Vegan Green Enchilada Casserole (Easy & Full of Flavor)
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.

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.}

Green Enchilada Casserole
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.