Name: Black Bean Tortilla Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 9 servings
Cuisine: North America, Southwest
Ingredients: 2 large onions, chopped; 1-1/2 cups chopped green peppers; 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained; 3/4 cup picante sauce; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained, divided; 8 corn tortillas (6 inches); 2 cups shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend; TOPPINGS:; 1-1/2 cups shredded lettuce; 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes; 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions; 1/2 cup sliced ripe olives

This black bean tortilla casserole is a meatless bake filled with seasoned veggies, black beans and melty cheese layered with soft corn tortillas.

Ingredients

2 large onions, chopped

1-1/2 cups chopped green peppers

1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained

3/4 cup picante sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained, divided

8 corn tortillas (6 inches)

2 cups shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend

TOPPINGS:

1-1/2 cups shredded lettuce

1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes

1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

1/2 cup sliced ripe olives

Instructions

1 Make the bean and veggie filling

2 Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium saucepan, combine the onions, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, picante sauce, garlic and cumin. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. Remove 1/2 cup of the black beans and set them aside. Stir the remaining beans into the veggie mixture.

3 Layer the casserole

4 Lightly coat a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread one-third of the bean and veggie mixture over the bottom. Lay four tortillas on top, then sprinkle them with 2/3 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers once more. Finish with the last third of the vegetable mixture, followed by the reserved 1/2 cup of black beans. Editor’s Tip: If your tortillas don’t fit the pan perfectly, tear them into large pieces and overlap them as you layer.

5 Bake the casserole

6 Cover the dish with foil and bake it for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it's heated through. Uncover and sprinkle the casserole with the remaining 2/3 cup of shredded cheese. Let the casserole stand until the cheese is melted, about five minutes. Serve it warm with your favorite fresh toppings.