Vegetarian Layered Chili Bean Casserole

20m
Prep Time
1h
Cook Time
1h 20m
Ready In


"This is something even a meat eater will love, they won't even miss the meat in here"

Original is 7 servings

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (532.6 g)
  • Calories 877.4
  • Total Fat - 48 g
  • Saturated Fat - 25.4 g
  • Cholesterol - 267.3 mg
  • Sodium - 1760.2 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 53 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 6.2 g
  • Sugars - 4.6 g
  • Protein - 58.1 g
  • Calcium - 971.8 mg
  • Iron - 4.8 mg
  • Vitamin C - 10.2 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.3 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat. Saute green pepper and onion until tender. Add garlic saute 1 minute. Mix in kidney beans. Set aside.

Step 2

In saucepan, combine tomatoes, tomato sauce and chili powder. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes. Mix into the to kidney bean mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

In a bowl combine ricotta and Monterey Jack cheese, chiles, onions and eggs and 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper.

Step 4

Spread 1/4 of cheese mixture evenly in greased 13x9x2 inch glass baking dish. Arrange 1/4 of chips over cheese. Spread 1/4 of tomato mixture over chips. Repeat layer 3 more times.

Step 5

Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove foil and top with cheddar cheese and bake 10 to 15 minutes more. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • If using whole tomatoes, be sure to coarsely chop them before adding to the recipe.
  • Be sure to use a sharp cheddar cheese for the topping to give the casserole a nice flavor.

  • Instead of vegetable oil, use olive oil. Olive oil is a healthier alternative to vegetable oil, as it contains monounsaturated fats which can help reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.
  • Instead of Monterey Jack cheese, use mozzarella cheese. Mozzarella cheese is a milder cheese with a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, making it a great substitute for Monterey Jack cheese.

Mexican Variation Replace the Monterey Jack cheese with queso fresco and the chili powder with 2 tablespoons of Mexican chili powder. Replace the tortilla chips with fried tortilla strips, and top with freshly chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream before serving.


Italian Variation Replace the Monterey Jack cheese with mozzarella cheese and the chili powder with 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning. Replace the tortilla chips with toasted garlic bread, and top with freshly chopped parsley and a dollop of pesto before serving.


Mexican Street Corn Salad - This colorful, flavorful salad is the perfect accompaniment to the hearty Vegetarian Layered Chili Bean Casserole. The creamy, tangy dressing brings a delicious contrast to the chili casserole and the sweet corn adds a nice crunch.


Spicy Roasted Potatoes: Spicy roasted potatoes are the perfect side dish to complement the Vegetarian Layered Chili Bean Casserole. The potatoes are seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and cumin, giving them a bold flavor that pairs nicely with the chili casserole. The potatoes are also roasted until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, adding a nice texture contrast to the dish.




FAQ

Q: How long should I bake the casserole?

A: Bake the casserole for 30 to 40 minutes covered with foil, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.



Q: What type of cheese should I use?

A: Use a mild cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and cheddar.

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Fun facts:

The famous Mexican-American singer Selena released a cookbook in 1994 called Selena's Secrets of Mexican Cooking, which featured recipes such as this vegetarian layered chili bean casserole.

The dish is believed to have originated in the 1950s, when chili beans became a popular dish in the United States. It was a popular dish among celebrities and was often served at Hollywood parties.