Lazy Enchiladas

Golden, cheesy, and smothered in rich enchilada sauce, Lazy Enchiladas are the ultimate weeknight dinner shortcut that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With minimal effort and just a few store-bought ingredients, you can have a bubbling tray of comfort food on the table in no time. This dish captures everything you love about traditional enchiladas—melty cheese, a savory filling, and that crave-worthy sauce—without the hassle of rolling tortillas or prepping a long list of ingredients.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting casual guests, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, Lazy Enchiladas are your delicious solution. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream, fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, and shredded lettuce for a vibrant plate that looks as good as it tastes. One bite, and this might just become your favorite go-to for quick Mexican-inspired meals.

Why You’ll Love This Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

• It’s a no-fuss, 30-minute meal made with frozen taquitos.
• All the classic enchilada flavors without the prep work.
• Easily customizable for different proteins or spice levels.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or casual dinners.
• Family-friendly and reheats well.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Lazy Enchiladas a breeze, gather the following essential kitchen tools:

• Baking dish (9×13 inch): This is your main vessel for cooking and serving. Make sure it’s deep enough to hold the taquitos, sauce, and plenty of cheese.
• Aluminum foil: Helps to keep the enchiladas moist while baking.
• Tongs or spatula: For arranging and serving the taquitos without breaking them.
• Grater (if using block cheese): Freshly shredded cheese melts better and adds great texture.

Each tool supports an efficient prep and cook time, keeping this recipe true to its lazy promise.

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Preparation Tips

If you’re using frozen taquitos, there’s no need to thaw—just arrange them straight in the baking dish to save even more time. For extra flavor, spoon a bit of enchilada sauce underneath the taquitos before layering. Don’t skimp on the cheese; a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives that irresistible gooey finish. And finally, let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly and flavors meld beautifully.

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Ingredients for This Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

• 1 (20-count) box of frozen beef or chicken taquitos (store-bought)
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional, for topping)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving)
• Shredded lettuce (optional side)
• Lime wedges (optional, for garnish)

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and helps the cheese melt perfectly. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Arrange the Taquitos

Place the frozen taquitos in a single layer across the baking dish. You can fit about 12-14 taquitos side-by-side, depending on the size of your dish. No need to thaw them!

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Step 3: Pour the Enchilada Sauce

Evenly pour the enchilada sauce over the taquitos, covering them generously. You want the sauce to seep into the taquitos while baking, so make sure the tops are fully coated.

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Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend generously over the sauced taquitos. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum cheesy goodness.

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Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to let the cheese brown slightly and become bubbly.

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Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, top with fresh diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, green onions, and a generous dollop of sour cream. Serve with shredded lettuce and lime wedges on the side if desired.

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Notes

Lazy Enchiladas are incredibly forgiving, which is what makes them so appealing. You can swap out the filling by choosing chicken, beef, or even bean taquitos. If you prefer a spicier dish, use a hot enchilada sauce and toss on some extra jalapeños. For a creamier texture, try adding a bit of sour cream or cream cheese to the enchilada sauce before pouring it over the taquitos.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the foil: If you bake without covering the dish, the taquitos may dry out before the cheese melts properly.
• Overcrowding the dish: Make sure the taquitos are in a single layer to cook evenly.
• Too little sauce: Skimping on the enchilada sauce will leave the dish dry and less flavorful.
• Using pre-shredded cheese without checking for additives: Some store-bought shredded cheeses include anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months; reheat from frozen by baking at 375°F (190°C) until hot and bubbly.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings total):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 790mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade taquitos instead of frozen ones?

Absolutely! If you have homemade taquitos, this recipe works just as well. Just ensure they’re fully cooked before assembling.

What type of enchilada sauce is best?

Both red and green enchilada sauces work well. Red offers a more traditional flavor, while green adds a tangy twist.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Use bean and cheese taquitos and ensure your enchilada sauce is meat-free.

Is this dish spicy?

Not necessarily. It depends on the enchilada sauce and toppings. Use mild sauce and omit jalapeños for a milder version.

What other toppings can I add?

Try avocado slices, diced onions, chopped cilantro, hot sauce, or queso fresco.

How do I make it extra cheesy?

Add an extra cup of cheese or mix in cream cheese with the enchilada sauce for added creaminess.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

How many people does this recipe serve?

This recipe generally serves 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size.

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Conclusion

Lazy Enchiladas are the perfect fusion of convenience and crave-worthy flavor. With just a few ingredients and a single baking dish, you can create a cheesy, saucy dinner that satisfies everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a crowd, or just meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a keeper in your kitchen rotation.

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