Italian Bean Casserole

Italian Bean Casserole

Mash Beans

Tomato sauce layer

Lots of cheese!

A Mexican dish disguised as an Italian.  This dish is super easy to make and a fantastic weekday meal to make for the family. Serve with a big  green salad.

Italian Bean Casserole  

Serves 4

2 teaspoon canola oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced

1 6-oz can tomato sauce

1 28 fl oz can diced tomatoes

¾ teaspoon salt

Pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup crushed tortilla chips

Hot sauce (optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350° F

Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat. 

Sauté onion, garlic and bell pepper until soft, about 7 minutes. Add tomato sauce, tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. 

In a separate bowl, mash beans with 1 cup of the simmering tomato sauce. 

Place mashed bean mixture on bottom of round casserole dish or 9”x13” baking pan. Next layer tomato sauce, then cheese and finally crushed chips. 

Place in oven and heat until cheese melts and beans are heated about 20 minutes. Serve passing the hot sauce, if you are using.

Other Casseroles to try:

Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd's Pie

Tamale Pie

Cabbage Roll Casserole