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Cheesy Enchilada Hamburger Helper Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, American

Description

 This Cheesy Enchilada Hamburger Helper is a quick and easy one-pan meal with a Mexican twist! Ground beef, pasta, and a flavorful enchilada sauce come together in this comforting and cheesy dish. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 1/2 cups medium shell pasta
  • 2 (10 oz) cans mild enchilada sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Sour cream, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown Beef and Season: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with chopped onion. Drain excess grease. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, and cayenne pepper. Stir in minced garlic.
  2. Simmer with Pasta: Add beef broth, enchilada sauce, uncooked pasta, and milk to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 12 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking.
  3. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of cheese, then top with the remaining cheese. Let sit until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

  • You can adjust the amount of spices to your preference. For a milder dish, omit the cayenne pepper and reduce the chili powder.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
  • If you don’t have medium shell pasta, you can use any other small pasta shape.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg