Oh, lazy enchiladas! This dish has been a go-to for me when I’m craving something comforting but don’t have the energy to whip up a complicated meal. I remember the first time I decided to make these; I had a house full of friends and not a clue what to serve. I rummaged through my pantry and fridge, and voilà! Lazy enchiladas were born.
What I love about lazy enchiladas is that they bring all the delicious flavors of traditional enchiladas, but you can throw them together in no time! There’s no rolling tortillas involved—just layer everything like a lasagna. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something that feels a little fancy (or for a cozy weekend meal while binge-watching your favorite show).
Let’s dive into this incredible recipe!
What’s in Lazy Enchiladas?
Tortillas: I usually grab a pack of corn or flour tortillas, depending on my mood. Both work wonderfully! I like to go for whole wheat when I can, adding not just flavor but a bit of nutrition too.
Enchilada Sauce: A can of red or green enchilada sauce makes this recipe a breeze. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll sometimes make my own, but honestly, I’m a big fan of the store brands too—just check for lower sodium options!
Beans: Black beans or pinto beans add protein and fiber to the dish. Canned beans are fine for convenience; just give them a quick rinse.
Cheese: Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterrey jack, or a Mexican blend) is essential for that gooey, melty topping. I’m partial to a sharp cheddar for a punchy flavor, but you do you!
Cooked Chicken (or any protein): For a heartier touch, I love adding in some shredded chicken. Use leftover roasted chicken, or even a rotisserie chicken makes this dish so easy!
Is Lazy Enchiladas Good for You?
Absolutely! While they are a comfort food, there are some health benefits to be found:
Beans: Loaded with protein and fiber, beans keep you full longer and are great for digestive health.
Tortillas: Depending on the type you choose, tortillas can provide good energy while being relatively low in calories—whole wheat options are high in fiber too!
Cheese: While cheese is delicious, it’s also high in saturated fat, so I like to use it sparingly. For a lighter option, try reduced-fat cheese or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with less fat!
Keep in mind the sodium levels in both the enchilada sauce and canned beans. If you’re watching your salt intake, opt for low-sodium varieties or make your own sauce.
Ingredients
– 8-10 corn or flour tortillas (your choice!)
– 1 can (15 oz) of enchilada sauce
– 1 can (15 oz) of black beans (rinsed and drained)
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterrey jack, or a blend)
– 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (or any protein of choice)
– 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
– 1 small onion, chopped (optional)
– Olive oil for sautéing (if using onions)
*Serves 4-6*
How to Make Lazy Enchiladas?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. If you’re using onion, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Toss in the corn if you’re using it and sauté for another minute or two.
3. In a large baking dish, spread a little enchilada sauce on the bottom so the tortillas don’t stick.
4. Layer 4-5 tortillas over the sauce, overlapping slightly if needed.
5. Spread half of the shredded chicken over the tortillas, then sprinkle half of the black beans, sautéed onions, and an even layer of cheese.
6. Drizzle some enchilada sauce over this layer.
7. Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortillas, chicken, beans, cheese, and sauce.
8. Finish off with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent too much browning!) and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Take it out, let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in!
Variations and Serving Suggestions
If you want to switch things up a bit, you can replace the protein with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version! Top the finished enchiladas with fresh avocado, sour cream, or a sprinkle of cilantro. They are also fantastic paired with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
These lazy enchiladas are a life-saver on those hectic days! I can’t wait for you to try them out and hear how they turn out! So get your apron on, gather your ingredients, and start layering. Happy cooking, my friend!
