Lazy Enchiladas

If you’re craving the bold, comforting flavors of traditional enchiladas but don’t have the patience (or time) for rolling tortillas and layering fillings, this recipe is your new best friend. Trust me, these Lazy Enchiladas are a total game-changer—they’re cheesy, saucy, and packed with all the satisfying flavors of a classic enchilada night, but without all the fuss. You’ll get crispy edges, gooey cheese, and just the right amount of spice, all baked together in one easy dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or whenever you need a little comfort food magic without the work.

Recipe Origin:
Lazy Enchiladas are the modern twist on a classic Mexican favorite. The idea is simple: take frozen beef and cheese taquitos, cover them in enchilada sauce, sprinkle with cheese and a hint of cilantro, and bake until bubbly. It’s efficient, delicious, and utterly satisfying—essentially, all the joy of enchiladas without the stress.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:

• Baking dish (9×13 inches works perfectly)
• Oven
• Grater (for cheese, if not pre-shredded)
• Knife and cutting board (for chopping cilantro)
• Spoon for spreading sauce

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Why You’ll Love Lazy Enchiladas
This recipe isn’t just quick and easy—it’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who loves cheesy, saucy Mexican-inspired dishes. Here’s why it’s an instant favorite:

Effortless: Skip the rolling, stuffing, and layering. Just arrange, pour, sprinkle, and bake. Your dinner is ready in a fraction of the time it takes to make traditional enchiladas.

Cheesy and Flavorful: The combination of Colby jack cheese, enchilada sauce, and diced green chilis hits all the right flavor notes—melty, creamy, and with a mild kick.

Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, everyone loves enchiladas, and this version is easy to double or triple for a larger group.

Budget-Friendly: Uses frozen taquitos as the base, making it an affordable dinner solution without sacrificing flavor.

Customizable: Add extra toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños if you want to spice things up.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results:

• Crispy Edges: Arrange the taquitos slightly apart so the sauce can seep under them, creating crispy, caramelized edges.
• Cheese: Freshly shredded Colby jack melts better than pre-shredded store-bought, but either works in a pinch.
• Herbs: Fresh cilantro sprinkled at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully—don’t skip it!

Ingredients in Lazy Enchiladas
Here’s the magic of this easy enchilada bake—it’s simple but delivers big flavors:

Frozen Beef & Cheese Taquitos: The foundation of the dish. They’re already perfectly cooked and packed with flavor, making this recipe incredibly easy.

Enchilada Sauce: Rich, tangy, and slightly spicy. It soaks into the taquitos, adding moisture, flavor, and that irresistible enchilada taste.

Mild Diced Green Chilis: A subtle kick of flavor and color that enhances the sauce without overpowering the dish.

Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that’s impossible to resist.

Fresh Cilantro: Adds a pop of freshness and a hint of brightness to balance the richness of the cheese and sauce.

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

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make these cheesy, saucy Lazy Enchiladas:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even baking and helps the cheese melt perfectly over the taquitos.

Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Arrange the Taquitos: Lay the frozen beef and cheese taquitos in a single layer in the dish. Don’t worry about gaps; sauce will fill in as it bakes.

Add the Sauce and Chilis: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the taquitos, making sure each one gets some coverage. Sprinkle the mild diced green chilis on top.

Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded Colby jack cheese over the entire dish. The cheese will melt into a creamy, golden layer that’s oh-so-satisfying.

Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the taquitos are slightly crispy.

Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out portions of these Lazy Enchiladas and serve warm. Pair with a side of Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450 (approx.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Lazy Enchiladas
Fresh Salads: A light salad with lime vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the cheesy, rich enchiladas.
Rice & Beans: Classic sides like Spanish rice and refried beans make this a hearty, complete dinner.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to complement the bold flavors.
Extra Toppings: Sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of extra cheese can elevate the dish further.
As a Standalone: This dish is filling and flavorful enough to enjoy on its own, especially for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Arrange the taquitos and pour the sauce ahead of time, then refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Freezing: The baked enchiladas freeze well. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
• Double the Batch: Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week.

Variations to Try:

• Swap beef and cheese taquitos for chicken or vegetarian versions.
• Add a layer of black beans or corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey jack for variety.

Additional Tips:
Prep Ahead: Chop cilantro and shred cheese in advance to save time.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for a bolder kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Use gluten-free taquitos and cheese for a gluten-free option.

FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use fresh tortillas instead of taquitos?
A1: Absolutely! Roll your favorite tortillas with fillings, but it will require more prep.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Use cheese and vegetable-filled taquitos or add beans and veggies as the base.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q4: Can I freeze the enchiladas?
A4: Yes, freeze baked or unbaked enchiladas. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes! Use a larger baking dish and adjust cooking time slightly.

Q6: Can I use a different cheese?
A6: Yes! Cheddar, Monterey jack, or a Mexican blend all work beautifully.

Q7: How do I make it spicier?
A7: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or a spicy enchilada sauce.

Q8: Can I add extra toppings?
A8: Definitely! Sour cream, avocado, diced tomatoes, or extra cheese work wonderfully.

Q9: What can I serve alongside it?
A9: Spanish rice, refried beans, fresh salads, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Q10: Can I make it ahead of time?
A10: Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake just before serving.

Conclusion
Lazy Enchiladas are proof that you can have all the flavors of a classic, comforting enchilada dish without the fuss of rolling tortillas. Cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you just need a little comfort food magic in your life. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, these enchiladas are bound to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Grab your taquitos, sauce, cheese, and cilantro, and enjoy this simple yet indulgent dish—you deserve it!

Lazy Enchiladas RECIPE