If you crave the comforting flavors of classic enchiladas but want a quicker, fuss-free version to satisfy your appetite, this Lazy Enchiladas Recipe is just the ticket. Bursting with seasoned meat or beans wrapped in soft tortillas, all smothered with rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a weeknight warrior or just love easy, delicious meals, this recipe simplifies enchiladas without skimping on any of that mouthwatering goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, bringing together the right balance of spices, hearty filling, and cheesy goodness that makes this dish shine. Each component plays a role in creating a satisfying texture, vibrant flavor, and irresistible color on your plate.
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas: Soft tortillas are the perfect vessel for wrapping all the delicious filling.
- 1 lb ground beef, chicken, or turkey (or black beans for a vegetarian option): Your protein base—choose your favorite or keep it plant-based.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the meat or beans.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite): Melts beautifully on top for that gooey finish.
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (or green if preferred): The heart of the sauce that ties everything together with vibrant flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings warm earthiness that complements the meat and beans.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky aroma without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds just the right amount of kick and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all flavors.
- Sour cream: A cooling, creamy topping to contrast the spices.
- Chopped cilantro: Fresh and bright, a perfect garnish to finish off.
- Sliced avocado: Adds a buttery creaminess in each bite.
- Sliced jalapeños: For those who like a little extra heat and crunch.
- Diced tomatoes: Brings freshness and a pop of juicy color.
How to Make Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the dish bakes evenly and your cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your choice of ground meat or black beans with the chopped onion. Break up the meat as it cooks and stir in the ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned or beans are heated through—about 5 to 7 minutes. This spiced filling forms the flavorful core of your enchiladas.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Pour about half a cup of your enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sauce layer keeps the tortillas moist and adds rich flavor as they bake.
Step 4: Roll the Enchiladas
Take each tortilla and spoon roughly 1/4 cup of the cooked filling onto it, rolling it up tightly. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down next to the others in the baking dish, neatly lining them up to maximize the space and make for even baking.
Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Once all tortillas are snug in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Make sure they’re well coated. Then sprinkle the shredded cheese all over, creating that irresistible melty topping that enchiladas are known for.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese looks golden and bubbly. Let it rest a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and the filling firm up just right.
How to Serve Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Lazy Enchiladas Recipe from tasty to spectacular. A dollop of cool sour cream adds creamy tang, while fresh chopped cilantro brings a burst of herbal brightness. Creamy avocado slices balance the spices perfectly, and jalapeño slices add a fresh kick if you’re feeling adventurous. Finish with diced tomatoes for a juicy, colorful touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your enchiladas with complementary sides like Mexican rice to soak up the sauce or refried beans for a creamy protein boost. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich main dish. Corn on the cob or simple tortilla chips also work beautifully for a well-rounded Mexican-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or mix things up, serve your enchiladas deconstructed on a plate with the sauce drizzled artistically, or stack them like a casserole slice for a hearty presentation. You could even make mini enchilada bites in a muffin tin for fun party appetizers. The Lazy Enchiladas Recipe is versatile enough to inspire your own creative twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully and often taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire dish before baking by wrapping tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then storing it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This makes the Lazy Enchiladas Recipe a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes to retain moisture. Alternatively, use a microwave for a quick fix, but cover to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of sauce before reheating helps keep everything tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas add a lovely traditional flavor and can hold up well when baked with sauce, just be sure to warm them slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the meat for black beans or your favorite beans instead. The spices and cheese keep it flavorful, making it just as satisfying without any meat.
How spicy is this Lazy Enchiladas Recipe?
The spice level is mild to moderate thanks to the chili powder and optional jalapeños. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or leaving out the jalapeños if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the dish ahead, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. This makes dinner prep stress-free on a busy evening.
What type of cheese works best?
Mexican cheese blends like a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla melt beautifully and complement the flavors perfectly. Feel free to use whatever shredded cheese you prefer.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a simple, delicious dish that comes together with ease and warms you up from the inside out. The Lazy Enchiladas Recipe is exactly that kind of meal—comfort food without the fuss, perfect for sharing or enjoying any night of the week. I hope you give it a try and find it as irresistible and cozy as I do!
Print
Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This easy Lazy Enchiladas recipe features tender corn or flour tortillas filled with a flavorful meat or bean mixture, smothered in rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Baked to perfection in under an hour, it’s a comforting Mexican-inspired meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Customize with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, and cilantro for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Enchilada Filling
- 1 lb ground beef, chicken, or turkey (or black beans for a vegetarian option)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (or green enchilada sauce if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite)
Toppings (optional)
- Sour cream
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Cook the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat or black beans with the chopped onion. Break up the meat as it cooks. Stir in cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until meat is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Pour about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish to evenly coat the bottom.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Take one tortilla and spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the meat mixture into it. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas, lining them side by side.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas ensuring they are evenly covered. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to heat through.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with toppings such as sour cream, sliced avocado, cilantro, jalapeños, or diced tomatoes as desired.
Notes
- Use corn or flour tortillas based on your preference or dietary needs.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with black beans.
- Adjust spices to taste for desired heat level.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add vegetables to the filling like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition.
