Lazy Enchiladas

Looking for a delicious and easy recipe that won't take up too much of your time or energy? Look no further than lazy enchiladas! We will take you step by step through this recipe that will have a plate of hot, delicious enchiladas on your table in just 20 minutes!

No matter what your level of skill in the kitchen, this is one recipe that even the greenest of home chefs can excel at. So put on your aprons, preheat your oven, and get ready to watch a movie or something once you discover how quick and easy this lazy enchiladas recipe really is.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

Ingredients

Refried Beans:

Traditional refried beans are often made with pinto beans, providing a creamy texture and earthy flavor. However, black beans can be used for a unique twist, offering a slightly firmer texture and a hint of sweetness.

While canned refried beans offer convenience, which is what this lazy enchilada recipe is all about, you can also choose to make your own refried beans.

You can use this Instant Pot Refried Beans recipe or follow the instructions below:

Heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ½ a cup of diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add two cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add two cups of cooked pinto beans and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes to heat the beans through. Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, mash the beans to your desired consistency. Reduce the heat to low and let the mashed beans simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Frozen Taquitos:

When selecting taquitos for your lazy enchiladas, find good-quality frozen taquitos that use real ingredients and have a flavor you enjoy. Some popular taquito fillings include beef, chicken, black bean, sweet potato, and cheese. These frozen taquitos can also be found in gluten-free and vegan varieties to suit any dietary needs.

Enchilada Sauce:

The sauce is a crucial element of this lazy enchiladas recipe. The key to a good lazy enchilada recipe is convenience, so the store-bought sauce is the name of the game here. Select your favorite brand, and even choose between red sauce, which is traditional, or even green or mole sauces. However, if you want to turn your lazy enchiladas into not-so-lazy enchiladas, you can make your own sauce.

In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and stir continuously to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden brown. Next, add 3 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, ½ a teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ a teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika to the roux. Stir well to combine and cook for about 1 minute to bloom the spices. Gradually add 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Mix in 1 can of tomato paste, salt, and pepper to taste, reduce heat to low, and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Shredded Cheese:

With this lazy enchilada recipe, you can use a blend of cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese or you can get creative. Mozarella and cotija are also popular options but you can use whatever cheeses you enjoy the most. Experiment with the different flavors and textures your favorite cheese adds to this dish.

How to Make Lazy Enchiladas

Step One: 

Spread your refried beans along the bottom of a greased oven-safe dish.

Step Two: 

Add a layer of taquitos.

Step Three: 

Pour enchilada sauce on top

Step Four:

Add a layer of cheese

Step Five: 

Bake at 400F for 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Step Six: 

Serve and enjoy 🙂

Tips

• When you pour the enchilada sauce over the taquitos, ensure they are well coated. This helps soften the taquitos and infuse them with flavor.
• If you're making a large batch, you can freeze individual portions of lazy enchiladas for future meals. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
• Feel free to customize your lazy enchiladas with your favorite ingredients. You can top yours with tomatoes, jalapenos, green onions, avocados, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, crema drizzle, freshly squeezed lime juice, and even extra layers!

What to Serve With Lazy Enchiladas

You have the opportunity to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal with your lazy enchiladas. Of course, nothing pairs better with a serving of lazy enchiladas than a classic zesty salsa and creamy guacamole. For variety, consider adding a fresh garden salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the enchiladas. Additionally, a side of Spanish rice can provide a hearty, traditional touch.

If you're feeling adventurous, elevate your meal with some roasted corn on the cob sprinkled with chili powder and lime juice for a delightful twist. Lastly, a platter of crispy nachos topped with melted cheese, jalapeños, and diced tomatoes can add a fun and communal element to your lazy enchiladas feast.

FAQs

How do I prevent the taquitos from getting soggy?

Are these lazy enchiladas gluten-free? Vegan?

How long can lazy enchilada leftovers be stored?

If you have any lazy enchilada leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they will keep fresh for 1-2 days. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick meal later.

More Mexican-Inspired Recipes

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Instant Pot Chicken Enchiladas

Birria Quesadillas

Shrimp Tacos

Chicken Mole