Hatch Green Chili Vegetarian Enchiladas

Why These Enchiladas Shine

• Bold Southwest flavor from roasted Hatch green chiles

• Meatless but hearty—beans, veggies, and cheese make these satisfying

• Oven-baked comfort that’s perfect for sharing

• Simple prep—vegetarian, easy for families and meal prep

• Perfectly shareable—great visuals and trending food appeal

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Ingredients

Servings: 8 enchiladas
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes

For the Green Chile Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ pounds roasted Hatch green chiles, chopped (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling

• 2 cups black beans, cooked or canned (drained & rinsed)

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 1 cup diced bell pepper (any color)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or vegan alternative)

• 8–10 corn or flour tortillas

Toppings (Optional but tasty)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Sliced avocado or guacamole

• Diced onion, pickled or raw

• Lime wedges for brightness

• Salsa verde or hot sauce

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Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Make the Green Chile Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Sauté onion for 4–5 minutes until soft, then stir in garlic for 1 minute.

3. Add chopped Hatch chiles; cook 2 minutes.

4. Sprinkle flour, cook 1 minute, then gradually whisk in vegetable broth.

5. Add cumin, paprika, and simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Prepare the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine beans, corn, bell pepper, and spices. Mix thoroughly.

2. Taste and adjust for salt, spice, or texture.

3. Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).

2. Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.

3. Warm tortillas (microwave 30 seconds wrapped in towel or heat in skillet).

4. Fill each tortilla with ~½ cup filling, a light scoop of sauce, and a sprinkle of cheese.

5. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.

4. Bake

1. Pour remaining sauce evenly over enchiladas.

2. Top with leftover cheese.

3. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

4. Uncover and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

5. Serve

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

• Garnish with cilantro, avocado, onion, lime, and salsa.

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Variations & Flexibility

Make It Vegan

Use vegan cheese and skip dairy-based sauce—use a mix of olive oil, spices, and more Hatch chiles instead.

Add Protein

Stir in shredded jackfruit, cooked tofu, or quinoa for extra body.

Spice It Up

Seed your chiles for mild heat or leave seeds for medium spice. Ramp up with jalapeños or hot sauce.

Gluten-Free Swap

Use corn tortillas and a gluten-free thickener (cornstarch slurry) for the sauce.

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How to Store & Reheat

• Fridge: Keep leftovers covered for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze uncooked or fully baked enchiladas up to 3 months. Thaw and bake before serving.

• Reheat: Microwave individual servings or bake covered at 350 °F until hot (15–20 minutes).

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Nutrition Snapshot (Approx. per Enchilada)

Based on corn tortillas and standard filling; adjust per modifications.

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FAQs

Are these enchiladas spicy?
Heat depends on your Hatch chiles. Skip seeds for mild; add them for moderate spice. Adjust as you like.

Can I prepare ahead?
Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Bake when ready to eat.

What if I don’t have Hatch chiles?
Use roasted poblano, Anaheim, or canned fire-roasted green chiles instead.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas and a gluten-free thickener for the sauce.

What can I serve on the side?
Great with Mexican rice, black beans, corn salad, or a fresh greens salad.

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Why This Recipe Will Go Viral

• Visuals that pop: Bright green sauce, melty cheese, fresh garnishes

• Plant-based charm: Hits the trending meatless and vegetarian meals vibe

• Easy and comforting: Great lifestyle content for food discovery platforms

• Customizable: Easily adjusted for dietary needs, spice levels, and flair

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Chef Opera’s Final Thoughts

These Hatch Green Chili Vegetarian Enchiladas deliver plant-based comfort with bold flavor and vibrant visuals. They’re simple to make, satisfying to eat, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a trending, meatless delight. Make them your next viral dinner hit!

Tag your versions with #VegetarianEnchiladas and @ChefOpera—I’d love to see your delicious results!