Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole with Sautéed Onions, Peppers, and Zucchini

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Try this hearty layered enchilada casserole for a satisfying vegetarian meal. Everything you love about enchiladas, without the hassle.

6-8
Enchilada Sauce
2 tablespoons Natural Grocers® Brand Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1⁄4 cup Natural Grocers Brand Organic Tomato Paste
2 tablespoons Natural Grocers Bulk Medium or Mild Organic Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Natural Grocers Bulk Ground Organic Cumin
1⁄2 teaspoon Natural Grocers Bulk Granulated Organic Garlic
1⁄2 teaspoon Natural Grocers Bulk Granulated Organic Onion
1⁄2 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Chipotle Chili Pepper Powder , or up to 1 teaspoon (optional for extra spice and smokiness)
1⁄2 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Real Salt
2 cups organic vegetable broth, or 1 organic vegetable bouillon cube and 2 cups water
2 teaspoons unrefined organic sugar, or Natural Grocers Brand Raw and Unfiltered Clover Honey
1 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
Enchilada Filling
1 tablespoon Natural Grocers® Brand Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 small organic onion, diced
2 (15-ounce) can Natural Grocers Brand Organic Black Beans, drained and rinsed
2 (4-ounce) can green chilies
salt and pepper, to taste
2 (6-ounce) packages Natural Grocers Brand Organic Mexican Blend Shreds, or 3 cups dairy-free cheese shreds
16 (6-inch) organic corn tortillas, divided
Enchilada Toppings (choose as many of the following as you like)
3 organic Roma tomatoes, diced
1 (2.25-ounce) can Natural Grocers Brand Organic Sliced Black Olives
4 large organic romaine lettuce leaves, torn or thinly sliced
2 medium organic avocados, pitted and diced
Nacho sliced jalapenos
organic sour cream
Sauteed Onions, Peppers, and Zucchini
1 1⁄2 tablespoons Natural Grocers® Brand Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 large organic onion, cut in half top to bottom then cut into ¼-inch slices
2 medium organic zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and then sliced into ¼-inch slices
2 medium organic bell peppers, stems and seeds removed and cut into ¼-inch slices or 1 (10-ounce) bag of tri-colored frozen peppers
1 teaspoon Natural Grocers Bulk Organic Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon Natural Grocers Bulk Organic Oregano
Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Real Salt, to taste
  1. Make the sauce: Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and tomato paste. Cook, stirring frequently until paste just begins to darken, about 3-4 minutes. Add the spices and mix with the paste and the oil. Pour a small amount of broth into the paste and stir to incorporate. Continue adding small amounts of broth and stirring until all the broth is added and the paste is fully incorporated. Tear one corn tortilla into small pieces and add it to the sauce. Add the sugar and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the vinegar, and blend in a blender or with an immersion blender until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Make the filling and assemble the enchiladas: Preheat the oven to 350°. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and onions and cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the black beans, green chilis, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and turn off the heat.
  3. Pour 1/3 cup of sauce into the bottom of a 9”x13” baking dish. Use a spoon to spread the sauce and cover the bottom. Use five tortillas to cover the bottom, breaking two in half to fill the space. Pour a little over a ½ cup of the sauce on top of the tortillas and again spread it around to cover. Distribute half of the bean mixture over the sauced tortillas and sprinkle with a cup of cheese. Repeat with tortillas, sauce, bean mix, and cheese. Cover the top with the remaining five tortillas, then the remaining sauce and the remaining cheese. Cover with foil and place in preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 5-10 minutes, or until the filling is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted.   
  4. While the enchiladas are baking, prepare the toppings and cook the vegetables. Once the toppings are prepped, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot add the olive oil, onions, zucchini, and peppers (if using fresh) and toss to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are just starting to soften, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste; if using frozen peppers add them now. Increase the temperature to medium-high and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are done to your liking.
  5. Serve slices of enchilada with a side of veggies and have everyone add their desired toppings. 

Source: Heather Pratt

Tips for What to Do With Excess Ingredients: Leftover tomato paste can be frozen in 1 tablespoon dollops on a sheet of parchment until solid and then transferred to a ziptop freezer bag and stored for 2-3 months. It is measured and ready to add to any recipe calling for tomato paste.