Delicious and Spicy Who Needs Meat Vegetarian Taco Casserole

Get ready to savor bold flavors with this "Delicious and Spicy Who Needs Meat Vegetarian Taco Casserole," a crowd-pleasing, plant-based spin on classic comfort food. Packed with protein-rich black beans, hearty quinoa (or rice), and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, this layered dish offers a perfect balance of spice and savoriness. Corn tortillas bring authentic taco vibes, while gooey melted cheese ties it all together in every irresistible bite. Quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, this casserole is baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection in under half an hour, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a standout dish for a vegetarian gathering. Garnish with fresh cilantro and spicy jalapeños for an optional burst of color and heat. Perfect for vegetarians and taco-lovers alike, this recipe proves you don’t need meat for a deliciously satisfying meal!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 15 ounces Canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 ounces Canned corn, drained
• 10 ounces Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 2 tablespoons Taco seasoning
• 2 cups Cooked quinoa (or cooked rice)
• 2 cups Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 8 tortillas Corn tortillas, cut into quarters
• 0.25 cup Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 5

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked quinoa (or rice). Mix everything thoroughly.

Step 6

Spoon a thin layer of the bean and quinoa mixture into the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with a layer of tortilla quarters, followed by a layer of shredded cheese.

Step 7

Repeat the layers: bean and quinoa mixture, tortillas, and cheese, until all ingredients are used. Ensure the top layer is a generous amount of cheese.

Step 8

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 11

Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and presentation.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2470.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3079.1

Total Fat 98.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 51.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 240.0mg	0%
Sodium 7185.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 442.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 72.5g	0%
Total Sugars 40.2g
Protein 131.4g	0%

Vitamin D 48.0IU	0%
Calcium 2258.7mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 4112.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.8%

Protein: 16.5%

Carbs: 55.7%