Vegan Walking Taco Casserole contains the flavor of a real taco without the meat in this vegan version. This recipe takes only 45 minutes. It is perfect to prepare on weekdays when you are busy. This recipe contains tortilla chips, lentils, vegetables, beans, and vegan protein. These are very simple ingredients and easily available in grocery stores. This recipe contains gluten in the form of tortilla chips, so use the gluten-free version if required. This casserole recipe is versatile, as you can adjust it according to the requirements. Serve this Vegan Walking Taco Casserole with Chili Mac & Enchilada Bake for a filling dinner. This taco casserole stores perfectly, so we easily prepare it in advance.
STATS:
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Portion size: 1 bowl
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Course: Main
- Diet: Vegan
- Portion: 6 servings
EQUIPMENT:
- Mixing spoon
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Baking dish
- Oven
- Knife
INGREDIENTS:
- Lentils: 2 cups
- Black beans: 1 cup
- Corn kernels: 1 cup
- Tortilla chips: 3 cups
- Chili powder: One tsp.
- Onion: 1 cup
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp.
- Bell pepper: 1 cup
- Garlic: 1 tsp.
- Tomato salsa: 1 cup
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp.
- Cumin: 1 tsp.
- Black pepper: ½ tsp.
- Smoked paprika: One tsp.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
OPTIONAL TOPPING:
- Shredded lettuce ½ cup
- Diced tomatoes ½ cup
- Avocado ¼ cup
- Vegans sour cream 2 tablespoons
- Cilantro 1 tablespoon
INGREDIENT NOTES:
LENTILS:
- Use the lentils to prepare this casserole. It helps to soak up the flavors of spice and works nicely as a meat alternative. Use the brown or green lentil in cooked form for this purpose.
CAN OF BEANS:
- Canned beans add the bulk & fiber content in this casserole. Use the rinsed beans to control the salt content.
CORNS:
- Corns will provide the natural sweet taste, and they will balance the spice content in this recipe. Use the fresh corn for the best taste, though use the frozen ones if required.
TORTILLA CHIPS:
- Tortilla chips are used to provide the crunchiness and texture in this dish. Choose the thick chips so it gets soft slightly and don’t get mushy.
ONIONS:
- Onions are used to provide the flavor and slightly sweet taste in this recipe. Use the white or yellow onions for this purpose.
BELL PEPPER:
- Bell peppers add a mild sweet taste & color. Use different colors of bell pepper to make it more refreshing. Avoid them if you don’t like them.
GARLIC:
- Garlic is used to boost the aroma and flavors of this recipe. Fresh garlic provides the strong flavor, though garlic powder is also a great substitute.
SALSA:
- Salsa is added to include the moisture and spice content in this recipe. Add the quantity of salsa according to your preference.
TOMATO PASTE:
- Tomato paste is used to enrich the flavor of tomatoes. It helps to thicken the consistency of the mixture and adds a rich flavor.
OLIVE OIL:
- Olive oil is used to sauté the vegetables and roast the spices. Use any other oil, like avocado, instead if required.
SEASONING:
- Season this casserole with black pepper, chili powder, paprika, cumin & salt. These spices provide the taco flavor in it.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Heat the olive oil in a big skillet on a moderate flame.
- Include the onions & bell pepper & cook till they get soft.
- Mix the garlic and cook till it gets aromatic.
- Include the lentils, black beans, salsa, corn, tomato paste, and spices.
- Combine all these components and cook for 5 to 7 minutes till it gets lightly thick.
- Take a tray and spread crushed tortilla chips in the bottom.
- Now add the cooked mixture to the chips layer.
- Then we add a light layer of tortilla chips over the mixture.
- Bake this casserole for 25-30 minutes till crisp.
- Now rest this dish for five minutes & serve.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
FAMILY DINNER:
- Vegan Burrito Bowl
- Vegan Fajita Skillet
PARTY OR POTLUCK:
- Vegan Nacho Bake
- Vegan Quesadilla Casserole
LUNCH OR MEAL PREP:
- Vegan Tex-Mex Rice Bowl
- Vegan Taco Salad
CASUAL:
- Vegan Chili Mac
- Vegan Enchilada Bake
TIPS:
- Don’t crush the pieces much as large pieces provides good bite.
- Add some extra salsa or water if the mixture feels dry.
- Sprinkle some red chili and add jalapenos to make it spicy.
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Add the slices of casserole to the covered vessel and store for 2 days.
FREEZER:
- Freeze the casserole slices in the closed dish for 2 months.
FAQs:
How to prepare a gluten-free casserole?
- Use gluten-free chips in the base for this purpose.
Will we include some vegetables in it?
- Yes, include some zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to prepare this casserole. It adds healthy nutrients in the dish.
Is this casserole spicy?
- Yes, it is mildly spicy; add more spice with jalapeno slices or chili flakes if you like.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Calories: 420 kcal
Net carbs: 48 g
Serving size: 350 g
Total carbs: 56 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 18 g
Fat: 14 g
Iron: 0.004 g
Serving: 1 portion
Calcium: 0.18 g
Vitamin A: 0.0007 g
Sodium: 0.0011 g
Potassium: 0.65 g
