The Lazy Cook’s Guide to Magical Enchiladas Recipe

Whipping up lazy enchiladas can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Busy people crave simple meals that don’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Packed with zesty ingredients and clever shortcuts, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a delicious feast.

Mexican-inspired comfort arrives quickly when you know these smart cooking tricks.

Cheese, tortillas, and a handful of strategic seasonings become your culinary allies in crafting a meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Home cooks rejoice in discovering techniques that make delicious dining totally achievable.

Let’s uncover how effortless and mouthwatering dinner can be with these genius lazy enchiladas.

Lazy Enchiladas That Impress Without The Effort

• Crush Complexity: Skip traditional rolling and layering with this genius shortcut that transforms classic enchiladas into a simple, stress-free meal anyone can master.
• Crowd-Pleasing Magic: Packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, this dish guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Speed-Demon Dinner: Break free from lengthy cooking processes by using tortilla chips as a clever base, slashing preparation time while delivering maximum taste and satisfaction.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, add extra spices, or include different toppings to make this recipe your personal culinary playground without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Quick Lazy Enchiladas Meal

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the enchilada dish.

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy corn chips that serve as a unique alternative to traditional tortillas, adding texture and a fun twist to the classic enchilada recipe.

• Enchilada Sauce: A tangy and spicy sauce that adds traditional Mexican-inspired flavor to the dish.
• Salsa: Provides additional moisture and zesty flavor to the ground beef mixture.
• Diced Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and bright pepper flavor to the enchilada base.
• Cumin: A warm, earthy spice that brings depth and authentic Mexican seasoning to the recipe.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, gooey topping that adds richness and binds the ingredients together.

• Non-Stick Spray: Ensures the dish does not stick to the baking pan and helps with easy serving.
• Foil: Covers the dish during baking to prevent excessive browning and retain moisture.

How to Assemble Lazy Enchiladas Step-by-Step

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Get your oven roaring hot at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will create the perfect cooking environment for your ultimate comfort meal.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Grab a skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat. Let those delicious meaty flavors develop while cooking.

Once fully cooked, drain away any excess fat to keep things light and tasty.

Step 3: Spark the Flavor Explosion

• Diced green chilies
• Salsa
• Ground cumin

Stir everything together until the ingredients become best friends in the pan.

Step 4: Crush Those Chips

Open up a bag of tortilla chips and gently break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces inside a large mixing bowl. Think of this as your culinary stress relief moment.

Step 5: Create the Magic Mixture

Combine your seasoned beef with the crushed tortilla chips. Pour the entire can of enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle in some shredded cheese.

Give everything a gentle mix so all ingredients get cozy.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray.

This prevents any stuck-on bits and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 7: Layer on the Cheese

Transfer your chip and beef mixture into the prepared dish.

Then shower the top with a generous blanket of extra shredded cheese. More cheese equals more happiness!

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the preheated oven. Let it bake for about 50 minutes until everything is hot and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Devour

Pull your masterpiece out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then dive right in and enjoy your incredibly simple yet mouthwatering beef chip enchiladas!

Tips for Perfect Lazy Enchiladas Every Time

• Crush tortilla chips into small, bite-sized pieces for an even texture and better sauce absorption.
• Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure a cleaner flavor profile.
• Experiment with different salsa varieties or add extra cumin for a more complex and personalized taste experience.
• Distribute cheese throughout the mixture and on top for a gooey, melted consistency in every bite.
• Add fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños after baking for extra freshness and flavor.

Variations to Refresh Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

• Spicy Southwest Crunch: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken and add jalapeños for extra heat, creating a zesty Mexican-inspired casserole.
• Vegetarian Bean Fiesta: Swap ground beef with black beans and corn, incorporating vegetable broth for added moisture and flavor depth.
• Tex-Mex Breakfast Remix: Transform the recipe by adding scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and serving with a side of sour cream for a morning version.
• Green Chile Chicken Fusion: Use rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef, increase green chiles, and mix in cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture.

Pairings That Complement Lazy Enchiladas Dishes

• Pair with Zesty Margaritas: Blend tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to complement the spicy, bold flavors of the enchiladas. The citrusy kick cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese.
• Cool Down with Cilantro Sour Cream: Whip fresh sour cream with chopped cilantro and a dash of lime. This creamy, herbal topping balances the dish's intense seasoning and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Mexican Beer Pairing: Reach for a crisp, light Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo Especial. The beer's clean, subtle taste helps cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty enchilada casserole.
• Side of Fresh Salsa: Chop ripe tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro for a bright, tangy salsa.

Best Storage Practices for Lazy Enchiladas

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack enchiladas in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for extra flavor.

FAQs

These enchiladas are called “lazy” because they skip traditional rolling and layering steps. Instead, you simply mix tortilla chips, beef, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish, making preparation quick and easy.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work great in this recipe. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a hassle-free meal that feeds multiple people.

Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Lazy enchiladas bring Mexican comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Cheesy, spicy layers create a quick weeknight meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds in one simple, delicious package you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 pound (454 grams) shredded chicken (optional substitute)
• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey (optional substitute)

Cheese and Sauce:

• 3 cups (340 grams) shredded cheese
• 1 (28-ounce / 794 grams) can of red enchilada sauce
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) salsa

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 bag tortilla chips (about 12 ounces / 340 grams)
• 1 (4-ounce / 113 grams) can of diced green chilies, drained
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to a consistent 350°F, ensuring an optimal temperature for baking.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly cook the ground beef until it reaches a rich brown color, carefully draining excess fat to maintain a lean texture.
3. Enhance the beef’s flavor profile by incorporating diced green chilies, vibrant salsa, and aromatic cumin, stirring until the ingredients meld seamlessly.
4. Transform the tortilla chips into a rustic base by gently crushing them within a spacious mixing bowl, creating an irregular, textured foundation.
5. Integrate the seasoned beef mixture with the crushed tortilla chips, generously coating the base with enchilada sauce and introducing a layer of shredded cheese, mixing gently to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray, then carefully transfer the chip and beef combination, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
7. Crown the dish with an abundant layer of additional shredded cheese, creating a golden, melty topping that promises a rich, indulgent finish.
8. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify and merge.
9. After removing from the oven, allow a brief cooling period to let the ingredients settle, then serve this effortless yet satisfying meal to eager diners.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting salsa and adding hot sauce for heat-seekers who love a fiery kick.
• Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for versatile protein options that cater to different dietary preferences.
• Choose gluten-free tortilla chips to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising the delicious texture and flavor.
• Elevate the dish with optional toppings like sour cream, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or pickled jalapeños for extra layers of flavor and freshness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 592
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg