Hearty Vegan Enchilada Casserole with Greens and Black Beans
Indulge in this delicious Hearty Vegan Enchilada Casserole that layers vibrant vegetables, black beans, and corn tortillas into a wholesome meal perfect for the whole family. Bursting with flavors from fresh herbs and spices, this casserole is packed with nutrients and is completely plant-based. Ideal for meal prep or a comforting weeknight dinner, it can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables and served with creamy guacamole or fresh avocado slices.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow onion
1 medium (chopped (about 2 cups))
red bell pepper
1 medium (chopped)
garlic
1 tablespoon (finely chopped (about 4 medium cloves))
chili powder
2 teaspoons (none)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (none)
diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (not drained (about 1½ cups))
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained (about 1½ cups))
zucchini
1 medium (sliced (about 2 cups))
canned corn
1 cup (drained)
greens (kale, collards, or Swiss chard)
5 cups (coarsely chopped)
corn tortillas
6 (6 inch) (cut into 1-inch squares)
guacamole or diced avocado
to taste (optional for serving)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of water in a large frying pan or soup pot over medium-high heat. Once the water begins to simmer, add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
2
2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped garlic, chili powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Sauté for 2 more minutes, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking.
3
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), black beans, sliced zucchini, drained corn, and 4 of the cut-up corn tortillas. Mix well, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare a 9x13-inch casserole dish but do not grease it.
5
5. Take 1 cup of the cooked vegetable mixture and transfer it to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if necessary to reach a pourable consistency. Once blended, stir this back into the remainder of the vegetable mixture in the pan.
6
6. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, then sprinkle the remaining 2 corn tortilla squares on top. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes.
7
7. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy it with optional guacamole or diced avocado for an extra creamy finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hearty Vegan Enchilada Casserole?
It is a delicious, plant-based meal that layers vibrant vegetables, black beans, and corn tortillas into a wholesome casserole.
Is this recipe entirely vegan?
Yes, this casserole is completely plant-based and contains no animal products.
Is the Enchilada Casserole gluten-free?
Yes, because it uses corn tortillas and fresh vegetables, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What kind of greens can I use in this recipe?
You can use 5 cups of coarsely chopped kale, collards, or Swiss chard.
How many corn tortillas are needed?
The recipe requires 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch squares.
At what temperature should I bake the casserole?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Do I need to grease the casserole dish?
No, you should prepare a 9x13-inch casserole dish but do not grease it.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 15 minutes.
Can I use oil for sautéing the vegetables?
This recipe uses 1 tablespoon of water for sautéing to keep it oil-free, but you can add a splash more water if the vegetables stick.
What is the secret to the sauce in this casserole?
By blending 1 cup of the cooked vegetable mixture until smooth and stirring it back in, you create a creamy, pourable consistency without added fats.
Should the black beans be drained?
Yes, you should use one 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained.
Do I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, use the diced tomatoes with their juices to provide necessary moisture for the casserole.
What spices are included in this dish?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
How much garlic is required?
Use 1 tablespoon of finely chopped garlic, which is approximately 4 medium cloves.
How should I prepare the zucchini?
Use one medium zucchini and slice it into pieces, yielding about 2 cups.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep and can be easily reheated for a comforting weeknight dinner.
What size should the yellow onion be?
Use one medium yellow onion, chopped to make about 2 cups.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
You can serve the casserole with creamy guacamole or fresh avocado slices to taste.
How long should I sauté the onions and peppers?
Sauté the chopped onion and red bell pepper for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
Should the corn be drained before adding?
Yes, use 1 cup of canned corn that has been drained.
How many tortilla squares go on top of the casserole?
After pouring the mixture into the dish, sprinkle the remaining 2 cut-up corn tortillas on top.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the casserole should be baked uncovered for the full 15 minutes.
How long should the dish rest after baking?
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, this casserole is highly customizable, and you can add your favorite vegetables as desired.
What equipment is needed for the first steps?
You will need a large frying pan or a soup pot to cook the vegetable base.
How do I prevent the garlic and spices from sticking?
Add a splash of water if necessary when sautéing the garlic and dried herbs for those 2 minutes.
Are the tortillas cooked before being added to the mixture?
No, the raw tortilla squares are stirred into the pan with the vegetables to soften before baking.
Is this a good recipe for families?
Yes, it is a wholesome and flavorful meal that is perfect for the whole family.
How much red bell pepper is used?
The recipe calls for one medium red bell pepper, chopped.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe, including the optional toppings.