Black Bean and Yellow Squash Enchilada Casserole
Updated Jul 14, 2021, Published Oct 16, 2019
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Black Bean and Yellow Squash Enchilada Casserole is a hearty meatless Mexican-inspired dish even non-vegetarians will love! Best of all, it’s super easy and super versatile!
Black Bean and Yellow Squash Enchilada Casserole is perfect for a divided household where one is vegetarian but the other won’t give up their meat. This Mexican-inspired casserole is so good and hearty your carnivore significant other won’t miss the meat!
Best of all, it’s super easy and super versatile!
With some cooler weather FINALLY making its way into our area, I’m very happy to start making and sharing some heartier fall recipes. Although this casserole uses yellow squash which made one last final abundant appearance at my local market before the squash and pumpkins showed up, it’s spicy, hearty and perfect for an early fall dinner!
What is an enchilada casserole?
Simply, it’s all the elements of enchiladas in a casserole but without the rolling!
How to make Black Bean and Yellow Squash Enchilada Casserole:
- For this casserole, I like to slice the yellow squash lengthwise then slice into half-moon shapes.
- Start by sauteing all the veggies: Onion, green bell or Ancho peppers, red bell pepper, the yellow squash and garlic.
- Stir in canned and rinsed black beans.
- Then, fry up some tortillas! The reason I like to fry them for a recipe such as this one and my Mexican Chicken, Poblano and Black Bean Tortilla Casserole is that the corn tortillas will hold up better in the casserole. If you just cut into squares and stir them in, the tortillas have a tendency to practically dissolve. No worries! They cook quickly in just a few minutes.
- Stir in prepared purchased or homemade enchilada sauce. I used a good, organic prepared purchased enchilada sauce here that I added a bit of water to in order to make it the equivalent of what you would find in a can at a typical supermarket. However, if you’re feeling ambitious, it’s easy to make your own. Here’s a great healthy, homemade enchilada sauce that’s perfect for most diets from The Kitchen Girl: Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce
- Combine all this goodness in a baking dish with some cheese…
- Add more cheese on the top…
Bake and you’ve got delicious, easy Black Bean and Yellow Squash Enchilada Casserole! Everyone will come running, including that carnivorous significant other!
Top with diced avocado, cilantro and serve with some lime wedges. Sour cream on the side is great, too!
Black Bean and Yellow Squash Enchilada Casserole for the meatless win!
As I mentioned earlier, this casserole is super versatile! Use butternut squash instead of yellow squash or tofu instead of or in addition to the black beans for a protein-packed vegetarian meal. Enjoy!
More great Southwestern and Mexican-inspired meatless meals!
- Skillet Chickpea Chilaquiles
- Southwestern Lentil and Brown Rice Bake
- Southwestern Squash, Corn and Poblano Casserole
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas with Sweet Potatoes, Poblanos and Black Beans with Chipotle Sour Cream
- Quinoa Corn and Black Bean Stuffed Poblano Peppers
- Lima Bean and Potato Enchiladas with Hatch Green Chile Sauce
- Spicy Roasted Vegetable and Black Bean Ragout with Polenta
- Tofu and Black Bean Taco
Black Bean and Yellow Squash Enchilada Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons canola oil plus 1/4 cup
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, or 1 large Ancho pepper, chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 medium yellow squash, halved lengthwise and sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cans (15-ounce) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch squares
- 1 can (19-ounce) enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, or a combination of shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese
- Diced avocado
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the onion, reduce heat to medium-low and cook 5-7 minutes, stirring often.
- Add the green and red bell pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes then add the yellow squash. Cook 4-5 minutes or until the yellow squash is tender.
- Add the garlic and cook 15 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add black beans and remove from heat.
- Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in another skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tortillas and cook until crispy and light gold in color. Stir frequently so they brown and crisp evenly. Drain on paper towels.
- Stir tortilla squares into black bean mixture.
- Add the enchilada sauce and half the cheese.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbling.
- Serve with avocado, cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Use butternut squash instead of yellow squash.
- Use tofu instead of or in addition to the black beans.
- Can be assembled 24 hours in advance and refrigerated.
- You may need to increase baking time because the baking dish will be colder.
- Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator, then bake as directed.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
I thought it was pretty good. Making it again, I’ll dice the squash into smaller pieces, and also experiment with some taco seasoning instead of/in addition to enchilada sauce. I also added about a cup of rice, which I thought was a nice touch.
Hi, Teal, Thanks so much and so happy you enjoyed!
This was a great recipe idea! I switched it up a little by using toasted pumpkin seeds instead of black beans, and it turned out great!
We are looking for replacements for meat heavy meals and found this vegetarian enchilada casserole to be very satisfying and filling. Will definitely make it again.
Hi, Nancy, Thanks so very much and glad you enjoyed! It’s most definitely a great casserole for anyone trying to eat less meat. Thanks again!
I loved this recipe. The only step I altered was to put the tortilla strips on the bottom as sort of a crust. It worked out great!
Hi, Tracy, Thanks so very much and glad you enjoyed!!
I was nervous about making this because it was a lot more complicated than I normally make, but it was so easy and sooooo delicious!!