Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas

Published on August 02, 2023

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Quick Summary

Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas with black beans, green chiles, spices, salsa verde, and cheese are the perfect weeknight dinner! You are going to love these hearty vegetarian enchiladas!

Are you trying to figure out what to do with the all of the garden zucchini and summer sweet corn? I am here to help. You HAVE to make these Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas!

Enchiladas are always a hit at our dinner table. We love vegetarian, chicken, beef, bean, and more!

I love making this enchilada recipe during the summertime when we have an abundance of zucchini and corn…but you could make them anytime of the year. Who can resist a pan of cheesy enchiladas?

And a big bonus? My boys don't even know these are vegetarian enchiladas. They are so flavorful and satisfying, they gobble them up!

Table of Contents

Enchilada Ingredients
Prevent Your Tortillas from Breaking
How to Make Corn & Zucchini Enchiladas
Serving Suggestions
How to Store & Freeze
More Enchilada Recipes
Corn and Zucchini Enchiladas Recipe

Enchilada Ingredients

Olive oil– for sautéing the vegetables. Avocado oil is another good option.
Onion– I use a yellow onion, but white or red will work too.
Zucchini– A great way to use up the summer zucchini!
Corn– I like to use fresh sweet corn when it's in season. If you can't find good sweet corn, you can use frozen corn.
Garlic– use fresh garlic, not garlic powder.
Green chiles– You need a 4 oz jar. Don't worry, they aren't spicy!
Black beans– a great way to add protein!
Spices– cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder add lots of flavor to this dish!
Cilantro– A favorite in Mexican dishes!
Salsa verde– use a 16 ounce jar of your favorite brand! Easy peasy! If you prefer red enchilada sauce, you can use it instead of salsa verde. Our homemade enchilada sauce is the best!
Shredded cheese– I like to use Monterey Jack cheese, but Pepper Jack or cheddar would work well too!
Corn tortillas– I prefer corn tortillas, plus it keeps the recipe gluten-free, but if you like flour tortillas, you can use them!
Garnish: Top the enchiladas with fresh cilantro, avocado, radish slices, and queso fresco!

Prevent Your Tortillas from Breaking

Here are a few tips to keep your corn tortillas from breaking when rolling enchiladas.

First, heat the corn tortillas in the microwave so they stay pliable and don't split or tear when you roll them up.
Wrap the tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave on high for 30-seconds and then flip and heat for 30 more seconds.
I also dip the tortillas in a little bit of salsa verde before rolling to keep the tortillas moist and pliable.
You can also fry the tortillas briefly in oil to prevent them from breaking and to make sure they don't get soggy. I usually do the microwave method, but you certainly can fry up the tortillas, it works well.

How to Make Corn & Zucchini Enchiladas

There might be quite a few steps involved, but I promise this enchilada recipe is easy! Have all of your ingredients ready to go and you will be rolling in no time!

First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and zucchini and cook until tender, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the corn and garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
Stir in the green chiles, black beans, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in ½ cup of the salsa verde and ½ cup of the shredded cheese.
Spread about ½ cup of the tomatillo sauce onto the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will keep the enchiladas from sticking and it will keep the enchiladas moist.
Heat the tortillas in the microwave to prevent them from breaking.

Pour about 1 cup of the salsa verde into a pie plate. Take a tortilla and dip it into the salsa verde, coating both sides. Transfer to a plate or cutting board and add about ¼ cup of the filling into the center. Carefully roll it up tightly and place seam side down in baking dish. Repeat until the filling is gone.
Pour remaining salsa verde over the top of the filled enchiladas and then sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.
Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and enchiladas are bubbly. Remove the pan from the oven and allow enchiladas to cool for 5 minutes.
Garnish with cilantro, avocado, radish slices, and queso fresco, if desired. Toppings are always a good idea!

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few of our favorite side dishes to serve with a pan of these cheesy enchiladas!

Mexican Rice
Cilantro Lime Rice
Easy Refried Beans
Best Guacamole
Fruit Salad
Watermelon Salad
Best Bean Dip

How to Store & Freeze

Enchiladas make GREAT leftovers and they also freeze well.

Cool the enchiladas to room temperature and cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
To freeze, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes and then uncover the pan. Continue to bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until completely cooked through and cheese is melted.

More Enchilada Recipes

Skillet Vegetarian Enchiladas
Beef Enchiladas
Bean Enchiladas
Chicken Enchiladas or Skillet Chicken Enchiladas
Stacked Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas
Black Bean Quinoa Enchilada Bake
Stacked Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
Creamy Spinach and Cheese Enchiladas

Main Dishes