Easy Three Bean Taco Casserole

SHARE:

32

This Easy Three Bean Taco Casserole is the epitome of comforting, boldly flavorful, and the perfect vegetarian option for weeknight meals for the entire family. Packed with three types of beans—lentils, kidney beans, + black beans, along with onions, bell peppers, and delicious taco seasonings, this casserole is surely a hearty way to satisfy those taste buds without missing the meat.

Comfort foods are one of my favorite types of recipes. I’m sure that it’s the Southern girl in me. Where are my Southerners at who can relate?

Even if you aren’t Southern, I’m sure that you enjoy a good bowl or plate of comfort once in a while.

Anyway, this Casserole is definitely one for the books!

I know that typical taco casseroles comes jam-packed with ground beef or meat of some sort, however, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and MEATLESS!

Did someone say Meatless Mondays? Whelp, these days, it’s Meatless ANY DAY! Haha.

Trust me, this dish is so well seasoned and jam-packed with beans + veggies, you won’t even miss the meat.

So, of course, it would be the perfect transition for those who want to eat more plant-based OR if you have someone in your household who isn’t plant-based, but you’d like to introduce them to the scene, then this is the PERFECT DISH TO DO IT.

OK, so I know that most taco casseroles or taco anything may consist of the classic, signature seasoning taco pack, however, this dish contains a homemade seasoning blend—SO MUCH BETTER!

What Does Homemade Taco Seasoning Consist of?

Chili Powder

Ground Cumin

Smoked Paprika

Sea Salt

Oregano

Black Pepper

Garlic Powder

Onion Powder

For this casserole, the honest best part is the addition of beans. Originally, I wanted to use lentils as the base, however, I later decided that MASSIVE flavor is better than simple flavor, so I opted for three types of beans.

If You’re a Lover of Beans, Try These Recipes!

This Homemade Spicy Mixed Beans Vegan Chili is comforting, full of flavor, and has a nice kick of heat. Packed with other veggies and quinoa, this chili surely is a hearty way to satisfy those taste buds on any given day.

This Creamy Vegan White Bean Soup + Sautéed Broccolini is the perfect comfort in a bowl situation. Filled with delicious herbs and spices, made with cauliflower and white kidney bean, and topped with easily sautéed broccolini, this soup is quite the healthy meal and uses mostly pantry staple ingredients to get the job done. Super easy to make, all vegan + gluten-free.

This Easy Vegan Black Bean Soup recipe is the warmth of great flavors and the perfect dish that will satisfy everyone. Made from delicious black beans and a handful of spices, this soup is a must try for the Fall season. Super easy to make, All Vegan, Gluten-free, and whipped together in less than 45 minutes.

These Spicy Jamaican Lentil + Quinoa Vegan Patties are truly something amazing! Wrapped in a nice parsley-infused, flaky crust, and stuffed entirely with curried lentil, quinoa, veggies, and nutritional yeast, these patties will leave you forgetting that it’s totally meat-less and convinced that vegan patties are the new ‘foodie’ favorite!

What Can I Add in My Casserole?

When it comes to most dishes on Orchids + Sweet Tea, you can always personalize it based on your own personal preference and this casserole is no different.

In this casserole, I included lentils, red kidney beans, black beans, bell peppers, onions, and garlic, topping it with cheese and jalapeños.

But if you’re in the mood for additional ingredients, feel free to add tomatoes, corn, different types of cheeses, pinto beans, or chickpeas.

Now, let’s dig right into this recipe, shall we?

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp of oil over medium-high heat and add garlic and onions, cooking them until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Add in bell peppers and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.

Add in all beans, tomato paste, veggie stock, and seasonings, stirring everything together until well combined. Let it cook a bit until fragrant, about 5 minutes before removing from heat.

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading into an even layer.

Add in 1/4 the amount of cheese and gently stir it into the mixture. Top with remaining cheese and let bake until heated through and cheese is melted, about 20-25 minutes.

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes or so before serving.

To serve, top with lettuce or kale (if preferred), jalapeños, tomatoes, and greek yogurt or sour cream and a side of tortilla chips.

Bon Appetit!

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you choose to make this Easy Three Bean Taco Casserole recipe or any other recipe from us, be sure to tag us on Instagram at #Orchidsandsweettea so that we can share the love!

5 from 4 votes

Print

Easy Three Bean Taco Casserole

This Easy Three Bean Taco Casserole is the epitome of comforting, boldly flavorful, and the perfect vegetarian option for weeknight meals for the entire family. Packed with three types of beans—lentils, kidney beans, + black beans, along with onions, bell peppers, and delicious taco seasonings, this casserole is surely a hearty way to satisfy those taste buds without missing the meat.

Course: Main Course

Keyword baked, beans, bell peppers, black beans, cheese, classic, dinner, easy, food, healthy, homemade, indulge, Lentil, lunch, nachos, plant-based, recipe, savory, tacos, traditional, vegetarian

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Creator Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

Must-Haves:

• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained + rinsed (See Notes!)
• 1 (15 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained + rinsed (See Notes!)
• 2 cups lentils, cooked + drained (See Notes!)
• 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive oil (See Notes!)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium purple onion, chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cored, seeded, + diced
• 2 Tbsps tomato paste
• 1/4 cup veggie stock, low-sodium (I use Pacific Foods)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Mild Cheddar (I use Organic Valley)
• jalapeños
• tortilla chips (You can use Gluten-Free chips as well!)
• Greek yogurt or sour cream
• tomatoes, diced

Homemade Taco Seasoning:

• 2 Tbsps chili powder
• 1 Tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease your 9×13 baking dish. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp of oil over medium-high heat and add garlic and onions, cooking them until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add in bell peppers and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.

4. Add in all beans, tomato paste, veggie stock, and seasonings, stirring everything together until well combined. Let it cook a bit until fragrant, about 5 minutes before removing from heat.

5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading into an even layer.

6. Add in 1/4 the amount of cheese and gently stir it into the mixture. Top with remaining cheese and let bake until heated through and cheese is melted, about 20-25 minutes.

7. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes or so before serving.

8. To serve, top with lettuce or kale (if preferred), jalapeños, tomatoes, and greek yogurt or sour cream and a side of tortilla chips.

9. Bon Appetit!

Tips | Notes:

BEANS: When using dried beans, be sure to soak about 2 cups of lentils, black or red kidney beans in a pot or bowl covered with water overnight. To begin cooking, rinse the soaked beans and add fresh water to a pot along with beans. Boil for the first 10 minutes and then reduce the heat and let simmer for 30-40 minutes or until beans are tender.

OIL: Instead of extra virgin olive oil, you can also use grapeseed oil or vegetable oil, if preferred.

CHEESE: Instead of Mild Cheddar, you can also use Monterey Jack or Sharp.

STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, for optimal freshness. 

Easy Three Bean Taco Casserole.