Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas bring a different texture and flavor—a bit more rustic and slightly sweet. They’re perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. Just be gentle, as they can break more easily when layering.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the beef for crumbled plant-based meat or black beans. Sauté with the same spices and green chilies for max flavor. Trust me, no one will miss the meat.

Do I have to use canned enchilada sauce?

Not at all. If you have a favorite homemade enchilada sauce, go for it! The canned sauce is a huge timesaver and brings great flavor, but nothing beats homemade if you want to go the extra mile.

How can I make it spicier (or milder)?

Customize the heat by adding extra chili powder or diced jalapeños for more spice. If you’re keeping it mild, stick to the original recipe and choose a mild enchilada sauce.

Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

Name: Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 lb. lean ground beef (96/4); 1 can Red Enchilada Sauce (19 oz.); 1 can diced green chilies (4.5 oz.); 1 cup Mexican cheese, shredded (112 g); 4 Super Soft Mission Flour Tortillas; 1 tbsp. ground cumin; 1 tsp. smoked paprika; 1 tsp. garlic powder; 1 tsp. chili powder; 2 tbsp. water

Think you don’t have time to whip up a cheesy, flavor-packed Mexican dinner on a weeknight? Think again. Lazy Enchiladas are your weeknight dinner hero—rich, hearty, and loaded with irresistible cheesy goodness, all made with simple ingredients and minimal fuss. The flavors are everything you crave about classic enchiladas—smoky, savory beef mingling with green chilies and a bold enchilada sauce, nestled between pillowy soft tortillas, then baked until the edges crisp up and the cheese bubbles to golden perfection. If busy evenings leave you scrambling for dinner ideas, this recipe is an absolute game changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: No complex steps, no rolling, no special equipment. Just layer, bake, and dig in—these enchiladas practically make themselves.
Big Flavors, Minimal Effort: Thanks to the bold homemade spice blend and canned enchilada sauce, you get restaurant-worthy flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
Family-Friendly: Who can resist melted cheese, saucy tortillas, and savory beef? Even picky eaters will be reaching for seconds.
Perfect for Leftovers: This dish heats up beautifully, making it a smart choice for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these kitchen staples and you’re halfway there!

Lean Ground Beef: The heart of your enchiladas, bringing protein and rich flavor. Opt for a lean grind to keep things light.
Red Enchilada Sauce: The ultimate shortcut—use your favorite canned variety for instant deep flavor or try a homemade version if you have extra time.
Diced Green Chilies: Adds a gentle tang and mild heat that brightens up every bite. Don’t skip these!
Shredded Mexican Cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy pools of perfection; a blend is best for extra stretch and flavor.
Super Soft Flour Tortillas: Flour tortillas soak up the sauce for a plush, tender texture. Choose larger, super soft ones so they layer easily.
Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder: These seasonings are a must—they bring personality to the beef filling. Smoked paprika especially adds a little magic.
Water: Helps your seasoning stick to every bite of beef.
Cooking Spray: Keeps everything from sticking to your baking dish and makes cleanup way easier!

Tip: Always taste your enchilada sauce before using—pick one that makes your mouth water!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Ready to make it your own? Try these easy twists:

Protein Swap: Substitute ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for the beef if you’d like a lighter (or even faster) dish.
Veggie Boost: Add in sautéed bell peppers, onions, or even a handful of baby spinach to sneak in extra veggies—no one will complain.
Spice Lovers: Double the green chilies or toss in sliced jalapeños for more heat.
Different Cheese: Pepper Jack or a sharper cheddar will amp up the cheesy flavor.
Corn Tortillas: For a gluten-free option, use corn tortillas, but be aware they can break more easily—layer gently!

How to Make Lazy Enchiladas

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Fire up your oven to 375°F and get your baking dish ready with a quick spray of nonstick coating. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom—this keeps everything from sticking and amps up the flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. While that’s on the go, whisk together your cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and water until you have a fragrant paste.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Add your spice paste right into the beef—don’t just sprinkle the spices, the paste makes it cling to every crumb. Next, toss in the diced green chilies and let it all mingle for a couple of minutes to really infuse the flavors.

Step 4: Layer it Up

Begin layering in your baking dish: first, lay two soft flour tortillas on top of the saucy base. Spread half of the seasoned beef over the tortillas, drizzle with half the remaining enchilada sauce, and scatter half the shredded cheese. Repeat for a second layer of tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for 25 minutes. You’re aiming for bubbling cheese and just-crispy edges—basically, pure comfort in a pan!

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Let the enchiladas rest for a minute so they slice more cleanly. Then, cut right through those soft tortillas and serve up hearty portions.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Layer with Love: Press each tortilla layer gently so the sauce soaks through, but don’t compress—leave some air for fluffiness.
Browning is Key: Get some golden bits on your beef for extra flavor before adding the seasoning paste.
Don’t Overbake: Pull from the oven as soon as the cheese is bubbly and golden at the edges—overbaking can toughen the tortillas.
Rest Before Slicing: Letting it sit for a few minutes helps it hold its shape when you serve.

How to Serve

Lazy Enchiladas are bold and satisfying on their own, but they absolutely shine with a simple garnish or side:

Top with: Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or even diced avocado.
Pair with: A quick black bean salad, crunchy slaw, or a pile of tortilla chips.
Add Salsa: A spoonful of pico de gallo or your favorite hot sauce turns up the flavor even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they blend together.

Freezing

Lazy Enchiladas freeze like a dream! Once cooled, wrap individual portions tightly or cover the dish in foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, or pop a serving in the microwave until steaming hot.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas bring a different texture and flavor—a bit more rustic and slightly sweet. They’re perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. Just be gentle, as they can break more easily when layering.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the beef for crumbled plant-based meat or black beans. Sauté with the same spices and green chilies for max flavor. Trust me, no one will miss the meat.
Do I have to use canned enchilada sauce?

Not at all. If you have a favorite homemade enchilada sauce, go for it! The canned sauce is a huge timesaver and brings great flavor, but nothing beats homemade if you want to go the extra mile.
How can I make it spicier (or milder)?

Customize the heat by adding extra chili powder or diced jalapeños for more spice. If you’re keeping it mild, stick to the original recipe and choose a mild enchilada sauce.

Final Thoughts

If quick, cheesy comfort food is your kind of dinner, these Lazy Enchiladas will be an instant hit in your lineup. No rolling, no complicated prep, just layers of flavor with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply want a delicious, reliable dinner. Give it a try, experiment with your favorite fillings, and enjoy every saucy, melty, satisfying bite!