If you are craving a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish without all the fuss, this Lazy Enchiladas Recipe is an absolute gem. With a handful of simple ingredients and easy steps, you get warm, cheesy enchiladas packed with flavorful meat or black beans, all smothered in a rich enchilada sauce. It’s the perfect dinner to satisfy your Mexican-inspired cravings when you want something delicious but don’t want to fuss with rolling dozens of tortillas or making sauce from scratch. Each bite bursts with cozy, familiar flavors making this dish a weeknight hero you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are humble but crucial for crafting the ultimate Lazy Enchiladas. Each one lends something special, whether it’s robust flavor, melty texture, or vibrant color that makes the dish pop.
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas: These act as the perfect soft wraps, holding all that delicious filling together.
- 1 lb ground beef, chicken, or turkey (or black beans for vegetarian): Your protein powerhouse, responsible for rich, hearty flavor and satisfying texture.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when cooked with the meat or beans.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or favorite): Melts to gooey perfection, creating that irresistible cheesy blanket.
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (or green if preferred): Brings bold, tangy, and spicy notes that tie the whole dish together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers warm and earthy undertones that complement the meat or beans.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory flavor effortlessly.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Adds a gentle kick of heat to elevate every bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Sour cream: To dollop on top for creamy coolness against the spicy sauce.
- Chopped cilantro: Freshens and brightens the dish with herbal notes.
- Sliced avocado: Adds buttery texture and richness to round out the flavors.
- Sliced jalapeños: For those who want an extra punch of spice.
- Diced tomatoes: Offer freshness and a juicy burst with each bite.
How to Make Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Filling
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when your enchiladas are all assembled. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef, chicken, turkey, or black beans along with the chopped onion. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks evenly. Stir in ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper to deepen the flavors. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is browned and the onions are soft and fragrant. This filling will be the heart of your enchiladas, rich with spices and satisfying textures.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour roughly 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce to coat the bottom. This layer helps prevent sticking and infuses flavor right from the base. Now take a tortilla and spoon about a quarter cup of your cooked filling onto it. Roll the tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with all tortillas, lining them snugly next to each other like a cozy little enchilada row. This step is where the ‘lazy’ part shines—you don’t have to dip or fold endlessly, just roll and line up!
Step 3: Cover with Sauce and Cheese, Then Bake
Once your rolled tortillas fill the dish, drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce generously over the top so every inch is covered. This helps keep the enchiladas moist and adds that luscious red (or green) punch. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top for a gooey melt-layer finish. Cover your dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to meld all the flavors and melt the cheese delightfully. Uncover it and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns slightly golden around the edges. Let it cool slightly out of the oven before serving for the best texture and warmth.
How to Serve Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes truly elevate this dish from simple to spectacular. A dollop of sour cream adds creamy coolness that balances the spice, while sliced avocado delivers buttery softness that melts in your mouth. Fresh chopped cilantro brightens the flavors with citrusy, herbal notes. If you like things spicier, sliced jalapeños bring a lively, zesty heat, and diced tomatoes add a juicy pop that complements the rich sauce. These toppings make each bite customizable and more exciting.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider sides that bring freshness and contrast to your enchiladas. A light Mexican-style rice or cilantro lime rice works beautifully, soaking up any extra sauce. Crunchy tortilla chips and fresh salsa make a fun addition for sharing and snacking. A simple bean salad or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the cheesy enchiladas effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
While the classic casserole dish presentation is always satisfying, you can also serve these Lazy Enchiladas Recipe portions on colorful plates with scattered garnishes artfully arranged. For a family-style meal, place the whole baking dish on the table so everyone can scoop their favorite toppings on top. Another fun way is to turn the rolled tortillas into enchilada bowls by serving them alongside small bowls of sour cream, jalapeños, and avocado for dipping and topping. This adds an interactive element to your meal that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lazy Enchiladas keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, the flavors have even more time to meld and deepen, making them tastier the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish, but don’t bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen but allow extra baking time until everything is heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, unwrap and cover with foil to keep moisture in and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions with a damp paper towel covering to maintain soft tortillas and melty cheese.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Absolutely! Both corn and flour tortillas work well in this recipe. Flour tortillas tend to be softer and more flexible, while corn tortillas add that authentic texture and flavor. It’s up to your personal preference.
Is there a vegetarian option for this Lazy Enchiladas Recipe?
Yes! Simply swap out the meat for black beans or a mixture of beans and sautéed veggies. The spices and sauce still make it bursting with flavor.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely. Add more chili powder or fresh diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. You can also use a hotter enchilada sauce or add cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
How can I make the enchiladas gluten-free?
Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, and make sure the enchilada sauce you pick is gluten-free, which most store-bought options are. Also, check any seasoning blends for hidden gluten ingredients.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. Top with dairy-free sour cream or guacamole instead for a delicious dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this Lazy Enchiladas Recipe in your own kitchen. It’s a hands-down winner for a comforting, flavorful meal that doesn’t require hours of prep or fancy ingredients. Whether for a busy weeknight or casual weekend dinner, these enchiladas bring warmth, cheesy goodness, and a satisfying meal everyone will love. So go ahead, roll up those tortillas, pour on the sauce, and get ready to dig into this simple, delicious classic!
Print
Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Lazy Enchiladas recipe is a quick and flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas, perfect for busy weeknights. Ground meat or black beans are seasoned and cooked with spices, then rolled in tortillas, covered in enchilada sauce and cheese, and baked until bubbly. Serve with fresh toppings like sour cream, avocado, and cilantro for a comforting Mexican-inspired meal.
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 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite)
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (or green if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
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 into small pieces as it cooks. Add cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine. Cook until the meat is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Pour about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly to coat the bottom.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the cooked filling onto a tortilla, then roll it tightly. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, lining them up side by side.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are well coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a slight golden crust.
- Serve: Allow the enchiladas to cool for a few minutes before serving. Add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground meat with black beans for a vegetarian version.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder or jalapeños.
- Make ahead and refrigerate assembled enchiladas before baking to save time.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
