If you’re craving the delicious flavors of enchiladas but don’t have time for the traditional rolling and simmering, this Lazy Enchiladas Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a brilliantly simple way to enjoy all the cheesy, saucy goodness without the fuss, using frozen taquitos as a shortcut that results in a crowd-pleasing, comforting meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or an impromptu get-together, this recipe brings Mexican-inspired warmth to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together in this recipe to create layers of flavor, color, and texture. Each one plays a vital role, from the crispy taquitos that provide a fun bite to the rich enchilada sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- Frozen taquitos (beef or chicken, 16 ounces): The star shortcut of this dish, providing crispy, flavorful fillings without any prep time.
- Red enchilada sauce (10-ounce can): Adds that iconic tangy, spicy kick that defines enchiladas and keeps it saucy.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese (1 cup): Melts perfectly to create gooey, cheesy goodness on top.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A subtle boost of smoky spice to elevate the flavors if you like heat.
- Chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or sliced olives (optional): Fresh toppings that add brightness, color, and a burst of freshness.
- Sour cream and salsa: Essential sides that complement and cool the dish, creating balance.
How to Make Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps the taquitos heat through quickly and crisply, while melting the cheese to bubbling perfection.
Step 2: Arrange the Taquitos
Place your frozen taquitos in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. No thawing necessary here—keeping them frozen helps maintain that satisfying crunch after baking.
Step 3: Pour on the Sauce
Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the taquitos, making sure each piece gets coated in that rich, flavorful sauce. If you’re using chili powder, sprinkle it over the top now to add a subtle smoky warmth throughout.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Generously sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese all over the dish. This cheesy layer seals the sauce to the taquitos and creates the irresistibly gooey topping everyone will love.
Step 5: Bake Until Melty and Hot
Bake the entire dish for 20 to 25 minutes. By the end, the taquitos should be thoroughly heated, the sauce bubbling around the edges, and the cheese melted and lightly golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or sliced olives to add freshness and a pop of color. Serve with sour cream and salsa on the side for dipping and extra flavor.
How to Serve Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Lazy Enchiladas Recipe is where you can get creative. Green onions add a lovely crisp bite, cilantro brings a fresh herbaceous note, and olives introduce a briny twist. These toppings brighten the hearty dish and make each serving a visual treat as well.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its bold flavors. Consider serving with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned mini casseroles. Or load up a platter with the enchiladas and let everyone help themselves family-style. You could even sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco and a squeeze of lime over the top for an elevated finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lazy Enchiladas Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the cheese from drying out.
Freezing
Because this dish uses frozen taquitos and bakes quickly, it’s surprisingly freezer-friendly. Once baked and cooled, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop leftovers into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese has re-melted. This helps maintain the crispy edges better than microwaving, though the microwave works well for a quick fix.
FAQs
Can I use homemade enchilada sauce instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade enchilada sauce works perfectly and lets you customize the spice level and flavor. Just swap it in one-for-one with the canned version.
What type of taquitos should I buy for this recipe?
Either beef or chicken taquitos are delicious here. Choose your favorite, or try vegetable-filled taquitos for a lighter variation. Just make sure they are frozen for the best texture post-baking.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild by default, thanks to the red enchilada sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat with extra chili powder or a hot sauce on the side to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetarian or bean-based taquitos, and check that the enchilada sauce doesn’t contain animal-based ingredients. The cheese and toppings remain the same.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free taquitos and verify that your enchilada sauce and other ingredients do not contain gluten. Many brands offer gluten-free options, making it easy to enjoy this meal safely.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Enchiladas Recipe is one of those delightful shortcuts that feels like a comforting celebration every time you bake it. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and absolutely fuss-free. I promise once you try it, this quick, cheesy, saucy bake will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab your favorite taquitos, some sauce, and cheese, and dive into this effortless, delicious meal that’s ready in no time!
Print
Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
Lazy Enchiladas are a quick and easy twist on traditional enchiladas, using frozen taquitos baked with red enchilada sauce and melted Mexican blend cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this effortless recipe requires no thawing and delivers comforting, cheesy Mexican-inspired flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen taquitos (beef or chicken)
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Toppings and Serving
- Chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or sliced olives for topping (optional)
- Sour cream for serving
- Salsa for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the taquitos.
- Arrange Taquitos: Spread the frozen taquitos in a single layer inside a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring even coverage for consistent cooking.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the arranged taquitos. Sprinkle chili powder on top if you want a little extra heat and flavor.
- Top with Cheese: Evenly distribute the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the sauced taquitos for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the taquitos are thoroughly heated and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Add optional toppings like chopped green onions, cilantro, or sliced olives to add freshness and color.
- Serve: Plate the casserole and serve with sour cream and salsa on the side to complement the rich flavors.
Notes
- This recipe is great for busy nights since it requires no thawing—just assemble and bake.
- Try swapping in green enchilada sauce for a tangy variation.
- For breakfast, use breakfast-style taquitos to make a morning-friendly meal.
