Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup and more convenience.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: Enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, and cheese create a bold and satisfying taste.
- Customizable: Add cream cheese, corn, or your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Family-Friendly: A hearty and cheesy dish that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tsp taco seasoning (or equal parts cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder)
- 20 oz enchilada sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 oz dry rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Colby, or cheddar)
Optional Toppings:
- 2 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup corn (thawed if frozen)
- Green onions, fresh diced tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, cilantro
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in taco seasoning.
- Pour in enchilada sauce, beef broth, and dry pasta. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- If using, stir in cream cheese, corn, or other toppings in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or black beans for a different twist.
- Pasta Choice: Substitute rotini with penne, elbow macaroni, or shells.
- Creamy Version: Stir in sour cream or extra cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Shredded or diced cooked chicken works well as a substitute.
What type of enchilada sauce should I use?
You can use mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce depending on your spice preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat when ready to serve.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
A blend of Monterey Jack, Colby, and cheddar works best for a melty, cheesy texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, shells, or even spaghetti can work, though cooking times may vary.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta and check that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook just until al dente and avoid overcooking when reheating.
Can I add extra veggies?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach would be great additions.
What can I serve with enchilada pasta?
A side salad, garlic bread, or tortilla chips with guacamole would complement it well.
Conclusion
This easy enchilada pasta is a comforting, one-pot meal packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s a go-to dish that the whole family will love. Try out different variations and toppings to make it your own, and enjoy
Easy Enchilada Pasta
This one-pot enchilada pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner that combines ground beef, enchilada sauce, pasta, and melted cheese for a comforting, hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this cheesy dish is ready in just 25 minutes and can be customized with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, and black olives!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meals, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Instructions
-
1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for 2-3 minutes until soft.
2️⃣ Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in taco seasoning.
3️⃣ Pour in enchilada sauce, beef broth, and dry pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until pasta is tender.
4️⃣ (Optional) Stir in cream cheese, corn, or other toppings in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
5️⃣ Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheese, and mix until melted.
6️⃣ Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
