Pin Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta is a delightful fusion of classic Mexican flavors and comforting Italian pasta, all cooked together in one pot for a hassle-free meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines lean ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheddar cheese to create a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that everyone will love.
Pin This recipe brings together the best of both worlds — the rich depth of Mexican cuisine and the satisfying texture of pasta dishes. Its versatility means you can tweak it to your taste or dietary needs while still keeping the process straightforward and stress-free.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream (for serving)
- 8 oz (225 g) penne or rotini pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) enchilada sauce
Instructions
- 1. Cook ground beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- 2. Sauté vegetables
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- 3. Simmer sauce
- Stir in the enchilada sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- 4. Cook pasta
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- 5. Combine pasta and beef mixture
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
- 6. Serve
- Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an extra boost of flavor, try adding 1 teaspoon ground cumin and ½ teaspoon chili powder when sautéing the onions. You can also swap out the regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties to suit your dietary preferences.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Swap ground beef for ground chicken or turkey if you prefer a lighter option. Garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños adds a fresh and spicy kick to the finished dish.
Serviervorschläge
Serve the pasta accompanied by extra sour cream on the side and perhaps a simple green salad for balance. This dish shines best when enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the skillet.
Pin Following these tips will ensure your Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta turns out flavorful, perfectly textured, and a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
Recipe Q&A
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rotini are ideal since their shapes hold the sauce well, but any short pasta can be used.
- → Can I add extra spices for more flavor?
Yes, adding ground cumin and chili powder with the onions brightens the overall taste.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Substitute cheddar and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives to suit dietary needs.
- → How can I lighten the protein in this dish?
Ground chicken or turkey can replace beef for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor.
- → What garnishes complement the flavors?
Chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños add a fresh, vibrant kick to the finished dish.