LAZY ENCHILADAS (Casserole-Style)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
Protein Filling
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
(or 1 lb ground beef or turkey, cooked and drained)
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Sauce & Layers
1 can (28 oz / 800 g) red enchilada sauce
(or green enchilada sauce if preferred)
10–12 small corn tortillas, torn into pieces
(or flour tortillas)
Cheese
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
(cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella also work)
Optional Add-Ins
1 cup canned black beans, drained & rinsed
1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
½ cup diced onion
½ cup sliced olives
½ cup diced green chilies
For Serving (Optional)
Sour cream
Chopped cilantro
Diced avocado
Salsa or hot sauce
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Season the Meat
In a bowl, mix cooked chicken (or beef) with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
First Layer
Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Add a layer of torn tortillas.
Add Filling
Sprinkle half the seasoned meat over the tortillas.
Add beans, corn, onions, or any extras you like.
Pour ⅓ of the enchilada sauce over the top.
Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheese.
Repeat Layers
Add another layer of tortillas.
Add remaining meat and extras.
Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly on top.
Finish with remaining cheese.
Bake
Cover loosely with foil.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Rest & Serve
Let sit for 5 minutes before slicing.
Top with sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or salsa.
Pro Tips
Corn tortillas give a more authentic enchilada flavor.
Want it creamier? Mix ½ cup sour cream into the sauce.
Like crispy cheese? Broil for 2 minutes at the end.
Variations
Creamy Lazy Enchiladas: Add ½ cup heavy cream or cream cheese to sauce
Green Chile Version: Use green enchilada sauce + pepper jack cheese
Vegetarian: Skip meat, double beans and veggies
Spicy: Add jalapeños or extra chili powder
What to Serve With
Mexican rice
Refried beans
Simple lettuce & tomato salad
Tortilla chips and guacamole
