Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Name: Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained; 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce; 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into quarters; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Author: Tessa

Published: August 25, 2025

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Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole has been a lifesaver in my kitchen for years, transforming busy weeknights into a celebration of flavor without all the fuss. There’s something incredibly comforting about layers of tortillas, vibrant veggies, and rich enchilada sauce bubbling away in the oven, promising a hearty meal with minimal effort. As someone who loves to create satisfying vegetarian dishes, I’ve refined this recipe to be not just easy, but utterly delicious and deeply satisfying for the whole family.

I remember the first time I whipped up a version of this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole; I was amazed at how quickly it came together and how everyone, even the most dedicated meat-eaters, asked for seconds. It truly showcases how simple, wholesome ingredients can create something truly special. Trust me, this isn’t just another casserole; it’s a go-to recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation.

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole - detail 2

Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

This Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary hug! I know you’ll adore it because:

It’s incredibly quick to prep, making it perfect for busy evenings.
The hearty, savory flavor satisfies even the biggest appetites.
It’s a fantastic family-friendly dish, loved by kids and adults alike.
You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and toppings.

The ease and sheer satisfaction of making this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole are truly unmatched!

The Joy of a Simple Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

There’s a special kind of joy in creating a delicious, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This simple Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole delivers just that! Its straightforward assembly and comforting layers make it the ideal dish for those hectic weeknights when you need something nourishing and utterly delicious on the table fast.

Essential Ingredients for Your Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Crafting the perfect Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole starts with gathering the right ingredients. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 large onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), and 1 bell pepper (any color, also chopped). For the heart of the filling, grab 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans (rinsed and drained), 1 (15-ounce) can of corn (drained), and 1 (10-ounce) can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained). Flavor boosters include 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. The base of the dish is 1 (10-ounce) can of red enchilada sauce and 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into quarters. Finally, 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish) complete this fantastic casserole.

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Pantry Staples for a Flavorful Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Many of the key players in this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole are likely already in your pantry! Canned black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies form the robust, hearty base of our filling, providing both texture and depth. Spices like chili powder and cumin infuse that classic Mexican flavor, while the red enchilada sauce ties everything together with its rich, savory notes. Don’t forget that shredded cheddar cheese for gooey goodness!

Fresh Produce for the Best Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

While the pantry provides the backbone, fresh produce really elevates this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. A large onion, finely chopped, lays down a sweet and savory foundation when sautéed. Those two cloves of garlic, freshly minced, add a pungent kick that’s essential. And a vibrant bell pepper, chopped, brings a lovely sweetness and crunch. For a final flourish, a sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro brightens the entire dish with its herbaceous aroma.

How to Prepare Your Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Making this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole is incredibly straightforward, I promise! We’ll start by getting our oven ready and sautéing our veggies, then move on to layering everything beautifully in the baking dish before letting the oven work its magic. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy, and utterly delicious casserole ready to enjoy.

First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish. This little step ensures your delicious casserole won’t stick, making serving and cleanup a breeze. Now, let’s get that flavorful filling going!

Prepping the Filling for Your Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

The heart of your Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole is this vibrant filling! Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, stirring occasionally until they soften, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let this flavorful mixture simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring once in a while to blend all those wonderful tastes.

Layering Your Perfect Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Now for the fun part: assembly! Spread about 1/2 cup of that rich enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates a flavorful base and helps keep the tortillas from sticking. Next, arrange half of your quartered corn tortillas over the sauce. Spoon half of your delicious bean and vegetable mixture over the tortillas, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle generously with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers: the remaining tortillas, the rest of the bean and vegetable mixture, and pour the remaining enchilada sauce over everything. Finally, top it all off with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Baking and Serving Your Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Pop your layered Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole into the preheated oven. Bake it for a glorious 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and lightly browned. Once out of the oven, do yourself a favor and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like, and enjoy!

Tips for Success with Your Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

To truly master this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your veggies! Zucchini or spinach are fantastic additions to the filling, adding extra nutrients and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions and bell peppers until tender. For an extra kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper in the filling works wonders. And if you’re planning ahead, this casserole is a dream for meal prep. Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You’ll thank yourself later!

Making Ahead and Storing Your Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

One of the best things about this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole is how well it adapts to your schedule. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through. Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Common Questions About Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

I get a lot of questions about how to best enjoy and adapt this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole, which I absolutely love! It means you’re really getting into making it your own. Here are some of the most common inquiries I receive, along with my best advice to help you make this already amazing dish even better for your family and taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment and find what works perfectly for your Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole experience!

Can I make this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole spicier?

Absolutely! If you love a little heat, there are several ways to spice up your Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. You can add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to the bean and vegetable filling, or for a fresher kick, finely dice some fresh jalapeños and mix them into the filling before layering. A dash of your favorite hot sauce over the top before serving also works wonders!

What can I serve with Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole?

This hearty Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole is quite a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp, refreshing green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good choice to balance the richness. Mexican rice or a side of cilantro-lime rice also makes a fantastic accompaniment, soaking up all that delicious enchilada sauce. And don’t forget some avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top!

Can I use different types of tortillas in this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole?

Yes, you can! While corn tortillas are traditional and lend a lovely texture and flavor to this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole, flour tortillas can also be used. If you opt for flour tortillas, be aware that they tend to absorb more sauce and might result in a slightly softer, less structured casserole. You might also need to adjust the amount of tortillas depending on their size. Experiment to see which you prefer!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Please note that the nutritional values provided for this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole are estimates based on the ingredients listed. Actual values can vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and precise serving sizes. This information should be used as a general guide rather than a definitive statement for dietary planning.

Share Your Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole Experience

I absolutely adore hearing from you! If you whip up this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know how it turned out, what variations you tried, and if your family loved it as much as mine does! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your delicious creations on social media using #MyKitchenAdventures — I can’t wait to see them!