Pinto Bean Veggie Green Enchilada Bake

This green enchilada casserole is saucy, savory, hearty, and full of veggies and plant-based protein. It’s a nourishing entrée that comes together quickly with just 10 ingredients required. Let us show you how it’s done!

Origin of Enchiladas

Enchiladas may have originated from a similar Mayan dish called papadzules. But the first written recipe for enchiladas didn’t appear until a cookbook called El Cocinero mexicano was published in 1831 (source). Typically, enchiladas are made with meat, seafood, beans, cheese, or vegetables stuffed in corn tortillas and topped with enchilada sauce. We’ve put a spin on the traditional style by creating this roll-free enchilada bake that’s plant-based and complete with all the savory and saucy goodness of the original!

How to Make an Enchilada Bake

We start the enchilada bake by sautéing a savory base of onions, garlic, spicy peppers, and chili powder. Jalapeños and serranos both work, depending on your heat preference! Next, we add fresh veggies for fiber and nourishment! We like zucchini, carrots, and spinach for a contrast of colors and textures, but most of your favorite veggies can work here. Bell peppers, corn, or kale would all be winning options! We finish off the filling by adding pinto beans for plant-based protein. Other legumes like black beans or lentils will also work for a similar hearty addition! Then with the filling ready, it’s layer time! We cut the corn tortillas in half and place them with the flat sides toward the edges of the pan. The enchilada sauce under the tortillas helps to soften them and make the enchilada bake extra flavorful! Top the tortillas with a bean and veggie layer. Then we repeat a couple times: sauce, tortillas, veggie filling. Lastly, we finish with tortillas and a final layer of green enchilada sauce. And then it’s time to throw it in the oven! After baking, we like to top it with vegan sour cream (or avocado crema), radishes, red onion, and cilantro. And then devour — major yum! We hope you LOVE this enchilada bake! It’s: BrightSaucy HeartySavorySpicy & SO delicious! This enchilada bake is a satisfying, weeknight-friendly meal on its own. But if you’re planning a feast, pair it with other Mexican-inspired recipes like our 5-Ingredient Ginger Beer Margaritas, Mexican Quinoa Salad with Orange Lime Dressing, or Quinoa Salad Cups with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing!