• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Main Course
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dips and Appetizers
    • Low Carb and Keto
  • Kitchen Product Reviews
  • This for That
My Kitchen Serenity
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Main Course
  • Side Dishes
  • Desserts
  • Dips and Appetizers
  • Low Carb and Keto
  • Ingredient Substitutions
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • About
  • ×

    Home » Main Course » Lazy Enchiladas

    Lazy Enchiladas

    Published: Dec 13, 2022 by Anne Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    pinterest pin

    These easy lazy enchiladas are made with ground beef and seasoned with classic Tex-Mex spices, enchilada sauce, and salsa. Layered with corn tortillas and cheddar cheese and ready in 30 minutes - so what are you waiting for?

    With all the classic flavors of a traditional enchilada but with less prep time, your whole family will want these enchiladas for dinner on a regular basis. These lazy enchiladas are the easiest ever!

    baked casserole in white rectangular dish.  Topped with sliced avocados and dollop of sour cream.  Wooden spoon on the side.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Them
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Recipe Tips
    • More Tex Mex Recipes to Try
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Why You'll Love This

    Here in the south, we are all about a casserole!  They are the ultimate comfort food.  Plus, casseroles are usually enough food to feed a crowd or at least to have leftovers for another day.

    By the way, the leftovers are fantastic the next day 🙂

    They're called lazy enchiladas because you don't fill and roll each individual tortilla, and that's OK! Hey, when you are trying to get dinner on the table with little prep time, then this recipe is for you!

    Make this super easy enchilada casserole on Taco Tuesday or Cinco de Mayo (any time is the right time for these!).

    Why This Recipe Works

    Recipes for beef enchilada casseroles are sometimes more complicated than they need to be, but this one is a quick and easy meal.  It's layered much like a lasagna - tortillas strips, meat sauce, and cheese. Repeat.

    The enchilada sauce is blended in with the ground beef, so there's no need to pour sauce over the "filling." In fact, just about all the ingredients are pretty much mixed together for the ultimate easy dinner recipe. Plus, it's amazingly delicious!

    After baking, take a big spoonful and plop it on your plate (cutting the tortillas into strips makes scooping out the cooked casserole much easier and less messy). Serve with traditional sides like sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapenos, or diced tomatoes.

    Ingredients

    ingredients measured out in individual containers on counter top
    Use a store-bought taco seasoning mix or make your own with my simple recipe.

    Ground beef - For a change of pace, you could use ground turkey or even shredded beef, pork, or chicken instead of ground beef. Chopped beef brisket is another great option!

    Salsa - This adds lots and lots of flavor and great texture if you choose the chunky version. Because we're using salsa, there's no need for diced green chilis unless you just want to use them as a topping.

    Corn tortillas - I highly recommend corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas simply because they add such a nice corn flavor and they hold up better (they don't get mushy or gummy).

    Red enchilada sauce - This is one of the key ingredient flavors for enchiladas so I don't recommend substituting anything else for this one. As far as the best canned enchilada sauce, we happen to be hooked on Rosarita Enchilada Sauce. Not too hot and not too mild!

    Shredded cheddar cheese - Use Mexican cheese blend or colby jack if you prefer. Shred your own cheese for maximum flavor and creamy texture!

    Dried seasonings - This recipe uses a combination of classic Mexican seasonings such as cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cilantro, salt, and pepper. It's a delicious seasoning combination, however, if you prefer to use pre-made taco seasoning mix, that's cool. Use 1-2 tablespoons of ready-made taco seasoning mix instead of the homemade mix.

    How to Make Them

    These enchiladas are super easy to make thanks to layering the tortillas (hence the name - lazy enchiladas!

    photo collage of recipe directions

    Step 1: In a large pan, cook the ground beef and drain off the grease.

    Step 2: Add the salsa, enchilada sauce, water, and the seasonings. Stir well. Taste test and add more seasoning, if desired. Simmer 5 minutes.

    Step 3: Slice the corn tortillas into 3 strips each. This step is why we may refer to this as lazy enchiladas, if you don't have the time to stuff and roll each tortilla!

    Step 4: Spray a 1.5-quart casserole dish with non-stick spray (or 8-inch square pan). Add half the sliced corn tortillas, half the meat sauce, then the cheese.

    Step 5: Repeat layer of tortilla strips, meat sauce, and cheese. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.

    You see my Google Web Story for tips on how to make Lazy Beef Enchiladas.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What can I serve with enchiladas?

    Besides things like sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapenos, or diced tomatoes, you can also serve with refried beans or Spanish rice. Another side dish idea is corn salad.

    Can I use flour tortillas?

    Yes, you can use either corn tortillas or flour tortillas.  However, I feel corn tortillas hold up better than the flour ones which could get soggy.

    Can I make these ahead of time?

    Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal! Assemble recipe as directed.  Bake, then let cool completely.  Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, uncover and bake as directed (may need to add an additional 5 minutes to the bake time since they will be cold going into the oven. 

    How do I keep my enchiladas from getting soggy when they cook?

    I highly recommend using corn tortillas for casseroles such as this. They stand up better and won't get soggy when they absorb any liquid.

    How do I store leftovers?

    Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.  Use an airtight container for best results. I like this 18-piece set of glass food storage containers with locking lids from Bayco. Available now on Amazon.

    Can you freeze enchiladas?

    Yes, this is a great freezer-friendly meal and great for meal planning! After baking the casserole, let it completely cool off (or freeze before you bake it).
    Wrap the casserole dish with plastic wrap first, then aluminum foil.
    Label it so you'll remember when you placed it in the freezer (freeze for up to 3 months).

    When ready to eat it, thaw the frozen enchiladas overnight in the fridge. Remove the plastic wrap and re-cover with the foil. Bake as directed although you may need to bake longer since it's cold and maybe still partially frozen. Plan on at least 30 minutes of bake time!

    Recipe Tips

    • Cutting the tortillas into strips before preparing this layered enchilada casserole makes it much easier to scoop and serve. Stack the tortillas and use a pizza cutter to slice them.
    • To double the recipe, use a 9" x 13" baking dish, and bake as directed.
    • Use shredded chicken or brisket for an amazing change of pace.
    • Add in more ingredients! Try a layer of drained corn or black beans.
    Bake in an 8" x 8" pan or double the recipe and bake in a 9" x 13" dish.

    More Tex Mex Recipes to Try

    • Crock Pot Mexican Casserole
    • Cast Iron Jalapeno Cornbread
    • Easy Rotisserie Chicken Quesadillas
    • Easy Taco Pinwheels

    If you’d like some recipe inspiration delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for my email newsletter on my subscribe page.

    Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook for delicious recipe ideas!

    If you tried this recipe, please rate it and leave me a comment. I'd love to hear from you!

    Recipe

    Beef Enchilada Casserole-11

    Lazy Enchiladas

    Ground beef seasoned with classic Tex-Mex spices, enchilada sauce, salsa, and corn tortillas are stacked in a casserole dish and topped with cheddar cheese then baked to perfection.  Serve with sour cream and guacamole for a perfect weeknight family meal.  Ready in 30 minutes.
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Pin For Later Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 300kcal
    Author: Anne Clark

    Equipment

    • Large Saute Pan
    • measuring cup(s)
    • measuring spoons
    • Casserole dish

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound ground beef
    • ¾ cup salsa
    • 10 ounces red enchilada sauce
    • ½ cup water
    • 1-2 tablespoons Taco seasoning mix (such as Old El Paso) Or use the homemade seasoning mix below
    • 8 white corn tortillas, divided
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided use more cheese if desired

    Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (only use this if you are NOT using the packet of taco seasoning mix.

    • 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • ¼ teaspoon cumin
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 1.5-quart round casserole dish with non-stick spray (or 8-inch square pan).
    • Slice the corn tortillas into 3 strips each. TIP: stack the tortillas and use a pizza cutter to slice them. This step is why we may refer to this as lazy enchiladas if you don't have the time to stuff and roll each tortilla!
    • In a large saute pan, cook and break up the ground beef until no longer pink. The texture should be finely ground (no big chunks of meat). Drain off the fat.
    • Add the salsa, enchilada sauce, water, and the pre-made taco seasoning mix OR the homemade taco seasoning. Stir well. Simmer uncovered 5 minutes. Taste test and add more salt if desired.
    • To the casserole dish, add half the sliced corn tortillas, half the meat sauce, then half the cheese.  Repeat layer of tortilla strips, meat sauce, and cheese.
    • Bake uncovered for 15 minutes.

    Notes

    • Use restaurant-style chunky salsa.  Serve with traditional sides like sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapenos, or diced tomatoes. 
    • Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
    • Cutting the tortillas into strips before preparing this layered enchilada casserole makes it much easier to scoop and serve. Stack the tortillas and use a pizza cutter to slice them.
    • To double the recipe, use a 9" x 13" baking dish, and bake as directed.
    • Use shredded chicken or brisket for an amazing change of pace.
    • Add in more ingredients! Try a layer of drained corn or black beans.
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @mykitchenserenity or tag #mykitchenserenity on Instagram!!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 934mg | Potassium: 319mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 964IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 2mg

    This recipe was originally published in 2020 and was updated in 2022.

    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.

    « Butterscotch Cinnamon Pie
    Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies »

    About Anne Clark

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Debbie

      March 28, 2022 at 11:24 am

      I just found your site, very much liked what I see. I was wondering if this could be frozen. Thank you, Deb

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        March 28, 2022 at 12:45 pm

        Hi Debbie! Thank you SO much for visiting my site. I went ahead and added the freezing instructions to my recipe, and I've provided them here, too:
        (1) After baking the casserole, let it completely cool off (or freeze before you bake it).
        (2) Wrap the casserole dish with plastic wrap first, then aluminum foil.
        (3) Label it so you'll remember when you placed it in the freezer (freeze for up to 3 months).
        (4) When ready to eat it, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Remove the plastic wrap and re-cover with the foil. Bake as directed although you may need to bake longer since it's cold and maybe still partially frozen. Plan on at least 30 minutes of bake time, however, it could take a little longer to get it hot and bubbly.

        I hope you enjoy it - let me know what you think if you decide to try it. I do recommend sticking with corn tortillas - they'll hold up better than the flour tortillas.

        Reply
        • Stella

          January 11, 2023 at 9:21 pm

          This isn't really anything new. It's what my Mama made but called Chilaquiles. There are all sorts of variations of Chilaquiles. Both corn and flour variations are super simple and basically are just an Enchilada pie/casserole.

          Reply
          • Anne Clark

            January 13, 2023 at 12:04 pm

            Yep! A very popular dish that's been around for years.

            Reply
    2. Janice

      August 18, 2022 at 5:40 pm

      Great recipe
      Will be making again. Added some refried beans and onion. Want catch me rolling again.

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        August 18, 2022 at 8:44 pm

        Thank you, Janice! I'm so happy you liked the enchiladas. No more rolling is a great time saver; I love it!

        Reply
    3. Amy Verngren

      December 26, 2022 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      This was amazing. My 92 year old father said I have to definitely make it again. I added onion and a small can of corn and used yellow corn tortillas. Thank you for such an easy and delicious meal! ❤️

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        December 26, 2022 at 6:43 pm

        This makes me so happy, Amy!! Thank you for letting me know! And I love the addition of onion and corn…yumm!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Profile picture pose outside in front of tall brown grass in lavender floral blouse

    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected] 

    I’d love to hear from you!

    Recently Updated

    • Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole
    • Easy Pork Stir Fry
    • Avocado Egg Boats
    • Asian Cabbage Salad

    Seasonal Favorites

    • Homemade Cornbread Dressing
    • Easy Chocolate Chess Pie
    • Southern Mac and Cheese Baked
    • Easy Apricot Nectar Cake with Glaze
    • Creamy, Cheesy Southern Cabbage Casserole
    • Keto Pumpkin Bars with Candied Pecan Topping

    Popular Recipes

    • How to Cook Brats in the Oven
    • Southern Baked Beans
    • Easy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
    • Easy Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
    • Easy BLT Dip with Cream Cheese
    • Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Cajun Favorites

    • Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
    • Easy Red Beans and Rice with Sausage
    • Cajun Butter Chicken
    • Easy Shrimp and Rice Casserole
    • Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Cajun Sauce
    • Easy Keto Jambalaya Recipe

    Footer

    collage of all featured articles

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Privacy

    • Privacy Policy and Disclosure
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Web Stories

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    1080 shares