Black Bean and Yellow Squash Enchilada Casserole

Black Bean and Yellow Squash Enchilada Casserole is a hearty meatless Mexican-inspired dish even non-vegetarians will love!

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 carnivore 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

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Yield: 6-8

Black Bean and Yellow Squash Enchilada Casserole

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Black Bean and Yellow Squash Enchilada Casserole is a hearty meatless Mexican-inspired dish even non-vegetarians will love!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons canola or corn 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

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly oil a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Add the garlic and cook 15 seconds or until fragrant.
5. Add black beans and remove from heat.
6. 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.
7. Stir tortilla squares into black bean mixture.
8. Add the enchilada sauce and half the cheese.
9. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
10. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbling.
11. Serve with avocado, cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

MAKE-AHEAD: Casserole can be assembled 24 hours in advance. Increase baking time because it will be colder.

FREEZER-FRIENDLY: Assemble, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator then bake.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 394Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 34mgSodium 481mgCarbohydrates 38gFiber 9gSugar 12gProtein 15g

The nutritional information above is computer-generated and only an estimate. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.