If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, satisfying, and completely plant-based dish, this black bean casserole recipe vegan is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Perfect for cozy weeknights or potluck gatherings, this casserole combines the rich flavors of black beans, savory vegetables, and a creamy, dairy-free sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe offers a delicious and nutritious option that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Not only is it packed with fiber and protein, but it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for easy customization to suit your pantry and preferences. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a comforting casserole that feels indulgent without any of the guilt.
Ready to dive into a flavorful vegan meal that everyone will love? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan black bean casserole is a fantastic blend of convenience, nutrition, and taste. Here’s why it’s a winner:
- Protein-packed: Black beans provide a great source of plant-based protein, making this casserole filling and nutritious.
- Easy to make: With pantry staples and minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy days or for beginner cooks.
- Comfort food at its best: Creamy, savory, and hearty, it satisfies cravings for a warm, home-cooked meal.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or swap spices to make it uniquely yours.
- Perfect for meal prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day, and it freezes well for future meals.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup vegan sour cream (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup vegan shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for a crunchy topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or sauté pan
- 9×9 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven mitts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with a bit of oil or non-stick spray.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and cook the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the bell pepper and corn: Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Mix in the beans and tomatoes: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Combine with vegan sour cream and broth: Remove from heat and mix in the vegan sour cream and vegetable broth until well combined. This will create a creamy base for the casserole.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips and vegan shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra smoky flavor, try adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the bean mixture!”
Feel free to customize this casserole to your liking. You can add diced zucchini or mushrooms for added veggies.
If you prefer a spicier dish, toss in some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a gluten-free version, ensure your tortilla chips are gluten-free.
To make this dish nut-free, skip any vegan cheese made from nuts or use a soy-based alternative.
Want to boost the protein even more? Add cooked quinoa or brown rice to the bean mixture before baking.
For a cheesy topping without vegan cheese, try nutritional yeast sprinkled on top before baking.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan black bean casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides to round out the meal. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some steamed greens like kale or spinach for a boost of iron and freshness.
For a heartier feast, try serving it with warm, crusty bread or fluffy cilantro-lime rice. This dish also makes a fantastic filling for wraps or taco bowls, topped with fresh avocado slices or a dollop of guacamole.
If you enjoyed the comforting warmth of this casserole, you might also like to try some of our other recipes that bring bold flavors to your table, such as the Chipotle Black Beans And Rice Recipe, the creamy Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe, or the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe.
Conclusion
This vegan black bean casserole is a shining example of how plant-based meals can be both delicious and nutritious without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Its creamy texture, rich flavors, and satisfying crunch make it a crowd-pleaser for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for your family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress.
Beyond just a recipe, it’s a versatile template you can modify with whatever veggies or spices you have on hand, making it a reliable staple in your cooking repertoire. Give it a try, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again whenever you want a comforting, wholesome meal.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Black Bean Casserole Recipe Vegan
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegan black bean casserole that's easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with protein and fiber, it's both nutritious and satisfying.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegan shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cooked quinoa, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Pour in vegetable broth and cook for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Transfer mixture to a casserole dish and top with vegan shredded cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 45 g
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