Quick and easy vegetarian enchilada bake recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy vegetarian recipe that can be whipped up in no time? Look no further than this quick and easy vegetarian enchilada bake recipe!

Vegetarianism is becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle choice for many people. However, finding tasty and easy-to-make vegetarian recipes can be a challenge. This enchilada bake recipe is a perfect solution for anyone looking for a flavorful and nutritious meal that can be prepared quickly and easily.

This vegetarian enchilada bake recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients and easy to customize to your liking. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

What is a Vegetarian Enchilada Bake?

A vegetarian enchilada bake is a delicious and healthy casserole dish that combines the flavors and ingredients of Mexican cuisine. It is made with layers of corn tortillas or flour tortillas, vegetables, black beans, and cheese, and is smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner or potluck.

The veggie filling in a vegetarian enchilada bake typically includes bell peppers, poblano peppers, onions, and garlic. These vegetables are chopped and sautéed in a tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil over medium-high heat until they are slightly softened. Once the veggies are cooked, frozen corn and black beans are added to the mix and heated through.

To add flavor, chili powder, ground cumin, and teaspoon of salt are mixed in with the vegetables. The mixture is then layered with tortillas and cheese in a baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Monterrey jack cheese and cheddar cheese are common choices for this dish, but a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack can add extra kick. A cup of enchilada sauce is poured over the top of it all before it is baked for 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven.

Once the vegetarian enchilada casserole is cooked, it is garnished with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, green onions, and other favorite toppings before serving. This dish is a great alternative to traditional meat-based enchiladas and is perfect for anyone looking for a tasty and healthy meal.

Preparing the Ingredients

Before you begin making your quick and easy vegetarian enchilada bake, it’s important to gather and prepare all of the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

– 1 yellow onion, diced

– 1 green bell pepper, diced

– 2 poblano peppers, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup frozen corn

– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 6 corn tortillas

– 1 cup enchilada sauce

– 1 cup shredded cheese (monterey jack, cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican cheese blend)

To start, chop the onion, bell pepper, and poblano peppers into small, bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and set it aside. Next, heat the olive oil or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until they begin to soften.

Add the diced peppers and minced garlic to the skillet and continue sautéing for another 5-7 minutes, or until all of the vegetables are tender. Don’t worry if the peppers look slightly charred – this will add extra flavor to your dish!

Once the veggies are cooked, add the frozen corn and drained and rinsed black beans to the skillet. Stir everything together and sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, and salt on top. Mix well to combine all of the flavors.

Now it’s time to layer your ingredients in a baking dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Start by placing a layer of tortillas on the bottom of the dish, tearing the tortillas into smaller pieces if necessary to fit.

Next, spoon a layer of the vegetable and bean mixture over the tortillas, followed by a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat this process until all of your ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of cheese on top. Finally, pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the dish.

Bake your vegetarian enchilada casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the tortillas are slightly crispy. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite toppings, such as fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

Instructions

Instructions are a crucial aspect of any recipe, as they provide a clear and concise guide on how to create the intended dish. A lack of clear instructions can often lead to confusion or mistakes, resulting in a less-than-ideal end result. It is important to carefully read through each step of the instructions before beginning, to ensure that you fully understand the process and are prepared with all necessary ingredients and equipment.

When following a recipe, it is also important to stick as closely as possible to the order of steps listed, as this will often impact the final outcome. For example, if a recipe calls for eggs to be added at the beginning of a mixing process, adding them in at the end may result in an overworked batter or uneven distribution of ingredients. In addition, some recipes may require certain ingredients to be combined separately or mixed in specific proportions to achieve the desired taste and texture.

It is also important to note any specific cooking times or temperatures listed in the instructions, as this can greatly impact the outcome of the dish. Undercooked or overcooked food can be a disappointment, but can also pose health risks, so it is crucial to follow cooking instructions carefully.

If you find yourself struggling or unsure of a particular step in a recipe, don’t be afraid to do some research or ask for assistance. There are countless resources available online or in cookbooks that can provide insight or clarification on particular techniques or ingredients. And, of course, practice makes perfect – the more experience you have in following recipe instructions, the more confident and capable you will become in the kitchen.

How to store leftovers?

Leftovers from your Vegetarian Enchilada Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat and enjoy, simply remove the dish from the fridge and place it on a baking sheet. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You may also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Enjoy!

What sides can be served with this dish?

This Vegetarian Enchilada Bake is delicious when served with a variety of sides. Try pairing it with a simple green salad, a side of black beans and rice, or roasted vegetables such as bell peppers or sweet potatoes. For an extra special touch, top your enchiladas with guacamole or salsa for added flavor.