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Enchilada Pasta Skillet

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.
Enchilada Pasta Skillet {Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts}

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.
Enchilada Pasta Skillet is a homemade version of Hamburger Helper with a Mexican twist!

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.
Can I make enchilada pasta skillet ahead of time?

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.

Is it ok to use store bought enchilada sauce.

Absolutely! Both homemade and store-bought enchilada sauce will make a delicious Enchilada Pasta Skillet.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

Yield: 5

Enchilada Pasta Skillet

cropped image of enchilada pasta skillet on a white plate

Enchilada Pasta Skillet is a homemade version of Hamburger Helper with a Mexican twist!

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes

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

  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. Cook for 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender
  4. Remove the cover, and stir in the cheese until melted.
  5. Let stand for 5 minutes for the sauce to thicken before serving.

Notes

You can use ground turkey or any other meat you like in this recipe.

Skip store bought and use

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Recommended Products

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Nutrition Information

Yield

5

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 526Total Fat 25gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 122mgSodium 861mgCarbohydrates 31gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 41g

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Did you make this recipe?

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Sandra

Thursday 22nd of February 2024

This is one of the recipes I love to keep on hand! So yummy and very easy to prepare!

Amanda Batcher

Thursday 22nd of February 2024

Perfect dinneer that everyone will love. Our family enjoyed it!

Gina

Thursday 22nd of February 2024

I'm a sucker for enchilada sauce - so adding it to a kicky pasta dish made my heart sing! LOVED IT!

Amanda

Friday 21st of August 2020

I didn’t think it had much of a flavor.

Jacquelyn Hastert

Wednesday 14th of August 2019

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.

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