Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

When you’re craving the delicious, comforting flavors of enchiladas but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, these Lazy Enchiladas are the answer! No complicated steps, no rolling individual tortillas—just layers of seasoned goodness, cheese, and sauce that come together for a dish that’s both satisfying and super easy to make. Think of it like a casserole version of enchiladas with all the flavor and none of the fuss. Trust me, you’re going to be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Lazy Enchiladas

Effortless & Quick

This recipe is perfect for those days when you want to eat something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. All you have to do is layer the ingredients and pop it in the oven. The hardest part? Deciding whether to add extra cheese on top (spoiler: always add extra cheese).

Family-Friendly

Lazy enchiladas are a hit with everyone! It’s a dish that kids and adults will love alike, making it a fantastic option for family dinners or casual gatherings. Everyone can dig in and enjoy!

Customizable

Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. Add ground beef, chicken, or even black beans for some plant-based protein. Spice it up with some extra chili powder, or add a layer of sour cream for extra creaminess. The possibilities are endless!

Comfort Food

With layers of melty cheese, hearty tortillas, and rich enchilada sauce, this dish has that classic comfort food vibe that everyone craves. Perfect for a cozy meal at home!

Ingredients

Tortillas

Flour or corn tortillas work great for this recipe. Just tear or cut them into pieces to create the layered effect—no need for rolling individual enchiladas!

Enchilada Sauce

A key part of enchilada flavor! Whether you use store-bought or homemade, this sauce will add that signature tangy, savory flavor to your dish.

Ground Meat or Beans

Ground beef or chicken makes a great filling for lazy enchiladas, but you can also go the vegetarian route with black beans or pinto beans for a hearty, protein-packed version.

Cheese

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of both melts perfectly and adds richness to each layer. More cheese means more flavor, so feel free to pile it on!

Optional Add-ins:

• Chopped onions, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes for extra veggies
• A sprinkle of chili powder or cumin for added spice
• Sour cream or guacamole for topping

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~350 kcal
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your lazy enchiladas will cook evenly and get that perfect golden cheese topping.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

If you’re using ground meat, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. If you’re using beans, just heat them up in a saucepan. Add some spices—like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt—to give the filling a bold flavor. You can also toss in some chopped onions or bell peppers for extra texture.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

In a greased baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Then, layer torn tortilla pieces on top, followed by a portion of your filling and a generous amount of cheese. Repeat this layering process, ending with a final layer of enchilada sauce and cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and get golden.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Let the lazy enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro. Serve with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad, and enjoy!

How to Serve Lazy Enchiladas

With Mexican Rice

Serve your lazy enchiladas alongside a fluffy side of Mexican rice. The rice soaks up the sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.

Refried Beans or Black Beans

Pair with a side of refried beans or seasoned black beans for an extra helping of hearty, protein-rich goodness.

Fresh Salad

A crisp salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and avocado complements the richness of the enchiladas. Dress it with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Guacamole & Sour Cream

Top your lazy enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream and a generous scoop of guacamole for a creamy, cool addition.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you like things hot, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling or the sauce.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare these enchiladas ahead of time by assembling everything and refrigerating it for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Frozen Option: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

A1: Absolutely! Corn tortillas will give your lazy enchiladas an authentic flavor. Just be sure to tear them into pieces as you layer them.

Q2: How can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?

A2: Swap the ground meat for black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian version.

Q3: Can I use a different kind of cheese?

A3: Yes! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, Mexican cheese blends, or even queso fresco work wonderfully in this recipe.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.

Q5: Can I make these enchiladas spicy?

A5: Yes, you can! Add chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or a spicy enchilada sauce to give your lazy enchiladas a bit of heat.

Conclusion

These Lazy Enchiladas are a game-changer when you’re craving comfort food without all the work. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty, cheesy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. The best part? You don’t have to worry about rolling tortillas—just layer, bake, and enjoy the flavor-packed goodness! Happy cooking!

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