These lazy enchiladas are the ultimate weeknight dinner hack—no rolling required! Just layer seasoned beef, tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese for a simple, satisfying meal that comes together fast and tastes like you worked all day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Prep – Just layer and bake—no rolling needed.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Effort – Packed with spices, cheese, and sauce.
- One-Dish Wonder – Easy cleanup and fewer dishes.
- Customizable – Make it your own with toppings or ingredient swaps.
- Perfect for Busy Nights – On the table in just over 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (96/4)
- 1 (19 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (4.5 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (112g)
- 4 super soft flour tortillas
For the seasoning paste:
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons water
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles.
- In a small bowl, combine cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and water to form a paste.
- Add the paste and green chilies to the beef. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- Lay down two tortillas, then half of the beef mixture, half of the remaining enchilada sauce, and half of the cheese.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, or cilantro.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 301 kcal per serving
Variations
- Cheesy Chicken Version: Use shredded chicken instead of beef.
- Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or use a hot enchilada sauce.
- Vegetarian: Swap beef for black beans and corn.
- Low-Carb: Use low-carb tortillas or zucchini slices.
- Creamy Option: Add a layer of sour cream between the beef and cheese.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked portions in foil-wrapped containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it in advance and bake it when you’re ready.
What tortillas work best?
Flour tortillas give a softer bite, but corn tortillas also work great.
Can I use pre-made taco seasoning?
Yes, replace the paste with 1–2 tablespoons of taco seasoning.
How do I make this spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper to the beef mixture.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Freeze individual slices for easy reheating.
What cheese should I use?
A Mexican blend melts best, but cheddar or Monterey Jack work too.
How do I avoid soggy tortillas?
Use slightly toasted tortillas or less sauce between layers.
Can I add veggies?
Yes! Sautéed peppers, onions, or corn work well.
Is this gluten-free?
Only if you use certified gluten-free tortillas and sauce.
What toppings go well with this?
Try sour cream, avocado, green onions, or hot sauce.
Conclusion
Lazy Enchiladas are a game-changer for quick and easy weeknight dinners. With layers of spiced beef, gooey cheese, and rich sauce, it’s a no-fuss dish everyone will love. Make it your own with fun toppings and enjoy comfort food made simple!
Print
Lazy Enchiladas!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These lazy enchiladas are a cheesy, beefy, no-roll dinner hack—easy to layer, quick to bake, and packed with bold, satisfying flavor.
Ingredients
-
1 lb lean ground beef (96/4)
-
1 (19 oz) can red enchilada sauce
-
1 (4.5 oz) can diced green chilies
-
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (112g)
-
4 super soft flour tortillas
For the seasoning paste:
-
1 tablespoon ground cumin
-
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon chili powder
-
2 tablespoons water
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling it as it cooks.
-
Mix cumin, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and water into a paste.
-
Stir paste and diced green chilies into the beef; simmer for 2–3 minutes.
-
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and add a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce.
-
Layer 2 tortillas, half of the beef, half the remaining enchilada sauce, and half the cheese.
-
Repeat with remaining tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese.
-
Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
-
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with sour cream, jalapeños, or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or black beans for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Great for leftovers and next-day lunches.
- Add corn, black olives, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex