Lazy Enchiladas

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Weeknight dinners don’t get easier or more satisfying than Lazy Enchiladas. This recipe is the ultimate kitchen hack for anyone who craves the flavor of traditional enchiladas without all the rolling, layering, and multiple pans. Whether you’re feeding a family or need something quick after work, this dish delivers bold flavor in minimal time.

These enchiladas are made with frozen taquitos, giving you a perfectly seasoned filling wrapped in crispy corn tortillas with zero prep. Baked under a layer of enchilada sauce and melty cheese, they come out bubbling and golden, ready to be scooped onto plates and devoured. It feels like comfort food, tastes like you’ve been cooking all day, and yet it’s done in a flash.

Why You’ll Love This Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

You only need a handful of ingredients and about 5 minutes to throw everything together. The oven does all the work while you relax or whip up a quick side. The flavor is amazing considering how few steps are involved, and the texture of the crispy taquitos under the gooey cheese and sauce is downright addictive. This recipe is also highly customizable—make it spicy, add beans, or go meatless.

What Kind of Taquitos Should I Use?

Use any frozen taquitos you like. Chicken and beef varieties work best for flavor and texture, but veggie or cheese-filled ones are great for a vegetarian version. Just be sure they are frozen when you place them in the dish—no need to thaw. Corn tortilla taquitos give you that classic enchilada vibe, but flour works if that’s what you have on hand.

Ingredients for the Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few staple items, and you can find all of them in most grocery stores. Here are the essentials:

Frozen taquitos
These are the star of the show and form the “enchilada” base. They bake up crispy on the bottom while staying soft inside.

Red enchilada sauce
Canned sauce makes this extra easy. Choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your heat preference.

Shredded cheese
Use a Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack for melty, golden perfection.

Chopped cilantro (optional)
Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.

Sour cream or guacamole (for serving)
These creamy toppings balance the heat and round out the dish.

How To Make the Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Prep the oven and dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and line up the frozen taquitos in a single layer.

Step 2: Add sauce and cheese

Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the taquitos, making sure they’re mostly covered. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.

Step 3: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the taquitos start to crisp.

Step 4: Serve

Top with chopped cilantro if using. Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite taco toppings.

How to Serve and Store Lazy Enchiladas

This dish feeds about 4 to 6 people, depending on appetites and what you serve alongside it. It makes a hearty weeknight dinner, especially when paired with a salad or rice. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

You can also freeze leftovers. Just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven for best texture.

What to Serve With Lazy Enchiladas?

Mexican Street Corn Salad

The creamy, tangy flavors are a perfect match for the spicy richness of the enchiladas.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Light and zesty, it balances the bold enchilada flavor beautifully.

Refried Beans

A classic side that adds extra comfort and keeps the meal filling.

Avocado Salad

Cool, creamy, and refreshing—a great contrast to the warm, cheesy taquitos.

Tortilla Chips with Salsa or Queso

A simple snack that turns dinner into a party.

Pickled Jalapeños

Add some kick and acidity to cut through the cheese.

Fresh Pineapple Chunks

A juicy, sweet bite that cleanses your palate between bites.

Want More Mexican-Inspired Comfort Food Ideas?

If you’re into fast, flavor-packed dishes like these lazy enchiladas, you might fall in love with these next:

• Mexican White Trash Casserole for a cheesy, creamy, everything-in-one-pan dinner.
• Homemade Mexican Pizza if you’re craving crispy layers and saucy toppings.
• Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms for a rich and hearty dinner night.
• No Peek Chicken Casserole for another effortless oven meal.
• Crispy Jalapeño Popper Egg Rolls when you’re looking for something cheesy and crunchy to go on the side.

Save This Recipe 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 use beef or chicken taquitos? Did you sneak in extra toppings?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Ask questions, share tips, or tag me if you post photos.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more easy weeknight dinners on Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Lazy Enchiladas prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy a dish that’s cozy, bold, and satisfying. With just a few ingredients and no fuss, you get a crowd-pleasing dinner that brings all the flavors of enchiladas in a simpler way. It’s a go-to recipe that deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.

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