Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

By Alexandra Caspero on September 7, 2016
Enchiladas with a fraction of the work. Layered with vegetables, beans, cheese and homemade enchilada sauce.
Serves 4-6

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. Layers of corn tortillas, homemade enchilada sauce, peppers, squash and cheese. Vegetarian & Gluten-Free.

There must be something in the water because I can’t stop seeing babies everywhere. In my Facebook news feed, from my neighbors down the road, college friends; life at this stage is really, really fun. Now that I’m into my thirties, my weekends have shifted from weddings, brunches and bachelorettes to baby showers, playing at the park and catching up over nap time. Secretly, I’m so much better at this stuff since it’s almost impossible for me to stay up past 11PM and I cannot function after three two glasses of wine.

Is there anything better than being greeted with infant smiles, giggles and squeals? My world stops when I get to enjoy these little angels; holding them, making silly faces and cooing back to them while my momma friends get a little moment of peace.

My love language is food. Always has been and likely always will be. I’m fairly certain this is genetic as my mom and sisters are both deeply entrenched in the need of giving food. So, as my friends due-dates draw closer, I make it my mission to stock the freezer. Soups, lasagna, casserole, granola bars, smoothie packs. Life is about to get crazy, I just happy to help out with this small part.

Late Summer Enchilada Casseroleleaderboard

 

Since I tend to go on auto-pilot for these events and bring the exact same thing (manicotti, baked ziti, lasagna), I wanted to branch out of my Italian ways and gift something a little different.

Which brings me to this enchilada casserole. Also known as the dish that you will make over and over again, gift to new moms and still want more of. It’s so much easier than lasagna with just as much flavor. Make a quick enchilada sauce (I love this 15 minute version), saute some vegetables and layer. That’s it! No fuss, little mess.

Less time in the kitchen means more time getting to snuggle new babies.

Late-Summer Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. Layers Of Corn Tortillas, Homemade Enchilada Sauce, Peppers, Squash And Cheese. Vegetarian &Amp; Gluten-Free | Www.delishknowledge.comLate-Summer Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. Layers Of Corn Tortillas, Homemade Enchilada Sauce, Peppers, Squash And Cheese. Vegetarian &Amp; Gluten-Free | Www.delishknowledge.com

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole Prep Tips:

  • I sliced the corn tortillas into strips to make them easier to layer
  • I used Trader Joe’s shredded Mexican blend cheese, though cheddar, Monterey Jack or similar will work. For my non-dairy friends, swap in a non-dairy cheese of your choice. Field Roast & Daiya are my favorites.
  • I used an assortment of squash because that’s what I had on hand, but I honestly think any vegetable will work. If you would put it in fajitas, you can put it in this enchilada casserole.
  • I like my casseroles really saucy as I detest dry food (see also: my insane love of condiments). Add as little (or as much) sauce as you’d like.

This casserole also makes a ton! At least, a ton for my little family of two. I have a two-meal max on leftovers, so I pulled out four pieces and froze the rest for busy weeknights this Fall.

Late-Summer Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. Layers Of Corn Tortillas, Homemade Enchilada Sauce, Peppers, Squash And Cheese. Vegetarian &Amp; Gluten-Free | Www.delishknowledge.com

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag your Instagram photos with #delishknowledge . I absolutely love seeing your creations. Happy cooking! 

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Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices 1x
  • Category: dinner, healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free, main
  • Method: oven
  • Cuisine: vegetarian, Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. Layers of corn tortillas, homemade enchilada sauce, peppers, squash and cheese. Vegetarian & Gluten-Free


  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices 1x
  • Category: dinner, healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free, main
  • Method: oven
  • Cuisine: vegetarian, Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian
  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices 1x
  • Category: dinner, healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free, main
  • Method: oven
  • Cuisine: vegetarian, Mexican
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup white onion, chopped
  • 1 poblano pepper, chopped
  • 3 cups summer squash, halved then thinly sliced into half moons (yellow squash, zucchini or mix of both)
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/3 cup cilantro leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 12 corn tortillas, sliced into strips
  • 1 1/3 cups shredded mexican blend cheese
  • 2 1/2 cups enchilada sauce (I love my homemade enchilada sauce or store bought)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, poblano pepper, pinch of salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add the squash, red pepper, spices and cook for another 8-10 minutes until squash is soft and vegetables are heated through. Stir in the pinto beans and cilantro.
  4. Lightly grease a casserole dish, spread a little of the enchilada sauce on the bottom (about 1/2 cup) then 1/2 of the tortilla strips.
  5. Follow up with 1/2 of the vegetables, half of the sauce and 2/3 cup of cheese. Repeat with another layer of tortilla strips, vegetables, sauce and cheese.
  6. Lightly tent with foil and bake for 15 minutes; remove foil and bake another 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and cheese is melted.
  7. Remove from oven, let sit for 5 minutes then slice into 8 pieces.

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If you love these vegetarian enchilada casserole, then you will love my Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas, Instant Pot Quinoa Enchiladas, Veggie Fajita Enchiladas and Zucchini Enchiladas. 

 

Late-Summer Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. Layers Of Corn Tortillas, Homemade Enchilada Sauce, Peppers, Squash And Cheese. Vegetarian &Amp; Gluten-Free | Www.delishknowledge.com

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Meet Alex Caspero

Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Chef, and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.

(7 comments) leave a comment

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    1. Nancy
      November 21, 2021 AT 7:19 pm

      HI Alex, This looks great. I have a few questions: how large of a casserole dish? Also, can you use cotija cheese instead and OK to leave out beans? If so, do you recommend more veggies? Thanks for any intel.
      Best,
      Nancy

      1. Alex
        November 22, 2021 AT 11:18 am

        Hi Nancy! I usually use my 9×13 casserole dish for this one. Yes, I think any kinda of cheese would work well and you can increase the veggies a bit; but the beans only make up for 1 1/2 cups so I think a small increase would still work great. Let me know how it turns out!

    2. Elizabeth Shaw
      September 7, 2016 AT 7:55 pm

      I got super happy then super sad reading this lol (you get me lovely)!! So.. I think two things: 1- FNCE may do us dirty since we both can’t stay up past 11 nor have more than 2 glasses of wine & 2- when we become mamas we’ll have plenty of delicious and nutritious frozen meals at our fingertips! LOVE YOU gal!

      1. Alex @ DelishKnowledge
        September 10, 2016 AT 6:21 am

        Ha! FNCE always kills me 🙂 Love you!

    3. Fiona
      September 7, 2016 AT 11:19 am

      This looks absolutely delicious! And perfect for leftovers too.

      1. Alex @ DelishKnowledge
        September 10, 2016 AT 6:21 am

        Thanks Fiona!

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