If you are craving a comforting, flavorful meal but want to keep things simple and fuss-free, this Lazy Enchiladas Recipe is here to save the day. Combining tender tortillas with seasoned meat or beans, smothered in enchilada sauce and melted cheese, it’s the perfect blend of saucy, cheesy goodness that feels like a special treat while being surprisingly easy to assemble. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish brings authentic Mexican-inspired flavors to your table with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating delicious layers of flavor and texture, while keeping it straightforward enough for a busy weeknight meal. These simple staples come together beautifully to ensure your enchiladas are saucy, cheesy, and packed with savory goodness.
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas: The soft wraps that hug the filling and soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 1 lb ground beef, chicken, or turkey (or black beans for a vegetarian option): Provides the hearty, protein-packed base with lots of flavor.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a sweet and aromatic depth to your filling.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite): Melts on top creating that irresistible gooey layer.
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (or green if preferred): Brings a tangy, spicy element that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Adds smokiness and warmth to the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory notes with subtle garlic flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle kick and earthy depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance all the flavors.
- Sour cream: For creamy tangy topping that cools the heat.
- Chopped cilantro: Fresh herb garnish that brightens the dish.
- Sliced avocado: Adds buttery creaminess as a finishing touch.
- Sliced jalapeños: For those who love a little extra heat.
- Diced tomatoes: A fresh contrast to the rich enchiladas.
How to Make Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready as soon as your enchiladas are assembled. This keeps everything smooth and efficient when it’s time to bake.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your choice of ground meat or black beans along with chopped onion. Stir frequently, breaking up the meat into small, even pieces. As the mixture cooks, add cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This step builds the savory base, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Next, pour about half a cup of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to coat it lightly—this prevents sticking and flavors the tortillas from below. Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the cooked filling onto each tortilla, then roll them up tightly. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the dish, fitting them snugly next to each other.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Once all the tortillas are in place, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly on top, making sure each one is well-sauced. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over everything, setting the stage for a melty, bubbly finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to brown slightly and bubble beautifully. This final touch takes your Lazy Enchiladas Recipe from simple to spectacular.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before plating. This resting period helps everything set so you can serve perfect slices without everything sliding apart.
How to Serve Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes brings a bright, fresh finish to your enchiladas. These toppings contrast wonderfully with the rich, cheesy baked filling and add layers of texture and flavor.
Side Dishes
Lazy enchiladas pair beautifully with simple sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a light green salad. These complement the hearty main dish without overwhelming it, rounding out your meal with freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your enchiladas in individual ramekins or roll them up and slice into bite-sized pinwheels for appetizers. You can also layer your filling, tortillas, sauce, and cheese like a casserole for a deconstructed take on this Lazy Enchiladas Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes a perfect next-day lunch or dinner option that reheats beautifully without losing any of its flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, assemble the enchiladas but don’t bake them. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen by adding extra time to the baking process to ensure they cook through.
Reheating
Reheat enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. This method preserves the crispy edges and gooey cheese better than a microwave, though reheating in a pinch works as well.
FAQs
Can I make this Lazy Enchiladas Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the meat for black beans or another favorite legume and follow the same steps. Adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms can also amp up the flavor and nutrition.
What type of cheese works best for enchiladas?
Cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses melt beautifully and offer great flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or even mozzarella if you prefer a milder, creamy texture.
Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
Definitely. Homemade sauce can add a personal, fresh touch and allow you to customize the spice level. Just use about the same amount to ensure your enchiladas remain saucy and flavorful.
How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
To keep the tortillas from getting soggy, slightly warm them before assembling to make them more pliable, and ensure the sauce coverage is even but not overly generous. Also, baking covered and then uncovering helps set the texture nicely.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the filling a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. This speeds up assembly on the day you want to enjoy your Lazy Enchiladas Recipe, making it even more convenient for busy schedules.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Enchiladas Recipe is a total winner when you want a satisfying, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s approachable, delicious, and endlessly adaptable, making it one of my go-to comfort foods to share with anyone who loves simple yet bold flavors. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Lazy Enchiladas recipe offers a quick and easy way to enjoy classic Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal prep. Using simple ingredients like tortillas, ground meat or beans, and enchilada sauce, you can create a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Baked to bubbly perfection and served with fresh toppings, these enchiladas are flavorful, satisfying, and versatile enough to suit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Enchiladas
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 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
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite)
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (or green if preferred)
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. Add ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Pour about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly to coat the bottom.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Take one tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the cooked meat mixture onto it. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process for all tortillas, arranging them side by side in the dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are well-covered. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the sauced tortillas.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas start to crisp slightly.
- Serve: Allow the enchiladas to cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes as desired for extra flavor and freshness.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with black beans or your favorite plant-based protein.
- You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate to save time on a busy day.
- If you prefer spicier enchiladas, add extra chili powder or jalapeños in the filling or as a topping.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
