Quick and Easy Lazy Enchiladas

Lazy Enchiladas offer the perfect solution for busy nights when you crave a comforting, flavorful meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. This simple recipe uses frozen taquitos, a savory enchilada sauce, and melted cheese to deliver all the delicious flavors of traditional enchiladas in just a fraction of the time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this dish is sure to impress. It’s versatile, easy to make, and customizable to suit everyone’s taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and effortless: Only a handful of ingredients are needed, and there’s minimal preparation time.
• Perfect for busy nights: Ideal for hectic weeknights or when you need a meal in a hurry.
• Fully customizable: Add your favorite toppings or fillings to make it your own.
• Kid-friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, making it perfect for family meals or dinner parties.
• Great for meal prep: With leftovers that reheat beautifully, it’s perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For this Lazy Enchiladas recipe, you’ll need:

• Frozen taquitos (chicken, beef, or vegetarian, based on your preference)
• Enchilada sauce (choose between red or green, depending on your taste preference)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for optimal melt)
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, jalapeños, or any of your favorite additions

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Directions

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Arrange the taquitos: Take your frozen taquitos and arrange them in a single layer in a greased baking dish.
3. Pour the enchilada sauce: Evenly pour the enchilada sauce over the taquitos, making sure that all the taquitos are coated well in the sauce.
4. Add cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the taquitos, allowing it to melt and form a beautiful golden crust.
5. Bake: Place the baking dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the taquitos are heated through, and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Top and serve: Once your Lazy Enchiladas are out of the oven, top them with your favorite garnishes such as fresh diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or creamy guacamole. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy version: If you like a bit of heat, try using a spicier enchilada sauce or add sliced jalapeños before baking.
• Extra cheesy: For a cheesy overload, add an extra layer of queso or cream cheese to the dish.
• Vegetarian option: You can use cheese or bean taquitos and opt for green enchilada sauce for a delicious vegetarian version.
• Protein-packed: Add cooked, shredded chicken or ground beef between the taquitos and the sauce for a heartier meal.
• Loaded lazy enchiladas: Top your enchiladas with black beans, corn, chopped avocados, or any other fresh vegetables for extra texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked enchiladas for up to 2 months. Make sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade taquitos?
  Yes! Homemade taquitos will add a fresh touch to this dish and are a great way to customize the flavor.
• Can I use flour taquitos instead of corn?
  Flour taquitos can work well in this recipe; however, corn taquitos tend to hold up better in the sauce and offer a more traditional taste.
• What’s the best enchilada sauce to use?
  This depends on your personal preference. Red enchilada sauce gives a rich, classic flavor, while green enchilada sauce is tangier and slightly milder, offering a fresh and zesty taste.
• Can I make this dish gluten-free?
  Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free taquitos and enchilada sauce. There are plenty of gluten-free options available for both.
• Do I need to thaw the taquitos first?
  No, there’s no need to thaw the taquitos. You can cook them straight from frozen for ease and convenience.
• Can I add vegetables to this dish?
  Absolutely! Consider adding diced bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or even spinach to the mix to boost the nutrition and flavor of your Lazy Enchiladas.
• What kind of cheese works best?
  A Mexican cheese blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack will melt beautifully and add fantastic flavor to your dish.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes, you can assemble the Lazy Enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Simply bake them when you’re ready to serve.
• Are these suitable for meal prep?
  Definitely! These Lazy Enchiladas store and reheat very well, making them perfect for meal prep. Pack them in individual portions for a quick, comforting lunch or dinner.
• How do I prevent the taquitos from getting soggy?
  To keep the taquitos from becoming soggy, bake the dish uncovered and be sure the taquitos are well-coated but not overly drenched in sauce. This will help maintain a slight crispness.

Conclusion

Lazy Enchiladas are a fantastic solution for busy days when you need a quick and satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The combination of crispy taquitos, flavorful enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates a comforting dish that everyone will love. With endless possibilities for customization, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding your family on a hectic weeknight or preparing a meal for a group of friends, these Lazy Enchiladas are sure to be a hit. Serve with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a complete meal everyone will devour!

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Quick and Easy Lazy Enchiladas

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These Lazy Enchiladas are an easy and delicious twist on the classic dish. Made with frozen taquitos, enchilada sauce, and cheese, this quick recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of enchiladas with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving Mexican-inspired comfort food!

Author: Beth
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-American

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Ingredients

• 1 package (20 oz) frozen taquitos (chicken, beef, or vegetarian)
• 1 can (10 oz) red or green enchilada sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Assemble the Enchiladas:
   Arrange the frozen taquitos in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
   Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the taquitos, ensuring they are well-coated.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
3. Bake:
   Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the taquitos are heated through.
4. Serve:
   Top with your favorite garnishes like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Notes

• Air Fryer Option: Heat the taquitos in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, then assemble with sauce and cheese and bake in the oven for 10 minutes to melt the cheese.
• Make It Spicier: Use a spicier enchilada sauce or add diced jalapeños before baking.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it turned out!