten free. If someone at your table craves extra protein from animal sources, you will find clear add-ins near the end that fit right into the base recipe without changing the method.
Why make this recipe tonight?
Pumpkin puree brings body and a gentle sweetness that pairs well with earthy black beans and toasted spices. You are not chasing a dozen hard-to-find ingredients. You are building flavor with onion, garlic, a couple of chiles, good stock, and pantry spices. The sauce blends in minutes. Corn tortillas keep the dish gluten free and deliver that classic tender chew. Nothing here is watery or bland. The pumpkin thickens the sauce so it clings to the tortillas, and the quick skillet filling holds together, which means tidy rolls and a clean slice on the plate.
What makes these enchiladas easy for home cooks?
You can break the project into small pieces and still eat on time. The sauce can be made up to three days ahead, or it can be frozen. The filling takes about 10 minutes on the stovetop. You can warm the tortillas in the microwave, or you can pass them quickly through a warm skillet. Assembly is straightforward. Bake until the edges bubble. Rest a few minutes, then plate. It is the kind of dinner that rewards a little prep without demanding it.
Required Equipment
- 9 by 13 inch baking dish, or similar (about 3 liters capacity)
- Medium saucepan and a blender, or an immersion blender
- Large skillet
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or spatula
- Paper towels or a clean kitchen towel for warming tortillas
- Aluminum foil for covering the dish during part of the bake
Recipe Overview
Servings: 6 as a main course
Yield: 12 enchiladas
Active prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 35 to 40 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes, including a short rest
Make ahead: Sauce keeps 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer. Assembled unbaked enchiladas can be refrigerated 24 hours.
Ingredients
For the pumpkin chile sauce
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- Yellow onion 1 medium, diced small (about 1 cup or 150 g)
- Garlic 3 large cloves, minced
- Jalapeño 1, seeded for mild heat and chopped, or keep some seeds for more heat
- Ground cumin 2 teaspoons
- Chili powder 2 teaspoons
- Smoked paprika 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano 1 teaspoon
- Ground coriander 1 teaspoon
- Tomato paste 2 tablespoons
- Pure pumpkin puree 1 can, 15 ounces (425 g), not pie filling
- Vegetable broth 2 cups (480 ml), plus more as needed
- Apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon
- Fine sea salt 1 teaspoon to start, then adjust
- Freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon
- Optional warm depth: ground cinnamon 1 pinch or unsweetened cocoa powder 1 teaspoon
For the filling and assembly
- Olive oil 1 tablespoon
- Yellow onion 1 small, diced (about 2/3 cup or 100 g)
- Garlic 2 cloves, minced
- Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
- Ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon
- Black beans 2 cans, 15 ounces each, drained and rinsed (about 3 cups or 510 g cooked)
- Frozen corn 1 cup (140 g), thawed, or fresh in season
- Baby spinach 3 cups loosely packed (90 g), chopped, or 2 cups chopped kale with stems removed
- Lime juice 1 tablespoon, plus lime wedges for serving
- Fine sea salt 3/4 teaspoon to start, then adjust
- Corn tortillas 12 standard size, 6 inch diameter (about 300 g total)
- Neutral oil or olive oil for brushing tortillas, about 1 tablespoon
- Fresh cilantro 1/2 cup (10 g), chopped, divided
Optional toppings at the table
- Avocado slices
- Thinly sliced green onions
- Extra chopped cilantro
- Quick cashew crema or dairy free yogurt for drizzling
- Toasted pepitas
Optional protein add-ins for mixed tables
These additions are optional and do not change the sauce or base method. Add to the skillet during the bean step if you choose to include them.
- Shredded roasted chicken 1 to 2 cups (140 to 280 g)
- Cooked and crumbled vegan chorizo 1 cup (140 g)
- Cooked quinoa 1 cup (170 g) for extra plant protein
All measurements are given in both US and metric. For the best results, weigh where possible. The sauce thickness depends on the broth and the puree brand. You can always loosen the sauce with a splash more broth at the end.
How to make the sauce
What is the goal texture and taste?
You are looking for a pourable sauce that coats the back of a spoon. It should taste savory first, with a gentle pumpkin roundness and clean chile flavor. Salt balances it. Acid lifts it.
Steps
- Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, a pinch of salt, and cook until translucent and lightly golden at the edges. Plan on 6 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and jalapeño. Cook 1 minute, stirring so the garlic does not brown.
- Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and coriander. Stir 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Add tomato paste. Cook and mash it into the aromatics for 1 minute. You want a brick red base.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree and 2 cups vegetable broth. Whisk to break up lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Off the heat, add apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and the optional pinch of cinnamon or cocoa if you like a warmer profile.
- Blend until smooth with a countertop blender or an immersion blender. You want a silky sauce. If it seems too thick, whisk in 2 to 4 tablespoons more broth. Taste and adjust salt and acid. It should be lively.
Set aside. You will use some for the filling and the rest for the baking dish and topping.
How to build a clean, cohesive filling
Why this filling works
Black beans hold their shape and absorb the sauce. Corn adds pops of sweetness. Spinach or kale brings color and a light mineral note. Lime juice brightens the skillet at the end so the filling does not taste heavy.
Steps
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and a small pinch of salt. Cook until tender, about 4 minutes.
- Add the garlic, cumin, and coriander. Stir 30 seconds.
- Add the black beans and corn. Stir to warm through, 2 minutes.
- Add 1 cup of the pumpkin chile sauce and the chopped spinach. Stir until the greens wilt and everything looks glossy, about 2 minutes.
- Off the heat, add lime juice and half of the chopped cilantro. Taste and season with more salt if needed. The filling should be well seasoned so the finished enchiladas sing.
If you are adding optional cooked chicken, vegan chorizo, or quinoa, stir it in with the beans and corn so it warms and picks up the spices.
How to prepare tortillas so they roll without cracking
What kind of tortillas should I use?
Choose soft corn tortillas about 6 inches across. Look for packages labeled gluten free if needed. Fresh tortillas bend more easily. If they are dry, warm them.
Two reliable ways to make them pliable
- Microwave method: Stack 6 tortillas, wrap in a damp paper towel, and microwave 30 to 45 seconds until hot and flexible. Keep them wrapped while you work. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Skillet method: Heat a dry skillet over medium. Warm each tortilla for about 15 seconds per side until it softens. Stack inside a clean towel to keep steam in.
A light brush of oil on each tortilla before rolling helps with tenderness and browning. Use about 1 tablespoon oil for all 12 tortillas.
Assembly and baking
- Heat the oven to 375 F, which is 190 C.
- Spoon 3/4 cup of the sauce into the baking dish and spread it to coat the bottom.
- Working one tortilla at a time, brush lightly with oil, add about 1/4 cup of filling in a line down the center, then roll up snugly. Place seam side down in the dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas, lining them up in rows. You should have 12 rolls.
- Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top. Use a spoon to nudge sauce between the rolls so everything is coated.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil so the top does not dry out. Bake 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake 10 to 15 minutes more, until the sauce bubbles at the edges and the tortillas look tender and set.
- Let the pan rest 5 to 10 minutes on the counter. Scatter the remaining chopped cilantro. Add avocado slices if you like. Serve with lime wedges.
Resting helps the sauce thicken and the enchiladas hold together when you lift them out.
Preparation instructions, condensed
- Make pumpkin chile sauce.
- Cook filling with onion, garlic, beans, corn, greens, and 1 cup sauce. Finish with lime and cilantro.
- Warm tortillas until very pliable.
- Sauce the baking dish. Fill, roll, and arrange seam side down.
- Top with sauce. Cover and bake. Uncover to finish.
- Rest. Garnish. Serve warm.
Common questions
Can I make the sauce ahead?
Yes. Once blended and cooled, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a quart container or zip bag with the air pressed out. It will thaw overnight in the fridge. If you are short on time, thaw in a bowl of cool water and then rewarm gently in a saucepan, whisking until smooth.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, as long as it is thick and well strained. Fresh puree can hold more water. Set it in a mesh strainer over a bowl for 30 minutes to drain if it seems loose. You want a consistency similar to canned puree.
What if my sauce tastes flat?
Add a pinch of salt and a small splash of vinegar. Taste again. If the flavor is hot but not bright, add a squeeze of lime. Small corrections make a big difference.
Do I need cheese?
No. These enchiladas are satisfying without dairy. If you like a creamy element, drizzle with cashew crema or a spoon of dairy free yogurt at the table. If you eat dairy and want to add some, a light scattering of shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking will melt without overwhelming the sauce.
Can I use flour tortillas?
Flour tortillas are not gluten free, and they turn soft and heavy here. Corn works better. If you must use flour, choose small, thin ones and warm them well so they do not crack.
How do I keep tortillas from breaking?
Use fresh corn tortillas and warm them until very pliable. Keep them wrapped while you work. If a few crack, tuck them in the center of the pan. The sauce will soften them during baking.
Can I add roasted vegetables?
Yes. Roasted cubes of butternut squash, sweet potato, or zucchini are nice. Fold 1 to 2 cups into the filling after the greens wilt. Season them well with salt and pepper before adding.
Seasonal notes for cooks in cooler, wetter climates
Pumpkin puree keeps well in the pantry. Black beans are stable and handy. When the days get short and the air starts to smell like rain, a pan of saucy enchiladas makes a good counterpoint. If you arrive home cold, warm your tortillas in the microwave, and hold the skillet over medium heat while the oven preheats. You will be eating soon.
Flavor variations that still fit the method
Smoky chipotle pumpkin sauce
Blend 1 to 2 teaspoons adobo from canned chipotle chiles into the sauce after simmering. This creates a deeper, smoky heat. Start small. Add more to taste.
Green pumpkin sauce
Swap chili powder and smoked paprika for 1 teaspoon ground cumin and 1 teaspoon ground coriander, then add 1 cup chopped roasted green chiles or mild canned green chiles with the broth. Blend as directed.
Mole-leaning profile without a long simmer
Add 1 teaspoon cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon almond butter to the sauce before blending. Keep salt and acid balanced so it does not drift sweet.
Protein switches
- Add 1 cup cooked lentils to the filling for more plant protein.
- Stir in 1 to 2 cups shredded roasted chicken for a mixed table.
- Mix 1 cup cooked and crumbled vegan chorizo for a spiced version.
All switches use the same bake time. Taste the filling again after adding protein and adjust salt.
Make-ahead plans that actually work
- Sauce day: Make the sauce on a quiet evening. Refrigerate. On the next day, you only need to cook the quick filling and assemble.
- Full assembly: Roll the enchiladas in the morning. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When you are ready to eat, bake as directed, adding 5 to 10 minutes if the dish is very cold.
- Freeze for later: Assemble in a freezer safe dish. Wrap tightly. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 15 to 20 minutes until hot and bubbling.
How to serve
Plate two enchiladas per person for a generous portion. Spoon extra sauce from the pan over the top. Add avocado slices and cilantro. A crunchy cabbage salad or a simple mix of lettuce, thin radish slices, and lime vinaigrette makes a fresh side. If you want a warm side, quick roasted zucchini or a tray of spiced cauliflower fits well.
Storage and reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Microwave: Reheat single portions covered on medium power until hot.
- Oven: Reheat a larger portion covered at 325 F, which is 165 C, for 15 to 20 minutes. Loosen with a spoon of water or broth if the sauce tightened in the fridge.
The sauce will thicken as it rests. A small splash of broth restores a smooth texture.
Troubleshooting checklist
- Sauce too thick before blending: Whisk in more broth. You want a pourable consistency.
- Sauce too thin after blending: Return to the pot and simmer a few minutes to reduce.
- Filling tastes dull: Add lime juice and a pinch of salt.
- Edges dried out during baking: Make sure you start with sauce on the bottom of the dish and cover with foil for the first part of the bake.
- Tortillas splitting: Warm them longer, keep them wrapped, and avoid overfilling.
Nutrition Information
The following is an estimate for one serving, which is two enchiladas when the recipe is prepared as written without optional proteins, cheese, or crema. Values will vary with ingredient brands and any add-ins.
- Calories: about 420
- Protein: about 16 g
- Carbohydrates: about 65 g
- Dietary fiber: about 17 g
- Total fat: about 11 g
- Saturated fat: about 1.5 g
- Sodium: about 760 mg
- Added sugars: 0 g
If you add chicken or vegan chorizo, protein will increase. If you add cheese or crema, fat and sodium will increase. If you are tracking closely, plug your exact ingredients into a nutrition calculator.
Ingredient notes and sourcing
- Pumpkin puree: Use plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. Butternut squash puree also works.
- Beans: Two cans keep prep easy. If you prefer to cook from dry, use about 1.5 cups dried black beans, cooked and drained.
- Broth: Choose a low sodium vegetable broth so you can control the seasoning.
- Chiles: A fresh jalapeño provides a clean heat. You can substitute serrano for more heat, or use mild canned green chiles for a gentle sauce.
- Corn tortillas: Look for soft, flexible tortillas. If the package date is far out, warm them well and consider the skillet method.
Step-by-step summary you can skim at 5 p.m.
- Start sauce with onion, garlic, and jalapeño.
- Bloom spices and tomato paste.
- Stir in pumpkin and broth. Simmer. Blend smooth. Season.
- For filling, soften onion and garlic. Add spices.
- Add black beans, corn, and 1 cup sauce. Add greens to wilt. Finish with lime and cilantro.
- Warm tortillas. Brush lightly with oil.
- Sauce the baking dish. Fill, roll, and arrange.
- Top with the rest of the sauce. Cover and bake at 375 F, which is 190 C, for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes. Rest 5 to 10 minutes.
- Garnish and serve.
Preparation Instructions in Detail
1. Make the pumpkin chile sauce
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook onion with a pinch of salt until translucent and lightly golden.
- Add garlic and jalapeño. Stir 1 minute.
- Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and coriander. Stir 30 seconds.
- Mix in tomato paste and cook 1 minute until the color deepens.
- Whisk in pumpkin puree and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer 5 to 7 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Off the heat, blend until smooth. Add vinegar, salt, pepper, and optional cinnamon or cocoa. Taste and adjust. The sauce should be pourable and bright.
2. Cook the filling
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil.
- Soften onion with a pinch of salt.
- Add garlic, cumin, and coriander. Cook 30 seconds.
- Add black beans and corn. Stir to warm.
- Stir in 1 cup sauce and the chopped greens. When the greens wilt, remove from heat.
- Add lime juice and half the cilantro. Taste and adjust salt.
3. Warm tortillas
- Microwave method or skillet method. Keep tortillas wrapped to hold heat and moisture.
- Brush lightly with oil.
4. Assemble
- Heat oven to 375 F, 190 C.
- Spread 3/4 cup sauce in the baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with 1/4 cup filling. Roll snug and place seam side down.
- Pour remaining sauce over the top. Cover with foil.
5. Bake
- Bake covered 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 10 to 15 minutes until bubbling and edges look set.
- Rest 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Serve
- Scatter remaining cilantro. Add avocado if you like. Serve warm with lime wedges.
Scaling the recipe
- Half batch: Use an 8 by 8 inch dish and 6 tortillas. Halve all ingredients. Bake time is the same.
- Large crowd: Use two 9 by 13 inch dishes. Double everything. Bake both on the center rack if your oven allows, or rotate the pans halfway through.
Food safety and reheating guidance
When holding sauce or leftovers, cool them quickly. Transfer hot sauce to a shallow container so it drops below room temperature promptly, then refrigerate. Reheat leftovers to a visible simmer in the microwave or to at least 165 F, which is 74 C, in the oven. Do not leave cooked enchiladas at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Taste and texture checkpoints
- The sauce should coat the spoon and leave a light trail when you draw a line through it.
- The filling should be moist but not wet. If it looks dry, add a small splash of sauce.
- The tortillas should roll without cracking. If they resist, warm them more.
- After baking, the top should show small bubbles and the edges should look glossy.
- After resting, slices should hold together when lifted with a spatula.
Quick cashew crema (optional, dairy free)
This is handy for drizzling and adds a cool contrast.
- Raw cashews 1/2 cup (70 g), soaked in hot water 15 minutes
- Water 6 to 8 tablespoons (90 to 120 ml), as needed
- Lime juice 1 tablespoon
- Fine sea salt 1/4 teaspoon
Drain cashews and blend with 6 tablespoons water, lime juice, and salt until very smooth. Add more water to reach a pourable consistency. Taste and adjust. Keeps 4 days refrigerated.
If you cook for kids
Keep the jalapeño mild by removing seeds and membranes. Serve lime wedges and avocado slices on the side so each person can add what they like. The base recipe is gentle. Heat lovers can add hot sauce at the table.
If you want leftovers that reheat well for lunches
Bake the pan as directed. Cool completely. Portion two enchiladas into each container with a spoon of sauce. Refrigerate. Reheat covered on medium power so the sauce does not splatter. Add fresh cilantro after warming.
Environmental and pantry considerations
Pumpkin puree and canned beans are shelf stable. If you are trying to cut food waste, this recipe uses the entire can of pumpkin. It also welcomes odds and ends. A half cup of roasted vegetables or a handful of leftover rice can fold into the filling. Keep salt balance in mind when adding extras.
Final notes before you start
Taste your sauce after blending. Adjust salt and acid so it is bright. Warm your tortillas until very pliable. Do not rush that step. Roll snug but not tight. Let the baked pan rest a few minutes before serving. Those small habits lead to clean, satisfying slices and a relaxed dinner.
At-a-glance recipe card
Title: Black Bean and Pumpkin Enchiladas with Silky Pumpkin Chile Sauce
Servings: 6
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 35 to 40 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes
Equipment: 9 by 13 inch baking dish, saucepan, blender, skillet, tongs, foil
Ingredients:
Pumpkin chile sauce: olive oil, onion, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, tomato paste, pumpkin puree, vegetable broth, cider vinegar, salt, pepper, optional cinnamon or cocoa.
Filling: olive oil, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, black beans, corn, spinach or kale, lime juice, salt, corn tortillas, a little oil for brushing, cilantro.
Toppings: avocado, green onions, cilantro, cashew crema, pepitas.
Optional add-ins: shredded roasted chicken, cooked vegan chorizo, or cooked quinoa.
Method:
Make sauce. Make filling with some of the sauce. Warm tortillas. Fill, roll, and arrange. Top with remaining sauce. Bake covered, then uncover to finish. Rest and serve with cilantro and lime.
Enjoy the first slice. It should be tender, saucy, and balanced, with a little heat and a clean pumpkin finish that tastes like good fall cooking.
Share this:
Discover more from Life Happens!
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
