Lazy Enchiladas

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Craving cheesy, saucy comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Lazy Enchiladas are your answer. This crowd-pleasing dish takes all the rich, savory goodness of traditional enchiladas and simplifies the process down to just a few easy steps. Using frozen taquitos as the base, this recipe brings you from freezer to table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, feeding a hungry family, or just need something quick after a long day, Lazy Enchiladas deliver every time. With melty cheese, tangy enchilada sauce, and a customizable topping lineup, they’re just the right balance of simple and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Lazy Enchiladas

• Time-Saving: No need to roll tortillas or cook a filling from scratch.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses frozen taquitos and pantry staples.
• Customizable: Top with anything from sour cream and jalapeños to avocado or salsa.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of the gooey cheesy topping.
• Perfect for Busy Nights: Just assemble, bake, and enjoy.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Making Lazy Enchiladas is all about ease, but a few kitchen tools will make the process even smoother:

• 9×13 Baking Dish: Essential for laying out the taquitos and ensuring even baking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps prevent over-browning while keeping the dish hot and melty.
• Oven Mitts: With baking at high temperatures, protect your hands while removing the dish.
• Cheese Grater (if using block cheese): Freshly grated cheese melts more evenly and tastes better.
• Serving Spatula: Helps lift and serve the enchiladas cleanly.

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Ingredients for the Lazy Enchiladas

• Frozen Taquitos: These are the genius shortcut, giving you the rolled tortilla and filling in one.
• Red Enchilada Sauce: Brings bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully over the taquitos and adds richness.
• Sour Cream: A creamy, cool topping to balance the spice.
• Sliced Jalapeños: Optional, for those who love a kick.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Adds freshness and color.
• Chopped Lettuce: For a crisp, cool contrast to the warm enchiladas.

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How To Make the Lazy Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready to bake.

Step 2: Arrange the Taquitos

Place the frozen taquitos in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pack them snugly side-by-side.

Step 3: Pour the Sauce

Evenly pour the red enchilada sauce over the taquitos, covering them as best as possible.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top until fully coated.

Step 5: Bake It Up

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Top with sour cream, jalapeños, tomatoes, and lettuce. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Serving and Storing Lazy Enchiladas

These enchiladas are best served straight from the oven while the cheese is still gooey. Pair them with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh avocado salad for a complete meal.

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout. They still taste amazing the next day!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use flour taquitos instead of corn?

Absolutely. Both work, though corn holds up better under sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Use cheese or bean taquitos and skip any meat-based toppings.

What enchilada sauce should I use?

A good canned red enchilada sauce works great. Choose mild or spicy depending on preference.

Can I freeze Lazy Enchiladas after baking?

Yes, but the texture may soften. Freeze portions and reheat in the oven for best results.

What other toppings go well with this dish?

Try sliced black olives, diced onions, guacamole, or hot sauce for an extra punch.

Can I prep this dish ahead?

You can assemble it earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to bake.

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Want More Mexican-Inspired Ideas?

If you love these Lazy Enchiladas, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Cheesy Rotel Ranch Queso for a creamy, spicy dip.
• Spicy Ranch Taco Dip that’s perfect for parties.
• Rotel Chicken Salad Dip to keep things light and zesty.
• Chicken Street Tacos for handheld deliciousness.
• Bang Bang Chicken Recipe if you’re craving a crispy, spicy protein.

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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 top it with avocado or go spicy with extra jalapeños? Did your kids devour it?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more daily recipes, visit my Pinterest Kitchen By Kate: https://www.pinterest.com/Americanrecipesbyheart/

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