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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to a consistent 350°F, ensuring an optimal temperature for baking.
- 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.
- Enhance the beef’s flavor profile by incorporating diced green chilies, vibrant salsa, and aromatic cumin, stirring until the ingredients meld seamlessly.
- Transform the tortilla chips into a rustic base by gently crushing them within a spacious mixing bowl, creating an irregular, textured foundation.
- 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.
- Prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray, then carefully transfer the chip and beef combination, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
- Crown the dish with an abundant layer of additional shredded cheese, creating a golden, melty topping that promises a rich, indulgent finish.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify and merge.
- 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