If you love enchiladas but don’t have time to roll each tortilla, this vegan green enchilada casserole is the PERFECT solution. It’s layered like a lasagna but has all the bold, tangy (and vegan!) flavors of traditional enchiladas verdes – roasted tomatillos, spicy jalapeño, and creamy cashews for richness. Instead of chicken, we use baked and grated high-protein tofu for a meaty texture, plus hatch chiles and white beans for extra flavor and plant-based protein. It’s cheesy, cozy, and easy to prep ahead, perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend meal prep.

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How to Make this Recipe:​

Why You’ll Love this Green Enchilada Casserole

  • Vegan & dairy-free but still creamy and cheesy thanks to cashews and vegan mozzarella.
  • Protein-packed with high-protein tofu and white beans.
  • Meal-prep friendly. I have been loving the leftovers!
  • Shortcut method. No rolling tortillas, just layer and bake.

Tips for the Best Vegan Enchilada Casserole

  • Pan-fry tortillas before layering to prevent them from getting soggy.
  • Save the extra sauce to serve on the side for drizzling, or any other recipe!
  • Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and bake when ready to serve.

What can I do with leftover green sauce?

If you make this casserole as written, you may wind up with extra green sauce. It’s a bit too thin to be a dipping sauce, but it makes a great cooking sauce. Try swapping it in for water when cooking rice or quinoa to make a flavorful “green rice.” You can also turn it into a quick soup by adding vegetable broth, corn, zucchini, and white beans.

FAQs

Can I make this without tofu?

Yes! Swap the tofu for mashed chickpeas, jackfruit, or extra beans for a soy-free option.

Can I freeze vegan enchilada casserole?

Absolutely. Bake it, cool completely, then wrap tightly. Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your corn tortillas are certified gluten-free.

Do I have to pan-fry the tortillas?

It’s not mandatory, but it helps keep their structure and adds flavor. If skipping, warm them before layering so they’re pliable.

What are hatch chiles and can I substitute them?

Hatch chiles are a type of green chile with a mild heat and smoky flavor that come in a small can. If you can’t find them, try canned green chiles.

{If you like this recipe you’ll love my VEGAN FLAUTAS and my MEXICAN LASAGNA.}

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Green Enchilada Casserole

Easy vegan Green Enchilada Casserole layered with smoky tomatillo green salsa, high-protein tofu, hatch chiles, and melty dairy-free cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Instructions
 

Soak the Cashews

  • Add the cashews to a bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak while you prepare the other ingredients.

Prepare the Tofu

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Grate your block of tofu with a grater. It's okay if some of it gets crumbled, towards the end of the block it gets difficult to grate.
  • Spread grated tofu on a parchment lined and greased baking tray, add a splash of avocado oil, a sprinkle of sea salt, a drizzle of tamari, and bake for 30 minutes until lightly golden. Halfway through, give it a stir to ensure it evenly browns.

Make the Verde Sauce

  • While the tofu is baking, heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Sauté tomatillos, garlic, peppers, jalapeño, and onion until browned on both sides.
  • Let cool a bit then transfer to a blender. Add soaked cashews (discard the water it was soaking in), sea salt, pepper, and water. Blend until smooth.

Heat the Tortillas

  • Spray avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry tortillas for 30 seconds per side until golden. They should be easily bendable. Set aside.

Make the Filling

  • In a large bowl, combine about 1/4 of the verde sauce, the baked tofu, and chopped hatch chiles. Mix well.

Assemble the Casserole

  • Spread a thin but full layer of verde sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish.
  • Add 3 tortillas, then the tofu mixture, white beans, 1/4 cup vegan mozzarella, and a generous drizzle of green sauce.
  • Repeat layer. For the final layer, increase to 1 cup of cheese on top. Keep in mind you will have extra sauce!

Bake

  • Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. Broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned.

Serve

  • Top with hatch chilis, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.