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

Description

This Lazy Enchiladas recipe is a quick and flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas, perfect for busy weeknights. Layers of seasoned lean ground beef, spicy green chilies, melty Mexican cheese, and soft flour tortillas are smothered in rich red enchilada sauce and baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can enjoy a comforting, Mexican-inspired main-course meal in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main 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

Beef Seasoning

1 tbsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. chili powder
2 tbsp. water

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the dish cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Brown Beef & Prepare Filling: In a pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. In a small bowl, mix together ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and 2 tbsp. water to form a seasoning paste. Once the beef is nearly cooked through, stir in the seasoning paste and mix well to coat the meat. Add the diced green chilies and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors while you prepare the other ingredients for layering.
Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Add a thin layer of the red enchilada sauce to the bottom of the dish to prevent the tortillas from sticking while baking.
Layer Enchiladas: Place two tortillas across the bottom over the enchilada sauce. Spread half of the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly on top of the tortillas. Pour half of the remaining enchilada sauce over the beef and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortillas, beef, sauce, and cheese to create two layers.
Bake & Serve: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the edges of the tortillas are slightly crispy. Remove from the oven, slice through the tortillas, and serve hot. Each serving is approximately 230 grams.

Notes

For a spicier dish, use hot green chilies or add extra chili powder.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
If you prefer corn tortillas, substitute them for flour tortillas for a more traditional flavor.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.
Top with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or jalapeños for extra flavor when serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 230 grams
Calories: 320
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 60mg