Introduction
Welcome to the world of Lazy Enchiladas! If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that will satisfy your taste buds without spending hours in the kitchen, you’ve come to the right place. Enchiladas are a popular comfort food known for their flavorful combination of ingredients wrapped in a warm tortilla and topped with savory sauce and cheese. In this article, we will explore a lazy version of this classic recipe that retains all the traditional flavors with a fraction of the effort.
Lazy Enchiladas are perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a hearty meal but don’t have the time or energy for extensive cooking. By simplifying the traditional enchilada-making process, you can enjoy a homemade meal that feels like a comforting hug on a plate. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be approachable, delicious, and satisfying.
While enchiladas have deep roots in Mexican cuisine, Lazy Enchiladas offer a convenient twist on the classic dish, making it accessible to anyone seeking a quick and tasty meal option. With a few key ingredients and minimal prep work, you can recreate the essence of traditional enchiladas in a fraction of the time. Let’s dive into the details of this simplified yet scrumptious recipe and discover why Lazy Enchiladas are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that combines convenience with flavor, all wrapped up in a cozy tortilla package. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a casual gathering, Lazy Enchiladas are versatile enough to please a crowd while allowing you to relax and enjoy the cooking process.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of delicious meals that require minimal effort, Lazy Enchiladas will soon become your go-to recipe. Here’s why this dish is a must-try:
First and foremost, Lazy Enchiladas are incredibly easy to make, even for those with limited cooking experience. The recipe streamlines the traditional enchilada-making process, saving you time and energy without sacrificing flavor.
Additionally, these enchiladas are highly customizable, allowing you to tailor the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you prefer a vegetarian version, a spicier variation, or a lighter option, Lazy Enchiladas can accommodate various tastes and restrictions.
Furthermore, this recipe offers a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings with friends. The combination of warm tortillas, flavorful filling, and gooey cheese creates a dish that is sure to please a wide range of palates.
Lastly, Lazy Enchiladas provide a convenient solution for those busy days when you crave a homemade meal but don’t have the luxury of spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal prep and simple instructions, you can enjoy the flavors of traditional enchiladas without the usual time commitment.
Ingredients
- 20 frozen taquitos (beef, chicken, or cheese)
- 16 oz can refried beans
- 28 oz can red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided)
- Optional: sliced black olives, green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Pan
Preheat oven 400°F. Spray 9×13 baking dish. Spread refried beans evenly across bottom.
Step 2: Layer Taquitos
Arrange 20 frozen taquitos in single layer over beans, overlapping slightly to fill pan.
Step 3: Sauce It Up
Pour entire can enchilada sauce evenly over taquitos. Use spoon to nudge sauce between taquitos.
Step 4: First Bake
Bake uncovered 20 minutes until sauce bubbles and taquitos hot.
Step 5: Cheese Blanket
Remove pan. Sprinkle 2 cups cheese generously over top. Return to oven 5 minutes until melted.
Step 6: Serve
Cool 5 minutes. Slice into squares. Top with sour cream, olives, green onions.
Expert Tips for Success
Frozen taquitos = crispy texture, no soggy tortillas
Push sauce down between taquitos for flavor infusion
Cheese after first bake = melted but not rubbery
Glass pan shows bubbling sauce underneath
Quality enchilada sauce makes or breaks it
Variations and Substitutions
Green Enchilada: Verde sauce + cotija cheese
Breakfast: Chorizo taquitos + eggs on top
Veggie: Bean taquitos + corn + peppers
Spicy: Hot sauce + pepper jack cheese
Low-Carb: Mission carb balance tortillas
Serving Suggestions
Taco Tuesday upgrade:
Mexican rice
Chips & salsa
Guacamole
Margaritas
FAQs
Q: Soggy taquitos?
A: Don’t over-sauce. 20 minutes perfect timing.
Q: No refried beans?
A: Black beans or skip entirely.
Q: Make ahead?
A: Assemble, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5 minutes bake time.
Q: Freezer?
A: Assemble unbaked, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw + bake from refrigerated.
Q: Air fryer?
A: Not recommended—pan size needed.
Final Thoughts
Lazy Enchiladas prove genius lies in simplicity—store-bought shortcuts yield restaurant-quality comfort that disappears faster than traditional versions.
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Weeknight dinner solved! Red sauce classic or verde spicy twist?
Lazy Enchiladas
A simplified and easy-to-make version of traditional enchiladas, perfect for a quick and delicious meal option. Lazy Enchiladas offer all the flavors of classic enchiladas with minimal effort and time.
Ingredients
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced onions, diced bell peppers, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.
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Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
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Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
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Once all the tortillas are filled and rolled, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring that each enchilada is coated.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the enchiladas.
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Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are heated through.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to turn golden and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
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Enjoy your delicious Lazy Enchiladas!
