Loaded Vegan Enchilada Casserole
Layers of corn tortillas, zesty beans and veggies, and spicy sauce are baked up to bubbly perfection to make this mouth-watering enchilada casserole. 100% vegan and easy enough for a weeknight!
Ingredients
- 1 tbspvegetable oil
- 1 mediumonion
diced
- 1red bell pepper
diced
- 3garlic cloves
minced
- 1 tbspground cumin
- 1 tbspmild chili powder
- 1can black beans
drained and rinsed
- 1can pinto beans
drained and rinsed
- 2 ½ cenchilada sauce
divided), (homemade or store-bought
- 1 cfrozen corn kernels
thawed
- ¼ cfresh cilantro
chopped
- to tastesalt and pepper
- 18corn tortillas
- avocado slices
- fresh cilantro
- chopped scallions
- salsa
- guacamole
- vegan sour cream or cashew cream
Directions
- 1
Coat the bottom of a large skillet with oil and place it over medium heat.
- 2
When the oil is hot, add the onion and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pepper begins to soften up and the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the garlic, cumin and chili powder. Sauté the mixture for about 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes very fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the black beans, pinto beans, and half of the enchilada sauce.
- 5
Raise the heat and bring the sauce to a simmer. Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
- 6
Use a fork or potato masher to mash up about 1/4 of the mixture (about 10 to 12 smashes should do it). Stir everything together and allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes more.
- 7
Stir in the corn, then remove the skillet from heat.
- 8
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cilantro. Taste-test the mixture and adjust any seasonings to your liking. (Note 1)
- 9
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- 10
Ladle half of the remaining sauce into the bottom of a 2 quart casserole dish.
- 11
Arrange 6 of the tortillas over the sauce, lightly brushing or dipping each side of each tortilla with enchilada sauce before placing it in the dish. (Note 2)
- 12
Ladle half of the bean mixture over the tortillas.
- 13
Arrange 6 more tortillas over the bean mixture, again dipping or brushing each with sauce before layering.
- 14
Ladle the other half of the bean mixture over the tortillas.
- 15
Dip or brush the remaining 6 tortillas with sauce before arranging them over the bean mixture.
- 16
Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 40 minutes, until it is hot and bubbly.
- 17
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
- 18
Slice and divide the casserole onto plates. Top with toppings of choice. Serve.
About this Recipe
Loaded Vegan Enchilada Casserole: Your New Weeknight Favorite!
Searching for a hearty, flavorful, and plant-based meal that's perfect for any night of the week? Look no further than this incredible Loaded Vegan Enchilada Casserole! This isn't just a meal; it's a celebration of vibrant flavors and comforting textures, all baked into one delicious dish. It's truly a game-changer for anyone wanting to enjoy a satisfying enchilada experience without any meat or dairy.
What makes this vegan enchilada casserole so special? It's all about the layers! We start with soft corn tortillas, generously filled with a zesty, savory mix of hearty black beans and pinto beans, sweet corn kernels, and vibrant bell peppers. This bean and veggie blend is simmered with aromatic cumin and chili powder, infusing every bite with authentic Mexican-inspired taste. Each layer is generously coated in a rich, spicy enchilada sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that meld together beautifully as it bakes to bubbly perfection.
This enchilada casserole is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to assemble, making it ideal for busy weeknights. And the "loaded" part? That's where you get to customize! Pile high with fresh avocado slices, chopped cilantro, zesty scallions, a dollop of vegan sour cream or cashew cream, your favorite salsa, and creamy guacamole. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, this dish proves that comfort food can be both wholesome and utterly delicious. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests with this crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed meal!