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All in one pan, this Beef Enchilada Fideo Skillet is pure cozy goodness. It's got that punchy enchilada vibe with quick-cooking fideo noodles and comes together lightning fast. Seriously, it hits the table in about twenty minutes. I whip this up when everyone's starving and we just need something filling that doesn't take forever.
The very first time I tossed this skillet together my kids wouldn't stop talking about it. Now it's our go-to for those nights when I need something everyone will happily dig into, and fast.
Flavorful Ingredients
- Fideo pasta: This fun noodle really makes it stand out Find it with pasta or Hispanic foods If not, snap up some spaghetti instead
- Yellow onion diced: Sweetens things up for a tasty base Go for onions that are nice and heavy
- Sour cream optional: Brings a cool touch to go with the heat and makes it super creamy Full fat is so much better
- Mexican blend cheese shredded: Melts perfectly into gooey goodness Shred it yourself for next-level meltiness
- Red enchilada sauce: Adds that classic taste and color Use a brand you actually like or whip up your own
- Lean ground beef: Packs in flavor and keeps it hearty Look for less fat if you want to keep it light
- Water: Helps the fideo cook and soak up all that flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Finish and Top
- Once the noodles are nice and soft and most of the liquid's disappeared, check if it's done. Sprinkle cheese all over. Let it melt a bit. If you like, plop on some sour cream right before serving.
- Simmer with Sauce and Fideo
- Pour the enchilada sauce and water into the skillet. Mix in those dry noodles so they get all saucy. Get it bubbling then lower the heat. Put on the lid and cook for about ten minutes, stirring so it doesn't stick. The noodles will drink in all that sauce.
- Brown the Beef and Onion
- Start by tossing the beef and chopped onion in a big skillet. Medium-high heat works best. Keep things moving so everything browns up just right. Dump out any extra grease or juices. This step brings all the flavor upfront.
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I can't get enough of the fideo here. It's a total throwback to my childhood when my abuela made huge pots of sopa de fideo during family gatherings. Swapping it into a skillet dish gives me those happy memories and it's always a winner at home.
Storage Tips
Pop any leftovers in a lidded container and refrigerate for as long as three days. The noodles will soak up a lot of the sauce while it sits, so just add a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce when you reheat it. Gently warm it on the stove or zap in the microwave. Brings everything right back to life.
Ingredient Swaps
Can't find fideo? Crushed spaghetti totally works. Want it lighter? Swap in ground turkey or chicken. Go with a different cheese like Monterey Jack or even pepper jack if you're feeling adventurous. Toss in black beans or corn to stretch it and add more texture.
Serving Ideas
This dinner is tasty all by itself or pile it on a plate with a green salad or creamy avocado slices for a pop of freshness. Warm tortillas or crunchy corn chips are perfect for scooping up all those saucy noodles. Looking for more veggies? Roasted peppers or diced tomatoes totally work too.
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Cultural Backstory
Fideo is a must-have in many Mexican kitchens and it's mostly used in cozy soups and home-cooked favorites. Mixing its classic comfort with bold enchilada sauce in a skillet is a cool mashup of American weeknight cooking and Tex Mex vibes. These fun fusions happen when you mess around with pantry basics, and sometimes that's when you discover your most-loved family meals.
Recipe FAQs
- → Which beef should I use?
Go for lean ground beef! It gives great flavor and avoids too much grease, keeping the whole thing balanced and tasty.
- → Can I replace fideo pasta?
You can swap it for broken pieces of angel hair or thin vermicelli pasta. Just note, the texture might be a bit different.
- → How spicy is the sauce?
That depends on the brand you choose. Pick a mild or medium sauce based on your preference, and you can always adjust later with toppings.
- → What toppings go well here?
Add shredded cheese for creaminess and extra flavor. Fresh cilantro or green onions are great for a fresh kick, and sour cream adds a nice smooth finish.
- → Can I make it in advance?
Yep, it stores in the fridge for up to three days. Warm it gently on the stove and toss in fresh cheese just before serving.