Description
This Easy Vegan Taco Bake is a comforting, flavorful layered casserole featuring seasoned black beans, crispy tortilla chips, salsa, and nutritional yeast. It’s a simple, wholesome dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, packed with Tex-Mex spices and topped with fresh lime juice for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 13 oz tortilla chips
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cups salsa
- Sliced lime, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoned beans: In a medium bowl, combine the drained black beans with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and the juice from half a lime. Stir thoroughly until all spices are evenly mixed into the beans, creating a flavorful base layer.
- Layer the bake: Using a 9×13 inch casserole dish, start by laying down an even layer of tortilla chips to form the bottom crust. This provides a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft bean mixture.
- Add the first bean mixture and toppings: Spoon half of the seasoned black bean mixture evenly over the tortilla chips. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast across the bean layer, then spread 1 cup of salsa evenly over the top to add moisture and flavor.
- Repeat layering: Repeat the process by adding another layer of tortilla chips, the remaining half of the seasoned beans, 1/4 cup nutritional yeast, and 1 cup salsa. This layering builds depth and richness in flavor.
- Add the final chip topping: Finish by topping the casserole with the remaining tortilla chips, crushed into small pieces to provide a crisp top crust once baked.
- Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled taco bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is nicely browned, and the casserole is heated through. This step melds the flavors and crisps the top layer.
- Serve with lime: Remove from the oven and serve hot, squeezing fresh lime juice over each portion for a bright and zesty finishing touch that enhances the overall taste experience.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- Adjust chili powder based on your preferred spice level.
- Leftover taco bake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Serve with your favorite vegan sour cream or avocado slices for added richness.
- Use fresh salsa or a mild medium salsa depending on taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: Vegan taco bake, black bean casserole, vegan Mexican casserole, easy vegan dinner, tortilla chip bake, plant-based taco bake
