Lazy Enchiladas (with Frozen Taquitos)

Name: Lazy Enchiladas (with Frozen Taquitos)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 packet taco seasoning; 12 oz queso; 16 chicken taquitos (frozen); 20 oz red enchilada sauce; 2 cups shredded cheese; 1 bag chili cheese Fritos

Last Updated on December 17, 2024

11 Comments

May 8, 2024

These Lazy Enchiladas have less than 10 ingredients are easy to make any night of the week using frozen taquitos. We make a seasoned ground beef mixture that gets layered with the taquitos and queso for a bite that’s insanely delicious.

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Listen up friends, this is a recipe you’ll want to bookmark for busy weeknights or easy weekend entertaining. These Lazy Enchiladas taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, when all you need is just 15 minutes of prep time. Our Tiktok video of this recipe happened to go viral, and for good reason, it’s ridiculously flavorful.

The secret ingredient for this recipe is frozen taquitos. They’re layered with seasoned ground beef and queso. It’s the most ideal when you’re tired and want to make something that’s downright delicious. We also love to whip this up for a crowd on game day, it’s a true favorite.

If you’re needing some more comforting dinner recipes, we’ve got you covered. Walking Tacos and Chicken Enchilada Crunch Wrap are two of our other most popular Mexican-inspired recipes that you’re sure to love.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Easy 7-ingredient Mexican-inspired dinner. It’s just that, nothing authentic about it, but it has lots of Mexican flavors in every bite that make it so good.
Customize to your liking. Swap out the type of taquitos, add beans, use a different protein than ground beef – the options are endless.
Anyone can master these taquito enchiladas. This recipe is about as fool-proof as they come. Any cook, whether beginner or expert, can make this recipe well.

Ingredients for Taquito Casserole

Ground beef: Use whatever fat ratio here, you can drain off any excess grease as we like to recommend.
Taco seasoning: Buy the package to make it so easy. If you want to make it at home, you can combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a hint of cayenne.
Queso: We like Arby’s brand, but use whatever is your go-to.
Chicken taquitos: Be sure they are frozen and the full size, not mini. They need to fit in a casserole dish easily.
Red enchilada sauce: Once again, a shortcut staple ingredient that’s so flavorful.
Shredded cheese: Use the Mexican blend, adds the best gooey factor to every bite.
Chili cheese Fritos: Used to garnish and adds that crunch factor. Crushed tortilla chips work well too.

How to Make Lazy Enchiladas

Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
In a large skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned, 7 to 8 minutes. Remove excess grease if desired.

3. Add the taco seasoning and mix well.

4. Pour in queso and stir until well combined.

5. Layer the taquitos on top and pour over some more enchilada sauce.

6. Layer with ground beef with queso then add shredded cheese.

7. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.

8. Remove the foil and cover with chili cheese Fritos. Enjoy!

Expert Tips and Substitutions

Use any flavor taquitos you prefer. We are using chicken here, but beef or bean are also delicious.
Add veggies if desired. You can saute up some peppers, onions, or corn with the beef as well for some extra vegetable action.
Garnish with all different toppings. You can make a toppings bar for a party with sour cream, Greek yogurt, cilantro, salsa, scallions, the options are endless.
Swap tortilla chips for Fritos. The lime tortilla chips or chili flavored tortilla chips are also so good.
Be sure to cover with foil for baking. This ensures the taquitos cook through in the oven and that the cheese melts.

Storage and Freezing

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Freezing leftovers works as well, we just can’t guarantee the taquitos will be as fresh as they are when initially baked.

FAQs

What kind of frozen taquitos are best?

Make sure they are the full-size taquitos that fit well in a baking dish and not the mini size. Any brand works well just choose your favorite filling.

Do I need to thaw the taquitos before assembling?

No, that’s the beauty of this recipe. It’s makes it too easy, you add them frozen to the baking dish.

What are the best toppers for taquito enchiladas?

We love sour cream, guacamole, salsa, cilantro, scallions, and hot sauce.

Are there vegetarian substitutions for lazy enchiladas?

Yes, you can use bean taquitos and swap out the ground beef for sauteed peppers, onions, and corn.

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