Easy Lazy Enchiladas Recipe: Dinner Joy Without The Fuss

Whipping up lazy enchiladas might just become your new weeknight dinner secret weapon.

Comfort meets convenience in this hassle-free Mexican-inspired dish that saves time without sacrificing flavor.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make these enchiladas a game-changer for busy cooks.

Packed with cheesy goodness and simple seasoning, this recipe cuts through complicated cooking techniques.

Forget complex steps and endless chopping – these enchiladas deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Spice lovers and convenience seekers will appreciate how fast you can turn basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal.

Grab a skillet and let’s make magic happen!

What to Serve Alongside Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Craft a tangy lime margarita to complement the spicy, rich enchilada flavors. The citrus notes will cut through the cheese and ground beef, creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve with Fresh Cilantro Slaw: Whip up a crisp coleslaw with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of jalapeño. This side dish adds brightness and crunch to the hearty enchilada casserole.
• Match with Mexican Beer Cooldown: Select a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial. The crisp, cold beer will perfectly offset the warm, spicy layers of the dish, providing a smooth drinking experience.

Proper Storage for Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
• Wrap the enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring no air pockets to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa and green chilies you choose. For less heat, use mild salsa and fewer green chilies, or for more kick, opt for spicy versions.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure your enchilada sauce is gluten-free. Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making substitution easy.

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar and monterey jack are classic choices, but you can also use a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack for added flavor.

Reasons to Love Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

• Conquer Busy Weeknights: This lazy enchilada recipe transforms dinner prep into a stress-free experience, perfect for families rushing between activities.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like black beans to match your family's taste preferences.
• Pack a Flavor Punch: Loaded with zesty salsa, green chilies, and melted cheese, this dish delivers bold southwestern flavors without complicated cooking techniques.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Using just one skillet and a baking dish means less washing up, making this meal a total win for home cooks seeking convenience.

Ingredients for Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides rich meat for the enchiladas.

• Cheese: Adds creamy, melty goodness that binds the dish together.

• Tortilla Chips, Enchilada Sauce: Create the foundational structure and add traditional Mexican-style sauce.
• Salsa, Green Chilies: Contribute zesty and spicy elements to boost the overall taste profile.
• Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy spice characteristic of Mexican cuisine.

How to Prepare Lazy Enchiladas Step-by-Step

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for some serious flavor action.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a hot skillet and cook until it’s beautifully browned.

Wave goodbye to any extra grease by draining it out.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

• Cumin
• Salsa
• Green chilies
• Enchilada sauce

Let this incredible mixture simmer and mingle for 5 minutes, developing deep, mouthwatering flavors.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

• Spread half the tortilla chips across the bottom
• Spoon half the beef mixture over the chips
• Sprinkle a generous handful of cheese on top

Step 5: Repeat the Layering

Create another round of deliciousness by repeating the previous step’s layers.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce evenly across the top, ensuring every inch gets some saucy love.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. Watch for that magical moment when the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve up this quick and crazy-delicious meal while it’s warm.

Helpful Tips for Lazy Enchiladas Recipe Success

• Replace ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for diverse protein choices.
• Adjust salsa type from mild to hot or use roasted green chilies for customized heat intensity.
• Mix different cheeses like cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for complex flavor profiles.
• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or canned chicken to reduce total cooking time significantly.
• Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking to create a golden, crispy cheese layer with extra texture.

Variations to Try With Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

• Chicken Fiesta Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker, protein-packed meal. Add bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
• Vegetarian Mexican Casserole: Swap beef with black beans, corn, and diced zucchini. Use vegetable enchilada sauce and top with plant-based cheese for a meatless version.
• Spicy Chorizo Chip Bake: Substitute ground beef with spicy chorizo sausage. Mix in diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat.
• Southwest Breakfast Enchilada Layer: Transform the recipe into a morning dish by adding scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and topping with fresh cilantro and sour cream.

Lazy Enchiladas! Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican lazy enchiladas bring comfort and convenience to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Rich cheese and savory sauce merge perfectly, creating a delightful meal you can enjoy without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup shredded chicken (optional)
• 1 cup ground turkey (optional)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 3 cups shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup salsa

Main Ingredients:

• 1 bag tortilla chips (12 ounces or 340 grams)
• 1 can (28 ounces or 794 grams) red enchilada sauce
• 1 can (4 ounces or 113 grams) diced green chilies, drained

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a sizzling casserole.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet, eliminating excess fat to ensure a lean, flavorful base.
3. Enhance the meat with cumin, salsa, green chilies, and enchilada sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors intensely.
4. Construct the first layer in a baking dish: spread tortilla chips as the crispy foundation.
5. Distribute half the seasoned beef mixture over the chips, creating a robust protein layer.
6. Sprinkle a generous blanket of cheese across the beef, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Repeat the layering process: another round of chips, remaining beef, and a final cheese cascade.
8. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce evenly, guaranteeing every chip gets moisture and flavor.
9. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
10. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes, letting flavors settle before serving warm and inviting.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or shredded chicken for dietary flexibility and exciting flavor variations.
• Toast tortilla chips briefly before layering to enhance their crunchiness and prevent sogginess during baking.
• Add extra texture by mixing in black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers into the beef mixture for more nutritional depth.
• Customize heat levels by selecting mild, medium, or spicy salsa and adjusting green chili quantities to suit personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 541 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1015 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg