Make These Incredibly Lazy Enchiladas with Taquitos Tonight

Let’s be honest: some nights you crave the cheesy, saucy, comforting goodness of homemade enchiladas, but you just don’t have the energy for all the filling, rolling, and mess.

For those nights, this “lazy” enchiladas recipe is your new best friend. It’s a brilliant shortcut that gives you all the flavor you’re looking for with almost zero effort.

This dish is the definition of a kitchen hack. We’re going to use a box of frozen taquitos as a fantastic stand-in for traditional rolled enchiladas.

We’ll arrange them in a baking dish, smother them in a rich and flavorful red enchilada sauce, and top it all with a glorious amount of gooey, melted cheese. As it bakes, the taquitos soften in the sauce while the tops get crispy, creating a truly irresistible texture.

This is the ultimate comfort food solution for a busy weeknight. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that comes together with just a handful of ingredients. Let’s get baking!

Essential Tools

• 9×13 inch Baking Dish
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Spatula or Large Spoon
• Can Opener
• Cheese Grater

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Here’s a quick look at how incredibly fast this family-friendly meal comes together.

Ingredients

This super-easy casserole uses just three main ingredients for a delicious and fast dinner.

For the Casserole:

• Frozen Chicken or Beef Taquitos: 1 large box (about 20-24 taquitos).
• Red Enchilada Sauce: 1 large (28 oz) can. Choose your favorite mild, medium, or hot variety.
• Shredded Mexican Blend or Cheddar Cheese: 3 cups.

Optional Add-ins (for the bottom layer):

• Refried Beans: 1 (16 oz) can.
• Black Beans: 1 (15 oz) can, rinsed and drained.

For Serving (Optional):

• Sour Cream
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro
• Diced Avocado or Guacamole
• Sliced Jalapeños

The Flavor Architects A Look at the Ingredients

• Frozen Taquitos: This is the ultimate shortcut and the star of the show. Using pre-made, frozen taquitos provides the crispy texture, the savory filling, and the tortilla all in one easy, ready-to-use component, completely eliminating the need for any filling or rolling.
• Canned Enchilada Sauce: A good quality canned sauce is another fantastic shortcut that provides all the complex, savory, and chile-infused flavor needed to bring the casserole together and create that classic enchilada taste with zero effort.
• Shredded Cheese: This is the delicious finishing touch that brings everything together. A generous layer of a good melting cheese is essential for that signature gooey, cheesy pull and a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Refried Beans (Optional): Adding a layer of refried beans to the bottom of the dish not only makes the casserole heartier but also adds a wonderful, creamy texture and savory flavor.

Cooking Instructions

This crowd-pleasing casserole is one of the easiest baked dishes you can make, with just a few minutes of active prep time.

Step 1: Prepare the Casserole Dish

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour about one cup of the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the sauce around, creating an even layer that completely covers the bottom.

If you are using the optional refried beans, you can spread them over the sauce. This base layer prevents the taquitos from sticking and ensures the bottom gets nice and saucy.

Step 2: Layer the Taquitos

Next, arrange the frozen taquitos in a single, snug layer in the baking dish, right on top of the sauce.

Depending on the size of your dish and your taquitos, you can arrange them in neat rows. There is no need to thaw the taquitos first; they go into the dish straight from the freezer.

Step 3: Smother with Sauce and Cheese

Once your taquitos are arranged in the dish, pour the rest of the enchilada sauce all over the top of them. Use a spatula to gently spread the sauce out, making sure that all the taquitos are completely covered and smothered.

This is an important step to ensure they soften nicely on the bottom while the exposed tops get crispy under the cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbly, Golden Perfection

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly all over the top of the sauced taquitos, covering them from edge to edge. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes.

The casserole is done when the sauce is hot and bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is completely melted and a beautiful golden-brown. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

This easy casserole is a perfect template for your own favorite Tex-Mex flavors.

• Make it Spicy: For a spicier casserole, use a “hot” enchilada sauce, add a can of drained, diced jalapeños on top of the taquitos before adding the sauce, and use a pepper jack cheese for the topping.
• Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier sauce, whisk about 4 ounces of softened cream cheese into the enchilada sauce in a saucepan over low heat until smooth before pouring it over the taquitos.
• Green Chile “Lazy” Enchiladas: For a different flavor profile, simply substitute the red enchilada sauce with an equal amount of green enchilada sauce (salsa verde) and use Monterey Jack cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This is a hearty, all-in-one meal that is perfect served on its own.

• Top it Off: The best way to serve this casserole is to set out a “toppings bar” of small bowls containing sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado or guacamole, and sliced jalapeños so everyone can customize their own portion.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp and simple green salad with a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette is the perfect fresh and light accompaniment to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Mexican Rice: While the casserole is very filling, a side of simple Mexican-style rice is a classic pairing.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftovers of this casserole are delicious, though the taquitos will continue to soften.

• Storage: Let the casserole cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. To reheat a larger portion, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

FAQs

Do I need to thaw the taquitos before baking?

No, you do not. The beauty of this recipe is that you use the taquitos straight from frozen. They will cook through completely as the casserole bakes in the oven, saving you a lot of time and planning.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can fully assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add about 10-15 minutes to the total baking time since it’s starting from cold.

Can I use a different kind of taquito?

Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with beef taquitos, bean and cheese taquitos, or any other flavor of frozen taquito you enjoy. The method is exactly the same. You can even mix and match if you have a couple of different kinds on hand.

Enjoy Your Ultimate Shortcut Casserole!

You are now ready to make a pan of fun, cheesy, and incredibly lazy enchiladas with taquitos that the whole family will love.

It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you need a comforting and satisfying meal without a lot of effort.