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Budget-Friendly Student Enchiladas Recipe Under 1 Dollar Per Serving Easy and Delicious

budget-friendly student enchiladas recipe - featured image

A simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly enchiladas recipe perfect for students or anyone looking for a quick, affordable, and delicious meal under $1 per serving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (120 g) frozen corn kernels
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 6 small flour tortillas (6-inch / 15 cm diameter)
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, or avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat a teaspoon of oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, drain and rinse the black beans. Mash them roughly with a fork or potato masher to a creamy and chunky texture. Add the cooked onion and garlic, frozen corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Add a tablespoon of water or tomato sauce if mixture is too dry.
  4. In a small bowl, stir together the tomato sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Lightly grease your baking dish. Lay out one tortilla, spoon about 1/3 cup (80 ml) of filling onto the center, sprinkle a tablespoon of cheese on top, then roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  6. Pour the sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, covering but not swimming. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges of tortillas start to crisp.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If tortillas crack when rolling, warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds to make pliable. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. You can substitute black beans with pinto or kidney beans. Use vegan cheese or omit cheese for dairy-free. Frozen corn can be replaced with canned corn. Skip baking and warm in a covered skillet for a quicker option.

Nutrition

Keywords: budget-friendly, student meals, enchiladas, cheap dinner, easy recipe, black beans, vegetarian, quick meals