There’s something magical about gathering around the table with the ones you love, smiling over platefuls of delicious comfort food. Today, let’s take a culinary journey to Mexico with a delightful Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole Recipe. This dish embodies community and celebration, making it perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. It’s rich, flavorful, and wonderfully easy to prepare. Imagine layers of soft tortillas, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a spicy yet tangy enchilada sauce, all crowned with golden, melted cheese. Its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aromas are sure to capture your heart and taste buds in every bite.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 10 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sour cream and guacamole, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of tortilla quarters over the sauce, then spread a third of the black bean mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle with a bit of cheese and drizzle with more enchilada sauce.
- Repeat the layers twice more, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh cilantro. Serve with sour cream and guacamole on the side.
Helpful Tips
If you’re new to making casseroles, don’t worry – this recipe is very forgiving. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for an extra nutritional kick. For a more indulgent version, mix in some cream cheese with the black bean mixture. To make cleanup a breeze, line your baking dish with parchment paper.
Storage Instructions and Substitutions
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. For a freezer-friendly option, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish and freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
If you don’t have black beans, pinto beans make an excellent substitution. Similarly, you can use any cheese that melts well, like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend.
Pairings and Complementary Dishes
This enchilada casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad of crisp greens and a light vinaigrette. Add a bowl of zesty guacamole and some homemade tortilla chips for a complete fiesta experience. For beverages, consider pairing it with a refreshing horchata or a tangy limeade to complement the rich, spicy flavors.
Here at Zynahz, our mission is to bring joy and creativity into your kitchen, one delicious recipe at a time. We hope this Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole Recipe will inspire you to gather your family and create lasting memories over great food. We’d love to hear about your cooking experiences, so feel free to share your results with us. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and explore more of our delicious dishes. Follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates and culinary inspirations. Let’s turn every meal into a celebration with Zynahz!
