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Home Meal Type Casserole
4.50
/5
1 hour 15 minutes

Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole (Freezable)

Gluten Free Gluten Free Vegetarian Vegetarian Freezer Friendly Freezer Meal Prep Meal Prep
Jump to Recipe
By: Denise Bustard7 Comments
Posted: 11/18/20 Updated: 11/25/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This butternut squash enchilada casserole bakes up with the bold spices of enchilada sauce, cheese, black beans, butternut squash and tortillas. Simple to assemble, and can be frozen for later!

While enchiladas are one of my favorite Tex-Mex foods, I find the process can be too labor-intensive for a weeknight dinner. Instead I opt for an enchilada casserole, which skips the rolling, but has the same delicious flavors.

butternut squash enchilada casserole in glass baking dish

Like my cauliflower rice enchilada casserole, this butternut squash enchilada casserole comes together quickly thanks to store bought enchilada sauce, tortillas, and just a handful of other ingredients. I think you're going to love it!

Reasons you’ll ♡ butternut squash enchilada casserole

  • it's easy to assemble with a short ingredient list
  • you can freeze it and bake from frozen
  • you can make it vegetarian, or add your favorite protein

Recipe video

Watch the video below for step by step instructions assembling and cooking this casserole! You can find more recipe videos on my YouTube channel.

Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!

chopped butternut squash on parchment paper

Ingredient notes

  • butternut squash- for this recipe, we will need 6 cups of butternut squash cubes; this is roughly half of a large butternut squash. Cut them into 1 inch cubes.
  • black beans- you can use canned black beans, or cook your own black beans in the Instant Pot or on the stove top.
  • enchilada sauce- I have tested this recipe using La Victoria and Fronterra brands, and they both had the perfect amount of seasoning for this recipe. If you can’t find enchilada sauce, I love this homemade enchilada sauce recipe (without the salt). Make sure you use a boldly flavored enchilada sauce, as milder ones can result in a less flavorful casserole.
  • tortillas- use corn or flour tortillas
  • cheese- mozzarella is fairly neutral in flavor and gets nice and creamy in the casserole as it cooks. Swap for cheddar, monterey jack, or get fancy with jalapeno havarti

Recipe notes

Start by roasting the butternut squash

While this is a very hands off recipe, we do need to get the butternut squash roasting ASAP so that it cools slightly and can be mixed with the filling.

Toss the butternut squash cubes in olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Spread it out on a baking sheet, and roast for 25 minutes at 425°F. Stir or flip the squash halfway through.

Once a fork inserts easily into the squash, remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15-20 minutes.

Assembling the filling

Once squash is cool enough to handle, mix it up with the black beans, enchilada sauce, and corn.

You can do this step ahead of time if you'd like to save time; store in the fridge for up to 4 days to make casserole assembly easy (I do not recommend assembling the casserole ahead as the tortillas get soggy).

collage image with four pictures showing steps to make butternut squash enchilada casserole

Layering the casserole

This is a really 'loosey goosey' casserole that is layered similar to a lasagna. Don't sweat the order too much, because like most casseroles, this comes out of the pan pretty messy, gooey and delicious.

Tortillas

Cut large tortillas into quarters, and arrange with the cut sides into the corners of a 9 x 9 inch baking dish. Overlap them so that little to no baking dish is uncovered. You can use smaller tortillas as well, but will need more of them to completely cover the bottom of the dish.

Filling

Next, layer half of the filling on top of the tortillas. Spread it flat across the top using a spatula so that it is even.

Cheese + Repeat

Sprinkle half of the cheese evenly over the casserole filling.

Repeat with a second layer of tortillas, filling and cheese. Your baking dish might be getting quite full, so be sure to press the filling mixture down if needed to maximize space. End with the layer of cheese, because it melts and makes for a great presentation.

Baking the casserole

Once assembled, you can bake this butternut squash enchilada casserole right away, or you can freeze for later.

Right away

Leaving the baking dish uncovered, bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly and heated through. Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving it up.

Baking from frozen

This casserole works incredibly well baked from frozen. To freeze, you will need to use a metal or disposable baking dish- do not freeze it in glass as extreme temperature shifts can cause glass to crack or shatter.

  1. Cool the casserole to room temperature before covering with plastic wrap, then foil. Make sure to label with the date and baking directions (I write directly on the foil).
  2. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  3. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap, then cover back up with the foil (spray foil with oil before replacing it).
  4. Place the fully frozen casserole into the oven at 350°F and bake for 1 hour.
  5. Uncover and bake for another 20 or so minutes, until the cheese is melted and casserole is heated all the way through.

I actually recommend baking this casserole from frozen versus thawing before baking as it helps the tortillas keep a good texture and not get soggy.

butternut squash enchilada casserole with avocado chunks in white bowl

To serve

This is just like enchiladas: best served with delicious toppings.

  • green onions
  • sour cream
  • salsa
  • avocado or guacamole
  • tortilla chips
  • fresh tomatoes

Storage + reheating

This casserole is best enjoyed within 48 hours of baking, as the tortillas can start to get soggy after that.

  • fridge- cool the casserole completely, then cover and store the entire baking dish, or portion out single servings into your favorite meal prep containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days safely (but best enjoyed within 2 days)
  • reheat- bake the entire casserole (uncovered) at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Heat individual portions in the microwave until steaming hot.
  • freezer- I do not recommend freezing after baking through; I do recommend freezing before baking (see above- "baking from frozen").

Find my favorite meal prep containers here!

More casserole recipes

  • Mexican Spaghetti Squash Casserole
  • Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
  • Healthier Taco Casserole
  • Chicken Caprese Pasta Bake
  • Turkey Zucchini Lasagna

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

white bowl of butternut squash enchilada casserole and avocado chunks

Butternut Squash Enchilada Casserole (Prep Ahead)

4.50 from 12 votes
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 55 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Print Rate
This butternut squash enchilada casserole bakes up with the bold spices of enchilada sauce, cheese, black beans, butternut squash and tortillas. Simple to assemble, and can be frozen for later!
6

Ingredients

  • 6 cups butternut squash peeled, seeds removed and cut into 1 inch cubes; see note 1
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 19 oz can of black beans 540 mL ; drained and rinsed
  • 11.5 oz can of corn kernels 341 mL; drained and rinsed
  • 20 oz enchilada sauce 2 cans/600 mL; see note 2
  • 2 tortillas large; cut in quarters
  • 2 cups cheese shredded; mozzarella or monterey jack

Instructions 

  • Roast butternut squash- Heat oven to 425°F. Toss butternut squash with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then arrange on a large baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, stirring and flipping squash half way through. Squash is ready when a fork inserts easily.
    cubed butternut squash on baking sheet
  • Assemble the filling- Turn oven temperature down to 350°F. Allow squash to cool for at least 20 minutes before assembling the filling. When cooled, combine the squash, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce in a large bowl.
  • Layering the casserole-
    a) In the bottom of a 9 x 9 inch pan, arrange 1 tortilla so all corners of the dish are covered.
    b) Spread out half of the enchilada sauce mixture.
    c) Sprinkle with half the cheese.
    d) Repeat layers, finishing with the rest of the cheese.
    collage image showing how to layer enchilada casserole
  • Bake- Place in the oven (uncovered), baking for 20-30 minutes, until heated through and cheese is bubbling.
  • Enjoy- Top with green onions, avocado and/or greek yogurt.

Tips:

1- this is roughly ½ of one large butternut squash
2- I recommend mild enchilada sauce; La Victoria and Fronterra brands have been tested. Look for a boldly flavored sauce for the best flavor; you can also use this enchilada sauce recipe (omit salt).
Storage
This casserole is best enjoyed within 48 hours of baking, as the tortillas can start to get soggy after that.
  • fridge– cool the casserole completely, then cover and store the entire baking dish, or portion out single servings into your favorite meal prep containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days safely (but best enjoyed within 2 days)
  • reheat- bake the entire casserole (uncovered) at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Heat individual portions in the microwave until steaming hot.
  • freezer– I do not recommend freezing after baking through; I do recommend freezing before baking (see below- “baking from frozen”).
Baking from frozen
This casserole may be assembled ahead and frozen in a metal (not glass) baking pan.
To bake from frozen:
  1. Remove any plastic and spray foil with spray oil.
  2. Place the frozen casserole directly into the oven and bake (covered) at 350°F for 1 hour.
  3. Remove foil and bake for another 20 minutes or until warmed through completely and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/6 of the batch, Calories: 474kcal, Carbohydrates: 70g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Cholesterol: 29mg, Sodium: 1207mg, Potassium: 958mg, Fiber: 15g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 15941IU, Vitamin C: 34mg, Calcium: 330mg, Iron: 5mg
Author: Denise Bustard
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

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Meet Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.

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Recipe Rating




  1. Rachel says

    Posted on 12/6/20 at Posted on 12/6/20

    5 stars
    Very tasty and makes for a quick meal prep option. I think it does matter what enchilada sauce you use. I like a little kick in mine so I do choose a medium/hot enchilada sauce. Pairing it with avocado makes it divine! 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 1/4/21 at Posted on 1/4/21

      Hi Rachel! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed, and thanks for the tip on the enchilada sauce...I'm convinced that's what has been the issue for others. Thank you so much for coming back to leave a review, I really appreciate it!

      Reply
  2. Sarah Rowles says

    Posted on 2/29/20 at Posted on 2/29/20

    3 stars
    This is good but it definitely seems to be missing something. It is also pretty bland (maybe it’s the enchilada sauce I used?) I may try this again with shredded chicken.

    Reply
  3. Amy says

    Posted on 10/16/17 at Posted on 10/16/17

    I made this tonight and enjoyed it! It was too spicy for my kids, but I'll continue to make it for myself for sure because I loved it!
    I also shared it on my blog today as part of my meal plan for the week! https://beautifullybrokenjourney.com/2017/10/16/weekly-meal-plan-1016-102217/

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 10/22/17 at Posted on 10/22/17

      Hi Amy! Glad you enjoyed it, sorry to hear it was too spicy for your kids...it must really depend on the enchilada sauce. I've used this recipe in the past and it really isn't spicy at all: https://www.gimmesomeoven.com/red-enchilada-sauce/ (I omit the salt)

      Reply
  4. Livi's Mom says

    Posted on 9/27/17 at Posted on 9/27/17

    How many squash would you say you used to make the 6 cups? This looks delish and I can't wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/29/17 at Posted on 9/29/17

      I found that a small butternut squash gives around 6 cups. I hope you enjoy the casserole!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Denise

Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too! Read more ...

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