Effortless Enchiladas Recipe

Lazy Enchiladas Recipe with Big Flavor and No Fuss

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hungry bellies and lazy enchiladas recipe cravings.

Loaded with cheesy goodness and minimal effort, this dish comes together faster than you can order takeout.

Comfort food doesn’t always require complex techniques or hours of preparation.

Tender tortillas wrapped around savory fillings create a meal that speaks to the soul of home cooking.

Packed with flavor and requiring just a few simple ingredients, these enchiladas prove that delicious doesn’t mean difficult.

The secret lies in smart shortcuts and bold seasonings that transform basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Lazy Enchiladas

For Base Ingredients:
  • Frozen Taquitos: Convenient and quick protein-packed base that saves preparation time; choose brands with authentic flavor profiles.
  • Enchilada Sauce: Provides rich, tangy flavor foundation; select traditional red sauce for classic Mexican taste.
  • Shredded Cheese: Delivers creamy, melty texture; opt for Mexican blend or sharp cheddar for maximum flavor impact.
For Garnish Ingredients:
  • Sour Cream: Adds cool, creamy contrast to spicy sauce; select full-fat version for richness.
  • Guacamole: Brings fresh, smooth texture and healthy fat; choose ripe avocados for best taste.
  • Salsa: Introduces vibrant, zesty kick; pick fresh or jarred based on preference.
  • Cilantro: Provides bright, herbal freshness; select crisp, green leaves with no wilting.

Tools You’ll Need For Lazy Enchiladas

  • Baking Dish (9×13-inch): Essential for layering and baking taquitos evenly.
  • Aluminum Foil: Covers dish during initial baking to prevent burning.
  • Cheese Grater: Helps shred cheese for topping if using block cheese.
  • Measuring Cup: Useful for pouring enchilada sauce evenly.
  • Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

Steps To Prepare Lazy Enchiladas Without Fuss

  • Oven Preparation

Get your oven ready by heating it to a toasty 400 degrees. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Taquito Arrangement

Spread those frozen taquitos out in a neat single layer inside the baking dish. Drench them generously with enchilada sauce, making sure every taquito gets a good sauce bath. Shower the entire dish with a beautiful blanket of shredded cheese.

  • Baking Magic

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and let it hang out in the oven for about 15 minutes. Then, unveil the foil and let the taquitos continue their golden transformation for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese looks irresistibly melted and bubbly.

  • Serving Celebration

Dress up your enchiladas with fun toppings like a dollop of sour cream, a scoop of guacamole, a splash of salsa, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Grab a plate and dive into this super easy Mexican-inspired feast!

Fun Ideas To Tweak Lazy Enchiladas Your Way

  • Quick Cooking Hacks: Lazy Enchiladas
  • Cheese Selection Magic: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, Mexican blend, or sharp cheddar to add extra flavor depth and create a more complex taste profile.
  • Sauce Swap Strategy: Replace store-bought enchilada sauce with homemade red or green chile sauce for a more authentic and personalized flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Protein Power Boost: Add cooked shredded chicken, ground beef, or plant-based crumbles between taquitos for extra protein and a more substantial meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taquitos and enchilada sauce, allowing everyone from spice-lovers to heat-sensitive eaters to enjoy the meal.

Serve Lazy Enchiladas For Easy Weeknight Meals

  • Fiesta Flavor Boosters: Transform your Lazy Enchiladas into a mouthwatering meal.
  • Taco Night Sidekick: Pair with Mexican-style rice or refried beans for a complete dinner experience.
  • Fresh Topping Explosion: Sprinkle diced green onions, chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of zesty salsa to add vibrant colors and exciting textures.
  • Quick Protein Power-Up: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, black beans, or diced grilled steak on top to make the dish more substantial and filling for hungry family members.

How To Store Lazy Enchiladas For Later

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours after cooking to maintain optimal freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Cooling Technique: Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating, which helps preserve texture and prevents condensation buildup inside the storage container.
  • Shelf Life Management: Refrigerated enchiladas remain tasty and safe for consumption within 3-4 days when stored properly in sealed containers at or below 40°F.
  • Reheating Magic: Revive cold enchiladas by placing them in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain their delicious melted cheese quality.
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Effortless Enchiladas Recipe

Effortless Enchiladas Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Spicy lazy enchiladas deliver Mexican comfort with minimal kitchen effort. Quick assembly and bold flavors make this dish perfect for busy weeknight dinners you can savor without extensive preparation.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (20 oz / 567 g) frozen taquitos (chicken, beef, or vegetarian)
  • 1 can (10 oz / 283 g) red or green enchilada sauce
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
  • sour cream
  • guacamole
  • salsa
  • chopped cilantro
  • diced tomatoes
  • sliced jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Taquito Arrangement: Create a single, even layer of frozen taquitos across the baking dish, ensuring no overlapping occurs.
  3. Sauce Coating: Thoroughly drench taquitos with enchilada sauce, ensuring complete and uniform coverage to infuse rich flavor throughout the dish.
  4. Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the sauced taquitos, creating a complete melty blanket that will crisp and bubble during baking.
  5. Initial Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes, allowing taquitos to warm and absorb the sauce’s robust flavors.
  6. Final Browning: Remove foil and continue baking until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape and taquitos reach optimal temperature and crispness.
  7. Serving Presentation: Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh cilantro to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor complexity.
  8. Immediate Enjoyment: Serve piping hot, presenting a swift and delectable meal that demands minimal culinary effort.

Notes

  • Customize Taquito Selection: Choose different flavors of frozen taquitos like chicken, beef, or bean to create variety and match personal taste preferences.
  • Sauce Intensity Adjustment: Experiment with mild, medium, or spicy enchilada sauces to control heat level and complement your preferred flavor profile.
  • Cheese Flexibility: Mix different cheese types like Mexican blend, cheddar, or pepper jack for unique melting textures and enhanced taste complexity.
  • Dietary Modifications: Substitute regular taquitos with gluten-free or vegetarian options, and use dairy-free cheese for lactose-intolerant individuals to make the recipe more inclusive.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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