Beef Enchilada Fideo Skillet

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This skillet brings together lean ground beef, tender fideo pasta, and a zesty red enchilada sauce for a truly comforting meal. Start by browning beef and onions in a skillet, letting the flavors meld together. Introduce the vibrant enchilada sauce and water, stir in the fideo pasta, and let everything simmer until the pasta is just right and the sauce thickens. Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded Mexican cheese and a dollop of sour cream if desired. The result is a satisfying, cheesy skillet perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, offering deep flavors in every bite with minimal effort.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Thu, 24 Jul 2025 23:01:19 GMT
A beef enchilada fideo skillet with a dollop of sour cream on top. Save
A beef enchilada fideo skillet with a dollop of sour cream on top. | lilicooks.com

Beef Enchilada Fideo Skillet brings together comfort food flavors in one pan for an easy and crowd-pleasing dinner. Blending classic enchilada taste with quick-cooking Fideo pasta this meal is full of bold flavor and can be on the table in just twenty minutes. I love making this on busy weeknights when everyone is hungry and craving something hearty.

The first time I tried this skillet meal it became an instant favorite with my kids. Now it is one of our regular weeknight meals especially when I need something filling fast.

Ingredients

  • Lean ground beef: provides richness and protein Look for beef with less fat for a lighter dish
  • Yellow onion diced: adds sweetness and aromatic base Choose onions that are heavy and firm
  • Red enchilada sauce: gives deep flavor and signature color For best results use a brand you enjoy or try homemade
  • Water: helps the pasta cook evenly and soaks up all the flavors
  • Fideo pasta: makes this skillet unique Find it in the pasta or Hispanic foods aisle broken spaghetti is a substitute
  • Mexican blend cheese shredded: melts beautifully for a creamy topping Always grate your own if possible for best melt
  • Sour cream optional: complements spicy notes and adds a creamy finish Use full fat for the richest result

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onion:
In a large skillet cook the ground beef with diced onion over medium-high heat Stir the meat and onions often so they brown evenly Drain off any extra fat or juices This step is key for layering rich flavors
Simmer with Sauce and Fideo:
Add red enchilada sauce and water right into the skillet Stir in the fideo pasta so it is fully coated with sauce Bring to a simmer then reduce the heat Cover the pan Cook for about ten minutes Stir frequently so the fideo does not stick and cooks evenly This lets the pasta soak up all the sauce
Finish and Garnish:
When the fideo is tender and most liquid absorbed check for doneness Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top if you like Let it melt just a minute or two Add a dollop of sour cream before serving for a creamy touch
A bowl of beef enchilada fideo skillet. Save
A bowl of beef enchilada fideo skillet. | lilicooks.com

My favorite ingredient here is the fideo pasta It reminds me of family gatherings as a kid when my abuela would make her famous sopa de fideo Now I use it in skillet dishes for that nostalgic flavor and it is always a hit

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Fideo pasta will soak up some sauce as it sits so when reheating add a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce to bring the dish back to its original saucy texture Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find fideo broken spaghetti works well Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version You can also swap in a different cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a twist Add black beans or corn to stretch the meal and add texture

Serving Suggestions

This skillet is delicious on its own but you can serve it with a crisp green salad or simple avocado slices for contrast Warm flour tortillas or corn chips make perfect sides for scooping up the saucy noodles If you want more vegetable add-ins roasted peppers or diced tomatoes fit right in

A bowl of beef enchilada fideo skillet. Save
A bowl of beef enchilada fideo skillet. | lilicooks.com

Cultural Context

Fideo pasta is a staple in Mexican kitchens often used in soups and homey comfort dishes Here it meets enchilada flavors in a skillet which is a fun blending of Tex Mex and American weeknight cooking traditions These kinds of fusion recipes show how easy pantry meals can become the most loved family classics

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of beef works best?

Lean ground beef is ideal—it's flavorful and doesn't release excessive grease during cooking, ensuring a rich, balanced dish.

→ Can I substitute the fideo pasta?

Yes, short vermicelli or angel hair pasta broken into small pieces can be used if fideo is unavailable, though texture may vary.

→ How spicy is the enchilada sauce?

The heat depends on your chosen brand; opt for mild or medium sauce according to taste, and adjust with toppings as needed.

→ What toppings pair well with this dish?

A blend of shredded Mexican cheese and sour cream adds creaminess, while fresh cilantro or green onions provide a fragrant finish.

→ Is it possible to make this ahead?

Yes, the dish keeps well refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove and add fresh cheese just before serving.

Beef Enchilada Fideo Skillet

Enjoy a comforting skillet of beef, fideo pasta, and enchilada sauce, ready in under 20 minutes for a hearty meal.

Preparation Time
5 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
20 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 lb lean ground beef
02 1 cup yellow onion, diced
03 28 oz red enchilada sauce
04 ½ cup water
05 6 oz fideo pasta

→ Optional Toppings

06 1 cup Mexican blend cheese, shredded
07 Sour cream

Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is tender. Drain any excess juices.

Step 02

Add the enchilada sauce, water, and fideo pasta to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 03

Optionally garnish with shredded Mexican blend cheese and sour cream before serving.

Required Tools

  • Large skillet

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 509
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~