Lazy Man Enchiladas
Lazy Man Enchiladas are a cheesy, flavorful casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, beans, olives, and melted cheese layered between tortillas, perfect for quick, satisfying Mexican-inspired comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add dry onion flakes and taco or enchilada seasoning, cook until fragrant.
- Stir in salsa and refried beans, cook until heated through.
- Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Lay 4 tortillas in a single layer over the sauce to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas.
- Top with half of the sliced black olives and one quarter of the grated cheese.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas, beef mixture, olives, and cheese.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake in a low oven or microwave until heated through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using freshly chopped onions and garlic in place of dry onion flakes. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you like it spicier, add diced jalapeños or use a hotter salsa. Leftover beef can be used in other dishes like Taco Salad - Low-Fat for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lazy Man Enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Top with sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Tex Mex Chili for a hearty gathering or family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Man Enchiladas contains roughly 1977 calories, with 73g protein, 202g carbohydrates, and 97g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (146% of the Daily Value), calcium (84% of the Daily Value), and iron (76% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Lazy Man Enchiladas vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables, black beans, or lentils. Ensure to use vegetarian-friendly enchilada sauce and refried beans for a fully meat-free meal.
Can I freeze Lazy Man Enchiladas?
Absolutely! You can freeze them before baking. Wrap the assembled dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed for a quick and delicious meal.
What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps. Just be aware that corn tortillas may need to be softened slightly in the microwave or on a skillet before layering to prevent cracking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).