Print

Beef Enchilada Pasta

Beef Enchilada Pasta
Print Recipe

Beef Enchilada Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes. This one-pot dish combines tender ground beef, bold Mexican-inspired spices, enchilada sauce, pasta, and melty cheese for a delicious and easy twist on classic enchiladas. Perfect for families or solo meals, it offers a balanced and satisfying eating experience with minimal cleanup and customizable options.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup black beans (optional, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup corn kernels (optional)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Add Spices: Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant. Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to develop the Mexican-inspired flavor base.
  3. Add Pasta and Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the uncooked pasta, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, and water or broth. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged to cook evenly.
  4. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking until the pasta is cooked through.
  5. Stir in Cheese and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover briefly to allow the cheese to melt fully into the sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the pasta is fully covered with liquid to cook evenly and avoid burning.
  • Use a cheese blend that melts well for a creamy texture.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to thicken and enhance flavor.
  • Add fresh lime juice or extra cilantro for brightness before serving.
  • Adjust spice level with jalapeños, cayenne, chipotle powder, or hot sauce as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef enchilada pasta, Mexican pasta, quick weeknight dinner, one-pot meal, cheesy beef pasta, comfort food

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/beef-enchilada-pasta/