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Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole Recipe
4.5 from 90 votes

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole layers seasoned vegetables, beans, corn, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese into a baked dish that delivers a hearty and spicy flavor. The filling combines sautéed onions, garlic, peppers, chili powder, cumin, and cilantro with red beans and corn for a well-balanced texture and taste. A smooth cheese sauce made from milk, cheddar, and optional diced tomatoes and chilies adds richness to each bite.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Additional Time
5 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 486 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Enchilada Casserole
  • 1 Tablespoon neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
  • 1 medium red onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 medium red bell pepper sweet, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 14 ounces red beans 1 can, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup sweet corn (drained)
  • black pepper to taste
  • salt to taste
  • 6 corn tortilla cut into strips, or flour tortillas
  • 12 ounces chipotle enchilada sauce (or use 10-ounce can enchilada sauce)
  • Queso or cheese sauce
  • 1 cup Monterey jack cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup cilantro fresh
Simple Queso or Cheese Sauce
  • 3/4 cup milk whole
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
  • 10 ounces chilies optional, like Ro*Tel, drained
  • 10 ounces diced tomatoes optional, like Ro*Tel, drained

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 F | 200 C. Grease a baking dish 8x8 inch or 11x7 inch.
Make The Filling
  1. Heat a large non-stick skillet on medium heat with olive oil. Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, cumin, chili powder, and cilantro. Stir and let cook a few minutes until the veggies are fragrant. It will take about 4 minutes.
  2. Add red beans and sweet corn. Stir and adjust taste if needed. Remove from heat to cool down.
Make The Enchilada Sauce
  1. See my recipe for how to make Chipotle Sauce for Enchiladas.
Make The Cheese Sauce
  1. In a saucepan, whisk together whole milk and cornstarch.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat, and bring the milk to a boil, stirring constantly.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in drained diced tomatoes and chilies, if desired.
Make The Casserole
  1. Spread half of the enchilada sauce on the bottom.
  2. Lay half of the tortilla strips by overlapping.
  3. Layer half of the vegetables over the tortillas.
  4. Spoon the cheese sauce over the vegetables.
  5. Repeat one more time with tortilla strips, vegetable, tomato sauce, and finish 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until the casserole has cooked through and the cheese melted.
  7. Allow the casserole to cool down for about 5 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve immediately with guacamole and sprinkle with cilantro and green olive. Enjoy.

Notes

  • The cheese sauce may be made without the diced tomatoes and chilies for a simpler flavor.
  • Use either corn or flour tortillas based on preference when layering the casserole.
  • Adjust chili powder and cumin amounts to match desired spice levels.
  • Drain and rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce saltiness and enhance texture.
  • The casserole pairs well with a side salad or rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories 486kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 47g (16%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 23g (35%) Saturated Fat 13g (65%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 60mg (20%) Sodium 1067mg (44%) Potassium 693mg (15%) Fiber 10g (40%) Sugar 11g (22%) Vitamin A 2225IU (45%) Vitamin C 51mg (57%) Calcium 519mg (52%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 486

% Daily Value*

Calories 486kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 47g 16%
Protein 25g 50%
Fat 23g 35%
Saturated Fat 13g 65%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 60mg 20%
Sodium 1067mg 44%
Potassium 693mg 15%
Fiber 10g 40%
Sugar 11g 22%
Vitamin A 2225IU 45%
Vitamin C 51mg 57%
Calcium 519mg 52%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.