If you’ve ever craved a delicious Boulder’s enchilada recipe with rich flavors and fresh ingredients, you’re in the right place. These aren’t your average enchiladas. They’re hearty, packed with bold flavours, and have that homemade charm that makes them extra special. You’re going to love how easy this recipe is to follow—and how it brings everyone to the table.
His Boulder’s enchilada recipe is hearty, customizable, and perfect for anyone craving bold and fresh flavors.
Let’s roll up some enchiladas, shall we?
Why Boulder-Style Enchiladas Are a Must-Try
- Hearty and Flavorful: Packed with wholesome ingredients like black beans, roasted veggies, and a rich, smoky sauce.
- Customizable: Perfect for vegetarians, but you can easily add shredded chicken or beef.
- Comfort Food Classic: Great for a weeknight meal or a casual dinner party.
- Fresh Ingredients: Inspired by Boulder’s farm-to-table vibes, these enchiladas focus on fresh, simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
the Enchilada Filling:
- 2 cups cooked black beans (or one 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained)
- 1 ½ cups roasted sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Enchilada Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
For Assembly:
- 8-10 medium flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
- Optional garnishes: sliced avocado, sour cream, diced tomatoes, or pickled jalapeños
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the best Boulder’s enchilada recipe, starting with a homemade sauce.
1. Make the Enchilada Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add chilli powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine.
- Slowly pour in the broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, corn, shredded cheese, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Warm the tortillas slightly to make them easier to roll.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling into each tortilla, roll it up and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with all tortillas.
4. Top and Bake
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Let the enchiladas cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with avocado slices, sour cream, diced tomatoes, or pickled jalapeños. Serve hot and enjoy!
For a satisfying dinner, pair the Smoked Brisket with a Chipotle Kick with the Smoked Queso Recipe. The smoky, tender brisket brings bold BBQ flavors, while the creamy, cheesy queso adds a rich and indulgent side that complements the heat from the brisket. Together, they create a balanced, flavorful meal perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.
Boulder’s Spin on Enchiladas: Why They’re Unique
These enchiladas draw inspiration from Boulder’s love for fresh, natural ingredients and big flavours. The roasted sweet potatoes add a hint of sweetness, while the homemade sauce brings depth and smokiness. It’s a dish that feels hearty and nourishing but never heavy—perfect for those who appreciate vibrant, satisfying meals.
Tips for Making the Best Enchiladas
Making this Boulder’s enchilada recipe perfect involves roasting your veggies and layering the sauce evenly.
- Warm Tortillas First: Heat them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel or lightly toast them on a skillet to prevent cracking.
- Roast Your Veggies: Roasting sweet potatoes and other vegetables adds caramelized flavours that elevate the dish.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or green onions brighten up the finished enchiladas.
- Don’t Skimp on Sauce: A generous layer of sauce keeps the tortillas soft and full of flavour.
Variations to Try Boulder’s enchilada recipe
- Protein Boost: Add shredded chicken, ground beef, or crumbled tofu to the filling.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Use a mix of cheeses like queso fresco, pepper jack, or mozzarella for gooey goodness.
- Gluten-Free: Swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas and use gluten-free flour in the sauce.
Pairing Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with your Boulder-style enchiladas? Here are a few ideas:
- Side Salad: A simple lettuce and avocado salad with lime vinaigrette keeps things fresh.
- Rice and Beans: Classic Mexican rice or refried beans complete the meal.
- Chips and Guac: Because there’s never a wrong time for guacamole.
The Secret to Perfect Roasted Veggies for Your Enchiladas
Roasting veggies for your enchiladas adds a smoky depth of flavour that you just can’t get from steaming or boiling. Toss diced sweet potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers with olive oil, cumin, and a pinch of chilli powder before spreading them out on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through. The result? Caramelized edges and tender centres elevate the filling to a whole new level.
Making Boulder’s enchilada Vegan
Looking for a plant-based option? It’s easy to adapt this recipe. Swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative, like shredded vegan cheddar or cashew queso. Use black beans, lentils, or roasted chickpeas for the filling. The homemade enchilada sauce is already vegan, so you’re good to go there. Garnish with avocado slices and fresh cilantro for a dish that’s just as hearty and satisfying.
Add a Smoky Twist with Chipotle
Want to amp up the flavour? Add a tablespoon of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your enchilada sauce. Chipotle brings a smoky heat that pairs perfectly with the earthy flavours of black beans and sweet potatoes. If you’re sensitive to spice, start small and adjust to taste. Pro tip: Blend the sauce for a smoother consistency before pouring it over your enchiladas.
Boulder’s Love for Farm-to-Table Inspiration
What makes these enchiladas special is the emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients—a nod to Boulder’s farm-to-table food culture. Hit up your local farmer’s market for the freshest produce, like sweet corn and juicy tomatoes, to incorporate into the filling. Even if you’re making this dish in the middle of winter, frozen veggies work just as well for that fresh, vibrant taste.
Homemade Tortillas for the Win
If you have a little extra time, try making your own tortillas. Fresh, homemade tortillas take this recipe to the next level. You only need a few ingredients—flour (or masa for corn tortillas), water, salt, and oil. Roll them out thin and cook them on a hot skillet. They’re softer, more flavorful, and hold up better to all that delicious filling and sauce.
Turning Leftovers Into Breakfast
One of the best things about enchiladas is how versatile they are. If you’ve got leftovers, they make a killer breakfast. Reheat a couple of enchiladas, fry an egg sunny-side up, and place it on top. The runny yolk mixes with the enchilada sauce to create a rich, indulgent dish that’s perfect for brunch. Don’t forget to sprinkle on a little fresh cilantro or green onions!
Using Seasonal Vegetables in Your Enchiladas
One of the best things about Boulder-style enchiladas is how well they adapt to the seasons. In summer, swap in fresh zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and corn for a vibrant filling. During fall and winter, roasted butternut squash or pumpkin adds a cozy, hearty element. Even spring greens like kale or Swiss chard can be chopped up and folded into the mix for added nutrients.
A Boulder-Style Twist: Adding Quinoa
For a protein-packed twist, mix cooked quinoa into your enchilada filling. Quinoa’s nutty flavour complements the sweet potatoes and black beans beautifully while adding extra texture. It’s a great option if you want to make your enchiladas even more satisfying without relying entirely on cheese or meat.
Why Homemade Enchilada Sauce is Worth It
Store-bought enchilada sauce is fine in a pinch, but making your own takes these enchiladas to another level. Homemade sauce is fresher and more flavorful, and you control the spice level. Plus, it’s easier than you think. With a handful of pantry staples—chilli powder, cumin, and garlic powder—you’ll have a rich, velvety sauce that outshines anything you’ll find in a can.
Making Enchiladas for a Crowd
Boulder-style enchiladas are the perfect dish to serve a group. To make them for a crowd, prepare two or three baking dishes and offer different fillings—one vegetarian, one with chicken, and maybe one with a spicy kick. Set up a topping bar with options like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream so everyone can customize their plate.
FAQs
1. Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble them up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I freeze leftover enchiladas?
Absolutely. Store them in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil. To reheat, bake at 350°F until warmed through.
3. How do I prevent soggy enchiladas?
Avoid overfilling the tortillas, and don’t overdo the sauce on the bottom of the pan. Just a thin layer is enough.
4. Can I use store-bought sauce?
Of course! If you’re short on time, a good-quality enchilada sauce works perfectly.
5. What’s the best way to reheat enchiladas?
Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. The microwave works, too, but the oven keeps the tortillas from getting too soft.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
With this Boulder’s enchilada recipe, you’ll have a dish that’s satisfying, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish will have everyone going back for seconds. With simple ingredients and bold flavours, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your tortillas, crank up the oven, and let’s make some amazing enchiladas tonight!