Easy & Lazy Enchiladas Recipe: Dinner in a Flash

Whipping up lazy enchiladas brings pure comfort without complex kitchen gymnastics.

Shortcuts make weeknight dinners deliciously possible when energy runs low.

Mexican-inspired flavors shine through minimal effort and smart ingredient choices.

Simple assembly transforms basic pantry staples into something spectacular.

Minimal chopping and quick baking mean you can relax while dinner practically makes itself.

Cheese, tortillas, and a few clever tricks create a meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours preparing.

Dive into this recipe and watch dinner magic unfold with zero stress.

Why Lazy Enchiladas Always Work

Devour Hassle-Free Comfort: This lazy enchilada recipe brings unbeatable kitchen magic straight to your table.

Simplify Meal Prep: Forget traditional rolling and layering – this one-dish wonder transforms tortilla chips and ground beef into a cheesy, saucy delight without complex techniques.

Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, add extra spices, or include different types of cheese to match your family’s taste preferences and make the dish uniquely yours.

Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the crunchy chip base, zesty salsa-seasoned meat, and generous cheese topping that creates a crowd-pleasing meal everyone can enjoy together.

What’s Needed for Lazy Enchiladas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the enchiladas.

• Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the Mexican-inspired taste of the dish.
• Green Chilies, Salsa: Bring a zesty and spicy kick to the ground beef mixture.

• Tortilla Chips: Create a crunchy foundation and help bind the enchilada mixture together.
• Enchilada Sauce: Provides moisture and classic Mexican-style flavor to the entire dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps melt everything together, creating a gooey texture.

• Non-Stick Spray: Ensures easy removal of the enchiladas from the baking dish.
• Foil: Helps protect the top of the dish from burning during baking.

How to Bake Lazy Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to a cozy 350F (175C) temperature, getting ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, making sure to drain away any extra fat for a lighter dish.

Step 3: Spice Up the Beef

• Diced green chilies
• Salsa
• Cumin

Stir everything together until well mixed and set aside.

Step 4: Crush the Chips

Pour tortilla chips into a large mixing bowl and gently break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Combine Beef and Chips

Pour the seasoned beef mixture over the crushed chips and mix gently, creating a delightful blend of textures.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Pour the entire can of enchilada sauce over the beef and chip mixture, ensuring every piece gets coated.

Step 7: Add Cheesy Goodness

Mix in shredded cheese until everything is perfectly combined and looking irresistible.

Step 8: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray and transfer the enchilada mixture into it.

Step 9: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty blanket.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 50 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Simple Tips for Lazy Enchiladas

• Replace ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary flexibility.
• Use gluten-free tortilla chips to make the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Reduce cheese quantity or opt for low-fat cheese to create a lighter version of the recipe.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn to boost nutritional value and enhance flavor complexity.
• Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Tasty Additions to Lazy Enchiladas

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat substitute. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers and corn for more nutrition.
• Chicken Enchilada Variation: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled chicken breast. Season with taco seasoning for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortilla chips and verify all sauce ingredients are gluten-free. Check enchilada sauce labels carefully for potential wheat-based additives.
• Spicy Mexican Fusion: Add diced jalapeños, increase cumin, and mix in chipotle peppers for a more intense heat level. Top with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for added freshness.

Sides to Serve with Enchiladas

• Pair Zesty Mexican Lager: Crack open a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the spicy, cheesy enchilada casserole with its crisp, light flavor that cuts through the richness.
• Create Cool Sour Cream Sidekick: Dollop fresh sour cream on top of the baked dish to add a creamy, tangy contrast that balances the bold salsa and beef flavors.
• Toss Fresh Cilantro Salad: Whip up a quick cilantro, lime, and red onion salad as a bright, refreshing side that adds a light, zesty element to the hearty main course.

How to Save Leftover Enchiladas

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Transfer enchiladas to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Typically takes 1-2 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Add extra cheese on top if desired for a fresh, melty finish.

FAQs

• What are lazy enchiladas?

A quick and easy casserole-style dish that combines tortilla chips, ground beef, salsa, and cheese instead of traditional rolled enchiladas, making it a simple one-pan meal.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even vegetarian meat alternatives to suit your preference.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa and green chilies you use. Choose mild, medium, or hot salsa based on your heat tolerance.

• Do I need any special cooking skills?

No, this recipe is perfect for beginners. It requires basic cooking skills like browning meat and mixing ingredients, making it very beginner-friendly.

Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Lazy Enchiladas bring Mexican comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Quick ingredients and simple assembly guarantee a delicious meal that satisfies cravings without complex cooking techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Cheese and Dairy:

• 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or blend)

Base and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 bag tortilla chips (12 ounces)
• 28 ounces red enchilada sauce
• 4 ounces diced green chilies, drained
• 1/2 cup salsa

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C), preparing a baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining excess fat.
3. Incorporate diced green chilies, salsa, and cumin into the beef, mixing thoroughly until well-combined.
4. Crush tortilla chips into smaller fragments within a large mixing bowl.
5. Gently fold the seasoned beef mixture into the broken tortilla chips, ensuring even distribution.
6. Pour enchilada sauce over the beef and chip combination, creating a uniform coating.
7. Blend one cup of shredded cheese into the mixture, stirring until ingredients are evenly integrated.
8. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly.
9. Generously layer the remaining cheese across the top, ensuring complete surface coverage.
10. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes until cheese melts and edges become golden and crispy.
11. Remove foil during the final 5-10 minutes to enhance cheese browning and achieve a slightly crisp texture.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a healthier alternative, reducing overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Crush tortilla chips just before mixing to prevent them from becoming too soggy and maintain a slight crunch in the final dish.
• For gluten-free version, ensure using gluten-free tortilla chips and verify salsa and enchilada sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers or black beans for extra nutrition and texture without significantly changing the recipe’s core preparation method.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 633 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1030 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg