Mexican Lasagna Casserole (Vegan)

Ingredients

• 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups salsa
• 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped finely (more or less to taste)
• 1 bunch fresh chives, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 1/2 ounces black olives, sliced
• 10 corn tortillas
• 1 (15 1/4 ounce) can corn, drained
• 3 (16 ounce) cans refried beans
• 1 (16 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (can use ranchero or other bean if desired)

Optional

• 1 (15 ounce) can enchilada sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• 1/2 jalapeno pepper (finely chopped) (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. 2

   In a non-stick pan with a little water (1 tbsp.), sauté the pepper, garlic, and onion for about 5-10 minutes, or until softened (not too long, the onions are SO good crunchy).

3. 3

   Place mix in a medium bowl and add diced tomatoes, cilantro (alternately, the cilantro can be sprinkled in as two layers, if easier) and chives. Mix well and set aside.

4. 4

   Spray a 9 X 13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. Line the bottom with a layer of tortillas (cut some of them to fit, if desired). Cover most of the bottom of the pan. For reference: I use four tortillas on the bottom, three for the next layer and three for the final layer.

5. 5

   Place 1 ½ cans of the refried beans in a small bowl, stir, and spread evenly over the tortillas.

6. 6

   Cover the refried beans with half of the pepper-onion-tomato mixture.

7. 7

   Sprinkle entire dish lightly with 1/2 tsp cumin.

8. 8

   Cover with half the can of corn.

9. 9

   Cover with half the can of beans.

10. 10

    Cover with 1/2 THE SALSA, add another layer of tortillas and REPEAT above layers (steps 5-9).

11. 11

    Cover with a final layer of tortillas.

12. 12

    Sprinkle with black olives.

13. 13

    Top with the remaining 1 cup salsa.

14. 14

    Bake for about 30 minutes or until hot throughout. If allowed to cool for about 10 minutes, it will be easier to cut.