Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

This incredibly satisfying Lazy Enchiladas recipe is a weeknight game-changer. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a cheesy, flavor-packed Mexican-inspired dish on the table in about 30 minutes. Perfect for those evenings when you crave comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Truly Lazy-Friendly: No rolling individual enchiladas or dealing with torn tortillas. This layered approach gives you all the flavors with a fraction of the effort.
• Budget-Conscious: Using simple ingredients like ground beef and canned components makes this dish wallet-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
• Family-Approved: The comforting combination of seasoned beef, cheese, and sauce is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser!
• Versatile Base Recipe: Once you master the basic technique, you can switch up proteins, sauces, and add-ins to create endless variations.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Lean Ground Beef: The star protein that adds hearty texture and flavor. Using lean beef (96/4) keeps the dish from becoming greasy.
• Red Enchilada Sauce: The backbone of authentic enchilada flavor – no need to make it from scratch! The sauce infuses the entire dish with rich, slightly spicy goodness.
• Diced Green Chilies: These add a gentle heat and authentic Southwestern flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Mexican Cheese: Creates that irresistible gooey, melty layer that makes enchiladas so crave-worthy. The pre-shredded blend saves time but freshly grated works even better.
• Flour Tortillas: Super soft Mission tortillas are specified because they layer beautifully and become tender when baked. Their large size makes layering a breeze.
• Cumin: Provides that distinctive earthy, warm flavor essential to Mexican cuisine.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish beyond basic.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses the beef with savory depth without the work of mincing fresh garlic.
• Chili Powder: Brings color and a gentle kick of heat, balancing the rich sauce and cheese.
• Water: Creates a paste with the seasonings, helping them coat the beef evenly for maximum flavor in every bite.

Variations

Protein Swaps

• Shredded Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time
• Ground Turkey: A lighter alternative that works wonderfully with the same seasoning blend
• Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with a mixture of black beans, corn, and sautéed peppers

Flavor Boosters

• Corn Addition: Add 1 cup of frozen corn when adding the green chilies
• Black Bean Boost: Mix in a can of drained black beans for extra fiber and texture
• Heat Adjustments: Use hot enchilada sauce or add diced jalapeños for more kick
• Sour Cream Layer: Spread a thin layer of sour cream between the layers for added richness

Tortilla Options

• Corn Tortillas: For a more traditional enchilada texture and flavor
• Low-Carb Wraps: To reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the layered approach

How to Make Lazy Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. While the beef is cooking, mix cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and water in a small bowl to create a seasoning paste. When the beef is nearly cooked through, add the paste and mix thoroughly to coat all the meat. Stir in the green chilies and let everything simmer together for a few minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray. Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom – this prevents sticking and ensures the bottom tortillas absorb some flavor.

Step 3: Create the First Layer

Lay two flour tortillas across the sauce-coated dish. Spread half of your seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. Pour half of the remaining enchilada sauce over the beef, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top.

Step 4: Complete the Layers and Bake

Repeat the layering process: remaining tortillas, beef, sauce, and finish with the last of the cheese. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the edges have become slightly crispy.

Step 5: Serve

Once baked, let it rest for about 5 minutes, then cut through the layers and serve in generous portions (about 230 grams per serving).

Pro Tips for Making Lazy Enchiladas

• Season the Beef Properly: Don’t rush the seasoning step. Allowing the meat to simmer with the spice paste creates deeper flavor throughout.
• Layer Strategically: Make sure to spread the meat evenly to ensure every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
• Watch the Edges: The slightly crispy edges are a textural delight, but don’t let them burn. Cover with foil if the cheese is browning too quickly.
• Rest Before Serving: Those 5 minutes of resting time allow the layers to set up slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions.
• Cheese Selection Matters: A pre-shredded Mexican blend works well, but for the ultimate cheese pull, use a combination of freshly grated Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar.

How to Serve

Toppings Bar

Set up a toppings bar with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sliced green onions, sour cream, and your favorite salsa so everyone can customize their portion.

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a simple side salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or pair with Mexican rice for a more substantial meal.

Beverage Matches

This dish pairs wonderfully with a cold Mexican beer, a simple margarita, or for non-alcoholic options, try horchata or a sparkling lime water.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices meld together!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion into individual servings and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Perfect for emergency dinner situations.

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 325°F oven until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes). Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I assemble this dish ahead of time and bake later?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold. This makes it perfect for prepping during a weekend and cooking on a busy weeknight.

My family doesn’t like spicy food. Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, this recipe is very adaptable! Use mild enchilada sauce and omit the green chilies or replace them with mild roasted bell peppers. You can also reduce or eliminate the chili powder in the beef seasoning while keeping the other flavorful ingredients.

Can I make this dish in a smaller portion?
Definitely! You can easily halve the recipe and use an 8×8 baking dish. The cooking time remains about the same, but start checking for doneness around the 20-minute mark.

Why are my enchiladas coming out soggy?
For the perfect texture, make sure your meat mixture isn’t too wet before layering. If using higher-fat beef, drain thoroughly before adding seasonings. Also, don’t over-sauce between layers – a thin, even coating works best.

Final Thoughts

These Lazy Enchiladas bring all the flavor of traditional rolled enchiladas without any of the fuss. They’ve become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights when I want something satisfying but don’t have the patience for anything complicated. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – just a few quality ingredients that come together to create something truly comforting. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving Mexican food but short on time – I guarantee it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

Print