Lazy Enchiladas

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Lazy Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food shortcut that delivers all the rich, bold flavors of traditional enchiladas with a fraction of the effort. If you’re craving a cheesy, saucy, satisfying meal but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your weeknight dinner dream come true. Made with frozen taquitos, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, it’s as easy as layer, bake, and enjoy.

Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or just yourself, these enchiladas are a fast, flavorful fix. The crispy taquitos soak up the savory enchilada sauce while the gooey cheese brings everything together into a warm, melty bite. You can keep it simple or go wild with toppings like sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro. It’s flexible, fuss-free, and completely delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

This recipe is all about minimal prep and maximum flavor. You don’t have to cook a filling, roll tortillas, or even pre-cook anything. It’s a dump-and-bake situation that turns out incredible every single time. Ideal for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or lazy Sundays when cooking feels like a chore. Plus, it’s super customizable based on what you have in the fridge.

What Kind of Taquitos Should I Use?

You can use any frozen taquitos you like—chicken, beef, cheese, or even plant-based versions. Just pick your favorite, arrange them in a baking dish, and pour that enchilada sauce right on top. They all work beautifully and give you room to switch up flavors without changing the method.

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Ingredients for the Lazy Enchiladas

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with just a handful of ingredients that come together for that crave-worthy enchilada taste:

• Frozen Taquitos – These are the heart of the dish. Choose your favorite kind (chicken, beef, cheese, or vegetarian). They’re pre-cooked, so all you need to do is bake them in sauce.
• Red Enchilada Sauce – A flavorful, slightly spicy sauce that infuses the taquitos with traditional enchilada flavor. You can go mild or hot depending on your spice preference.
• Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend – This cheesy topping melts to golden perfection and brings all the flavors together. You can also use cheddar or Monterey Jack.
• Optional Toppings – Sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime add freshness and extra flavor.

How To Make the Lazy Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Arrange the Taquitos

Place frozen taquitos in a single layer in the dish. You can line them up snugly, side by side.

Step 3: Pour the Sauce

Evenly pour the enchilada sauce over the taquitos, making sure they’re all nicely coated.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of the sauced taquitos.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the taquitos start to crisp.

Step 6: Top and Serve

Remove from the oven and top with your choice of fresh toppings. Serve warm and enjoy your low-effort, high-reward enchiladas!

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How to Serve and Store Lazy Enchiladas

This recipe serves about 4 people generously, depending on how many taquitos you use. Serve them fresh out of the oven when the cheese is perfectly melted and the edges are golden and crisp. These enchiladas pair beautifully with fresh toppings for a pop of color and contrast.

To store leftovers, allow the enchiladas to cool completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. The taquitos will soften a bit but still taste amazing.

What to Serve With Lazy Enchiladas?

Mexican Rice

A classic, fluffy side dish that complements the bold flavors of enchiladas perfectly.

Refried Beans

Creamy and savory, refried beans add extra heartiness to your meal.

Guacamole and Chips

Fresh, zesty guacamole with crunchy tortilla chips makes for a great appetizer or side.

Street Corn Salad

Also known as “esquites,” this corn salad with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime is a crowd-pleaser.

Fresh Green Salad

A light salad with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, and avocado balances the richness of the enchiladas.

Pickled Red Onions

Tangy and bright, they cut through the richness and add a fun contrast in flavor.

Mexican Slaw

Crunchy cabbage slaw with lime and cilantro brings a fresh, crisp bite to the meal.

Black Bean Salsa

Serve as a dip or side, this colorful mix of beans, corn, and peppers adds protein and texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Lazy Enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish up to a day ahead, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, bake as directed and enjoy a fresh, hot meal with zero prep at dinnertime.

Are these enchiladas freezer-friendly?
Definitely. You can freeze the whole dish after assembling (before baking) or freeze leftovers. Just wrap it well in foil or a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot and bubbly.

Can I use green enchilada sauce instead of red?
Absolutely. Green enchilada sauce offers a tangier flavor with a touch of heat. It’s a delicious twist that works just as well with the frozen taquitos.

What are the best toppings for Lazy Enchiladas?
Some great topping ideas include sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, avocado, and even a drizzle of hot sauce. You can also add shredded lettuce or green onions for crunch.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with chicken or beef taquitos? Did you add a spicy twist?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter and eat happier.

Check out more of my daily recipes on Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

Conclusion

Lazy Enchiladas are the kind of easy dinner that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list or hours in the kitchen to serve something delicious. They’re cozy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable to fit your taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this recipe has you covered. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite comfort food fix.

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