Mexican Lasagna Casserole (Vegan)

• large bell pepper, diced↗1
• large onion, diced↗1
• medium tomatoes, diced↗2
• salsa2 cups
• bunch fresh cilantro, chopped finely (more or less to taste)↗1⁄2 bunch
• bunch fresh chives, chopped1 bunch
• garlic cloves, minced↗2
• cumin↗1 teaspoon
• black olives, sliced↗4 1⁄2 ounces
• corn tortillas↗10
• (15 1/4 ounce) can corn, drained↗1
• (16 ounce) cans refried beans3
• (16 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained (can use ranchero or other bean if desired)↗1
• Optional
• (15 ounce) can enchilada sauce (optional)↗1
• teaspoon chili powder (optional)↗1
• jalapeno pepper (finely chopped) (optional)1⁄2

Step-by-step instructions

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.