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Enchilada Pasta Skillet is a homemade version of Hamburger Helper with a Mexican twist! Dinner is ready in 20 minutes, so it is perfect for any night of the week.
Transform mundane weeknights into a culinary fiesta with our Enchilada Pasta Skillet. It’s an innovative take on Hamburger Helper infused with the vibrant essence of Mexican cuisine! In just 20 minutes, you can revel in a homemade masterpiece that defies the chaos of busy evenings.
Week after week, I rely on the convenience of one-pan wonders that only require a handful of ingredients and deliver a ton of flavor. The Cheeseburger Macaroni Skillet and One-Pan Chicken Spinach Alfredo are tried-and-true standbys in my house. Now, though, I’m excited to add a new player to the rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Enchilada Pasta Skillet
- Quick Dinner Triumph – In just 20 minutes, this skillet rescues you from the chaos of busy weeknights and provides a delicious homemade dinner without the wait.
- Tons of Flavor – Say adiós to bland meals. This recipe adds a vibrant Mexican twist to your routine, infusing each bite with the zesty, comforting flavors of enchiladas.
- Ultimate Convenience – Savor the simplicity of one-pan cooking, reducing the kitchen cleanup hassle. With minimal ingredients and a single skillet, this recipe brings ease to hectic evenings.
- Customizable – Express your culinary creativity by personalizing your Enchilada Pasta Skillet with favorite toppings like black olives, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. It’s a canvas for your taste preferences.
- Kid-Approved – Even picky eaters can’t resist the allure of this family-friendly dish, making dinnertime a joyous experience for all.
What You’ll Need
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Ground Beef – Keep this recipe healthy with lean ground beef or ground turkey!
- Taco Seasoning
- Hot Water
- Enchilada Sauce
- Milk
- Pasta – Any short-cut pasta will work for this recipe. Use your favorite (or combine a few unfinished packages from your cabinet. It’ll still taste great!)
- Cheddar Cheese
How To Make Enchilada Pasta Skillet
- Brown the meat. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then, add the ground beef and break it apart as it browns. Once it is fully cooked, drain away any excess grease.
- Season. Mix the taco seasoning into the cooked beef and omit additional water per the packet or recipe instructions.
- Combine all of the ingredients. Add the dried pasta, hot water, enchilada sauce, and milk to the skillet. Stir until everything is combined.
- Boil and simmer. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for about 9-10 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
- Finish and serve. Once the pasta is tender, remove the cover and add the cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has melted and everything is combined. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce before serving.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Spice It Up! Gradually add taco seasoning to tailor the spice level to your taste. Taste-testing along the way ensures you achieve the perfect balance of bold flavors without overwhelming heat.
- Homemade vs. Store-Bought. Whether you opt for the convenience of store-bought or the satisfaction of homemade enchilada sauce, both avenues lead to a flavorful destination. Choose based on your timeline and preference.
- Swap the Protein. You can tailor the dish to your dietary preferences by swapping beef for lean proteins like ground turkey or chicken.
- Add Veggies. Toss diced bell peppers, onions, or corn in your skillet to infuse it with vibrant hues and added nutrients. This enhances the visual appeal and contributes to a well-rounded, flavorful meal.
- Customize Toppings. Elevate your skillet creation with an array of toppings. Avocado, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime add layers of freshness and zing, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Meal Prep Magic. Make lunch or dinner even more convenient by preparing larger batches. Freeze individual portions to turn one night’s dinner into a time-saving solution ready at a moment’s notice.
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare larger batches and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals on busy days. Just reheat, and you’re good to go.
Absolutely! Both homemade and store-bought enchilada sauce will make a delicious Enchilada Pasta Skillet.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
- Fajita Wraps
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Taco Stuffed Shells
- Mongolian Pork
- Loaded Chicken Casserole
- Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders
Enchilada Pasta Skillet
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup hot water
- 20 oz enchilada sauce
- 2 cups milk
- 12 oz dried pasta, any short cut
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, break apart the ground beef and brown until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. Mix in the taco seasoning (do not add any water called for on the packet or in the recipe).
- Add the dried pasta, hot water, enchilada sauce, and milk. Stir until well combined. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender
- Remove the cover, and stir in the cheese until melted.
- Let stand for 5 minutes for the sauce to thicken before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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These are so amazing through the week. A huge time saver!
I love the Mexican twist! This looks so comforting and yummy!
What a fun and flavorful meal this was! My family is already asking for me to make it again; delicious!
What a great dinner that is perfect for any night of the week. I can already smell how amazing it is going to make my house smell.
I didn’t think it had much of a flavor.
I’m a sucker for enchilada sauce – so adding it to a kicky pasta dish made my heart sing! LOVED IT!
Perfect dinneer that everyone will love. Our family enjoyed it!
This is one of the recipes I love to keep on hand! So yummy and very easy to prepare!