Description
This Black Bean and Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole is a vegan, plant-powered dinner layered with roasted squash, black beans, spinach, tortillas, and enchilada sauce. Hearty, cozy, and easy to make for weeknights, meal prep, or dinner parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 6 small corn tortillas (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 cup vegan shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Avocado slices or vegan sour cream, for serving
- Optional add-ins: ½ cup cooked quinoa or brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, diced red bell pepper
Instructions
- Roast the squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread diced squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Roast 25–30 minutes until tender and golden.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine roasted squash, black beans, green chilies, and spinach.
- Assemble: Lower oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce in a greased 9×9 baking dish. Add 2 tortillas, then half the filling, ½ cup sauce, and ½ cup cheese.
- Repeat: Layer tortillas, remaining filling, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with cilantro, avocado, or vegan sour cream.
Notes
- Always roast squash for richer flavor.
- Drain beans well to prevent sogginess.
- Don’t overload layers for an even bake.
- Adjust enchilada sauce heat level to taste.
- Freezer-friendly up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Vegan Recipes
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Black Bean and Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole, Vegan Enchilada Casserole, Plant-Based Recipes, Butternut Squash Vegan Dinner, Cozy Vegan Meals, Fall Vegan Recipes, Easy Vegan Meal Prep