Every now and then I need to just ‘do easy‘. . . and feel no guilt whatsoever.
That usually means that I won’t be making something entirely from scratch as normal. One of my family’s favorite ‘easy’ recipes is also fantastic! “Easy Semi-Homemade Enchiladas”.
There’s no recipe . . . it’s all straight from the grocery store and put together at home in less than 45 minutes
1) First get to the fresh produce section: pick up shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and some avocados.
2) Next, go to the international aisle of your store: pick up your favorite brand of taco sauce, a large can of mild (red) enchilada sauce, a can of authentic Mexican refried beans, a box or bag of Mexican/Spanish rice. If you like, also grab a can of sliced black olives and a can of chopped jalapeños. A bag of tortilla chips and salsa are nice for everyone to nibble on while the enchiladas are baking.
3) Next get over to the frozen food section: pick up your favorite frozen enchiladas. I prefer the bean and cheese, but my husband prefers the beef and bean variety . . . so I pick up both packages and freeze whatever we don’t use.
4) Lastly, visit the dairy section of the store and grab: Mexican queso cheese with jalapeños, sour cream, a block of Pepper Jack with jalapeño cheese, and 4-blend shredded Mexican cheese.
In a medium or large baking pan (depending on how many you bake), pour a little of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of the pan, place the enchiladas on top, and pour all of the remaining sauce on top. Bake on 350 degrees F for ½ hour. Sprinkle a thick layer of the cheese on top (save about a cup or so to serve at the table) and bake for another 10 – 15 minutes. Turn on broil for 5 minutes to brown the cheese. Serve with all of the toppings (chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, shredded cheese, taco sauce, etc.), the refried beans, and the Mexican rice.
Have the queso cheese heated to serve with tortilla chips and salsa while the enchiladas bake.
DONE in a flash and DELICIOUS!
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Happy Cinco de Mayo! Cheers!
Here are some other great Mexican recipes for you to help celebrate Cinco de Mayo!
Creamy, Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
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Baja Fish Tacos with Chipotle, Cilantro and Lime Crema
Easy plus perfect is this dish! It looks delicious and I’m all for easy cooking sometimes. Thanks for the recipe!
Thanks Pam! I need ‘easy’ more often than not, but still not going so far as to buy fast food!
Ciao, Roz
Yes to shortcuts. We can’t possibly make every meal from scratch and there are some good options out there for semi-homemade. This easy enchilada would hit the spot!
Thanks Monica, so glad that you agree!
Ciao,
Roz
It looks so delicious and moreish! I have no problem with quality ready made products. So bring them on!!
Thanks Angie, I have to have ‘easy’ at least once a week due to my lengthy commute to work and back! If it’s delicious, an easy recipe always works for me!
Ciao,
Roz
Easy is great too. 😉 Your enchiladas look delicious.
Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. I’m glad you like my new site.
Cheers,
Rosa
Thanks Rosa; sorry for the belated response to your kind compliment. Life has just been so busy this summer!
Be well,
Roz
Roz…I need to sit down and take a breath! I am shocked that you would make a meal not completely from scratch!!! You are so brave to share this guilty pleasure! HA!!! This is the way you get to spend most of the day in the garden! BTW…finally got my herbs planted yesterday and tomorrow the basil, arugula and chard…also got my Sungolds! Enjoy the garden! Make a vodka or gin lemonaide and relax too!
Yes, I’ll do something easy every now and then in order for me to just catch up with life spinning around me!
Ciao,
Roz
We all need easy recipes like this, Roz! Especially this time of year when there is so much going on! With all of your added toppings and sides, it makes for a wonderful meal. Perfect for Cinco de Mayo! Thanks for sharing your tips for a meal you can get on the table quickly!
Glad that you approve Shari. I need to do ‘easy’ every now and then to simply get caught up in life that seems to sometimes be spinning around me!
Ciao,
Roz
This post made me really, really hungry! From the pictures, you would think these enchiladas were made from scratch. Great shortcuts to get a great meal on the table.
Aw, thanks MJ! Speedy recipes are so helpful to me with my super long commutes to work and back (3 hours daily), and so I need simplicity every now and then.