Name: Lazy Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 20 ounces frozen taquitos (1 box, beef, vegetarian, or chicken); 16 ounces refried beans (1 can); 10 ounces enchilada sauce (red or green); 1½ to 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your choice); 1 medium tomato, diced; Fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 avocado, sliced; Sour cream

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Introduction

If you’re craving a delicious Mexican-inspired meal but want to keep things simple, these lazy enchiladas are the perfect solution. Using frozen taquitos, refried beans, and enchilada sauce, this recipe comes together quickly and feeds a crowd with minimal effort.

A white rectangular dish filled with baked enchiladas having three visible layers: a bottom layer of dark black beans, a middle layer of soft rolled tortillas covered in a bright red sauce, and a top thick layer of melted yellow and white cheese with some chopped green herbs scattered around. The enchiladas are garnished with a few halved red cherry tomatoes in the center. A woman's hand is lifting one enchilada with a gray spatula, showing the gooey, stretchy melted cheese between the layers. The dish rests on a wooden board, with white plates and a gold fork blurred in the background on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

20 ounces frozen taquitos (beef, vegetarian, or chicken; about 1 box)
16 ounces refried beans (1 can)

10 ounces enchilada sauce (red or green)
1½ to 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your choice)

1 medium tomato, diced (for garnish)
Cilantro (for garnish)

Avocado, sliced (for garnish)
Sour cream (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Warm the refried beans slightly in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then spread them evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Step 4: Arrange the frozen taquitos in a single layer over the beans. You can pack them tightly to fit more.

Step 5: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the taquitos and beans, making sure they are well coated.
Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.
Step 7: Bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the taquitos are heated through.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 9: Garnish with sour cream, diced tomato, sliced avocado, and cilantro as desired.

Tips & Variations

Try using different types of cheese for varied flavor, such as pepper jack for a bit of heat or mozzarella for creaminess.

For an extra boost, sprinkle some sliced jalapeños or chopped onions before baking.
Use homemade enchilada sauce if you prefer a fresher taste.
If you want to make it vegetarian, use bean or cheese taquitos and make sure your enchilada sauce is meat-free.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to keep the taquitos crispy.

How to Serve

Three rolled enchiladas sit on a white plate stacked on another white plate, all placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is soft corn tortillas filled with seasoned meat, visible at the open ends. On top of the tortillas is a melted cheese layer, combining white and sharp yellow cheddar cheeses, slightly browned and gooey. A bright red enchilada sauce coats the cheese, adding texture and color. Fresh chopped red tomatoes and green cilantro leaves are sprinkled on top along with a dollop of white sour cream, giving a fresh and creamy contrast. The dish is warm, colorful, and has a rich, textured look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade taquitos for this recipe?

Yes, homemade taquitos work great. Just be sure they are fully cooked before assembling and baking.

What can I substitute for refried beans?

You can use black beans or pinto beans mashed with a little seasoning if you prefer, though refried beans give the classic creamy texture.