LuAnn's Vegeburger and Bean Tortilla Casserole

Ingredients

Casserole

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 12 ounces burger (vegetarian “ground beef” – several options are available, either canned, frozen or dehydrated)*
• 3 (15 ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chiles (or, for less “heat,” 1 [28 ounce] can diced tomatoes), undrained
• 2 cups frozen sweet corn
• 1 (8 ounce) jar tomato-based salsa of choice
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (8 or 9 ounce) bag tortilla chips, coarsely broken
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (or equivalent amount non-dairy cheesy shreds)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (add after baking)

Seasoning mix

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (or, for less “heat,” 1 teaspoon smoked paprika)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with no-stick cooking spray; set aside.
2. Pour oil into a large skillet. Sauté the onions over medium heat just until tender.
3. Meanwhile, combine the seasoning mix ingredients in a small bowl.
4. Stir the burger and seasoning mix into the sauteed onions, breaking up the burger if needed, then continue sauteing for another few minutes, lifting and turning the mixture with a spatula every couple of minutes, allowing mixture to begin browning.
5. Stir in the drained beans, undrained tomatoes, corn, salsa, and water, then bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
6. Remove the skillet from the stove, then gently stir in the broken tortilla chips and one cup of the cheese.
7. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cup of cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly hot throughout.
9. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the casserole just before serving.

Notes

* Vegetarian ground beef substitutes (burger, crumbles etc.) are available frozen, canned and dehydrated. If using a dehydrated burger, rehydrate before weighing. Suggested products are Worthington/Loma Linda Burger (canned), Morningstar Farms Griller Crumbles, Litelife Smart Ground (frozen) or “beef-flavored” texturized vegetable protein (various brands, dehydrated).

Attribution

Recipe by LuAnn Bermeo, author of Amazing Meals I and II, a two-volume collection of family-approved, plant-based recipes; adapted from Amazing Meals, volume II; loosely adapted from Woman’s World magazine, March 16, 2009.