Trader Joe’s Vegan Enchilada Casserole: The Best Dish Ever?

As one of the world’s largest grocery chains, Trader Joe’s is known for its variety of foods. The store has something for everyone, including an increasing number of vegan products.

Trader Joe’s first debuted vegan products in 2009 with its line of Meatless Monday products. Since then, the company has expanded its vegan offerings to include dairy-free cheese, veggie burgers, and even ice cream.

With so many delicious vegan options, it’s easy to see why Trader Joe’s is a popular destination for plant-based eaters. And with the company’s commitment to offering affordable and healthy food options, we’ll likely see even more vegan products from Trader Joe’s in the future.

If you are looking for an easy vegan enchilada recipe, look no further than Trader Joe’s vegan enchilada casserole. This dish is simple to make and absolutely delicious. Plus, it is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

In this article, we explore:

  1. Ingredient Breakdown: Trader Joe’s Vegan Enchilada Casserole
  2. The best way to eat the Enchilada Casserole
  3. Is Trader Joe’s enchilada sauce vegan?
  4. Are Trader Joe’s black bean and corn enchiladas vegan?
  5. How many calories are in a vegan enchilada?
  6. What is vegan enchiladas made of?

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Ingredient Breakdown: Trader Joe’s Vegan Enchilada Casserole

The ingredients of this dish are as follows:

  • Red Chile Sauce (Water, Chile Puree [Water, Chile Pepper, Lemon Juice], Tomato Paste, Apple Cider Vinegar, Cornstarch, Olive Oil, Cumin Powder, Sea Salt, Dehydrated Onion, Dehydrated Garlic)
  • Seasoned Pinto Beans (Cooked Pinto Beans [Pinto Beans, Water, Salt, Calcium Chloride], Water, Olive Oil, Chile Puree [Water, Chile Pepper, Lemon Juice], Apple Cider Vinegar, Cumin Powder, Sea Salt, Dehydrated Onion, Dehydrated Garlic, Cayenne Pepper)
  • Roasted Vegetable Filling (Sweet Potato, Onion, Zucchini, Poblano Pepper, Red Bell Pepper, Olive Oil), 
  • Corn Tortillas (Corn Flour [Corn, Trace of Lime], Water, Citric Acid [Acidifier], Cellulose Gum), 
  • Shredded Mozzarella and Cheddar Style Cheese Alternative (Water, Tapioca Starch, Coconut Oil, Canola Oil, Cornstarch, Contains Less than 2% of Natural Flavours, Tricalcium Phosphate, Sea Salt, Sodium Citrate, Cultured Dextrose, Citric Acid [Acidulant], Xanthan Gum, Modified Cornstarch, Paprika Oleoresin [for Color], Sunflower Oil or Canola Oil, Rosemary Extract)

The Red Chile Sauce in the Trader Joe’s Vegan Enchilada Casserole provides both flavor and heat to the dish. Water, chili pepper, and lemon juice are combined to create a chili puree, which is then used as the base for the sauce.

Tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, cornstarch, olive oil, cumin powder, and sea salt are added to create a flavorful and slightly acidic sauce.

Dehydrated onion and garlic are also added for additional flavor.

Overall, the sauce helps to bind the ingredients together and provides a delicious enchilada filling.

2. The best way to eat the Enchilada Casserole

The Enchilada Casserole can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side dish.

If you are looking for a hearty and filling meal, the casserole can be served with rice and beans.

For a lighter meal, the casserole can be enjoyed on its own. Either way, the casserole is sure to please.

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3. Is Trader Joe’s enchilada sauce vegan?

Yes, Trader Joe’s enchilada sauce is labeled as vegan. The ingredients are:

  • Water,
  • Chili Powder,
  • Enriched Wheat Flour (Unbleached Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Monotritrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), 
  • Flavor Base (Salt, Dextrose, Maltodextrin [Corn], Modified Corn Starch, Vegetable Oil [Corn, Soy, Canola], Yeast Extract, Onion Powder, Turmeric, Natural Flavorings),
  • Olive Oil, 
  • Cayenne Pepper Sauce (Cayenne Peppers, Distilled Vinegar, Salt), 
  • Corn Oil, 
  • Corn Fiber with Sunflower Lecithin (Drying Agent) and Tocopherol (Vitamin E), 
  • Cumin,
  • Citric Acid, 
  • Salt, 
  • Xanthan Gum, 
  • Garlic Powder,
  • Onion Powder

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4. Are Trader Joe’s black bean and corn enchiladas vegan?

Yes, Trader Joe’s black bean and corn enchiladas are vegan and a great option for a quick and easy meal.

The ingredients are as follows:

  • Water,
    Organic Corn Flour (With Trace of Lime), 
  • Organic Tomatoes (Organic Tomatoes, Organic Tomato Puree, Salt, Citric Acid), 
  • Organic Tofu (Water, Organic Soybeans, Calcium Sulfate, Calcium Chloride), 
  • Organic Corn, 
  • Safflower Oil, 
  • Organic Tomato Paste (Organic Tomatoes, Citric Acid),
    Organic Tapioca Flour, 
  • Organic Black Beans, 
  • Black Olives (Olives, Water, Salt), 
  • Organic Zucchini, 
  • Red Chile Pepper, 
  • Garlic Powder, 
  • Organic Onions, 
  • Organic Green Bell Peppers, 
  • Cumin, 
  • Salt, 
  • Onion Powder, 
  • Organic Green Chilies, 
  • Organic Garlic,
    Organic White Rice Flour, 
  • Chives. 

5. How many calories are in a vegan enchilada?

A vegan enchilada typically contains around 300 calories. However, this amount can vary depending on the ingredients used and the size of the enchilada. A large enchilada could have up to 500 calories.

One serving of Trader Joe’s Vegan Enchilada Casserole, equal to 230 grams, contains 260 calories. The entire container contains 640 calories in total.

6. What are vegan enchiladas made of?

There are a few different ways that vegan enchiladas can be made, but the most common recipe includes a filling of beans, rice, and vegetables wrapped in a soft tortilla and smothered in a delicious sauce. While there are many different variations of this dish, the basic ingredients remain the same.

Beans are a common ingredient in vegan enchiladas as they provide a hearty and filling base. Black beans or pinto beans are typically used, but any type of bean can be used depending on your preference. The beans are cooked until they are soft and then mashed before being added to the other ingredients.

Rice is another common ingredient in vegan enchiladas. It helps to bulk up the dish and also provides a bit of starch. Again, any type of rice can be used but white or brown rice is the most common.

The vegetables in vegan enchiladas vary depending on what is available and what you like. Common choices include onions, peppers, mushrooms, and corn. The vegetables are chopped into small pieces and sautéed until they are soft.

Once the beans, rice, and vegetables are prepared, they are combined and rolled up in soft tortillas. The filled tortillas are then placed in a baking dish and covered with a sauce. Enchilada sauces can be store-bought or homemade and range from mild to spicy. After being smothered in sauce, the enchiladas are baked until hot and bubbly.

Vegan enchiladas are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a hearty, plant-based meal. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a tasty dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.