Cheesy Enchilada Hamburger Helper (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Beef Base
01 -
1 lb ground beef
02 -
1 onion, chopped
03 -
1 tbsp minced garlic
→ For the Sauce
04 -
Two 10 oz cans mild enchilada sauce
05 -
1 cup beef broth
06 -
1 cup milk
07 -
2½ cups medium shell pasta, uncooked
→ For Seasoning
08 -
½ tsp salt
09 -
½ tsp black pepper
10 -
2 tsp chili powder
11 -
1 tsp ground cumin
12 -
1 tsp dried cilantro
13 -
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
→ For Topping
14 -
2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
15 -
Fresh cilantro, chopped
16 -
Sour cream
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat as it browns, until the beef is fully cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
02 -
Add the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, and cayenne to the cooked beef. Stir in the minced garlic and mix everything together.
03 -
Pour in the beef broth, both cans of enchilada sauce, the uncooked pasta, and the milk. Stir everything together.
04 -
Bring the mixture to a quick boil over medium-high heat. As soon as you see bubbles forming, turn the heat down to medium-low. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about 12 minutes. Stir once halfway through to keep the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
05 -
Once the pasta is tender, stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top. Take the skillet off the heat and let it sit for a minute or two until the cheese melts.
06 -
Top with fresh cilantro and dollops of sour cream. Serve hot right from the skillet and enjoy your homemade hamburger helper.
# Notes:
01 -
This is a true one-pan meal - everything cooks together in one skillet for easy cleanup.
02 -
The pasta cooks right in the sauce, so there's no need to boil it separately.
03 -
Stir halfway through cooking to make sure the pasta doesn't stick to the bottom.
04 -
Use mild enchilada sauce unless you want more heat, then go for medium or hot.
05 -
This tastes even better than the boxed version and you know exactly what's in it.
06 -
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.