Can I use corn tortillas instead of frozen taquitos?

While the convenience of taquitos is what makes this recipe "lazy," you could certainly roll your own enchiladas with corn tortillas, beef, and cheese. Just note that this would create a more traditional enchilada texture and would require significantly more prep time.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Absolutely! Use hot enchilada sauce instead of mild, add jalapeños or serrano peppers to your toppings, or mix a dash of cayenne pepper into your green chilies before adding them to the dish.

My family doesn't like cilantro. What can I use instead?

No problem! You can substitute fresh parsley for a bright green garnish, or simply omit the herb altogether. A sprinkle of sliced green onions would also work well.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Use bean and cheese taquitos instead of beef ones. You could also add a layer of black beans or corn to increase the veggie content. Just verify that your enchilada sauce doesn't contain chicken broth if you're strictly vegetarian.

Lazy Enchiladas Recipe

Name: Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 22.5 ounces frozen beef & cheese taquitos; 10 ounces enchilada sauce; 4 ounces mild diced green chilis; 8 ounces Colby jack cheese, shredded; 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Description

Lazy enchiladas are the ultimate quick and delicious comfort food! This recipe combines frozen taquitos with enchilada sauce, green chilis, and gooey shredded cheese for a flavorful meal in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving Mexican-inspired flavors without the hassle, these cheesy enchiladas are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

22.5 ounces frozen beef & cheese taquitos
10 ounces enchilada sauce
4 ounces mild diced green chilis
8 ounces Colby jack cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Spray a 9×13 glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange Taquitos:
Align the frozen beef & cheese taquitos in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, ensuring an even spread for consistent cooking.
Add Sauce and Chilis:
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the arranged taquitos. Follow this step by sprinkling the diced green chilis across the top.
Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded Colby jack cheese evenly over the taquitos, ensuring complete coverage. This will provide the dish with its signature gooey, cheesy layer.
Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, golden, and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, allow the lazy enchiladas to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your meal with your favorite garnishes or sides.

Notes

Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced olives, sliced jalapenos, refried beans, or yellow rice for an enhanced flavor profile.
Substitute chicken & cheese taquitos if preferred for a different protein.
For an added twist, layer refried beans or refried black beans at the bottom of your dish before adding the taquitos.
To maintain an authentic taste, use Mexican melty cheeses such as Queso Asadero, Oaxaca, or Queso Fresco. Monterey Jack also works beautifully in this dish.
If using homemade enchilada sauce, you’ll need approximately 1¼ to 1½ cups for this recipe.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 enchilada serving
Calories: 290
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 35mg