Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold and Flavorful: The combination of enchilada sauce and taco seasoning adds a rich, savory flavor that’s irresistible.
One-Pot Meal: It’s a simple, easy-to-clean-up recipe that can be made in one pot.
Comforting and Hearty: The pasta combined with beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce is a filling, satisfying meal.
Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings or make it spicier to suit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
Enchilada sauce
Taco seasoning
Diced tomatoes (with green chilies, optional)
Chicken broth or beef broth
Shredded cheddar cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the beef: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Season the beef: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes (if using), and enchilada sauce. Mix well.
Add the broth: Pour in the chicken or beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine the pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the beef and sauce mixture, stirring until well combined.
Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Let the cheese melt and mix into the pasta, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Garnish and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
Vegetarian: Use black beans or a combination of mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian alternative to ground beef.
Extra Cheese: For a cheesier dish, top with extra shredded cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly.
Add Vegetables: Add bell peppers, corn, or spinach to increase the veggie content.
Different Pasta: Use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne or rigatoni, to change up the texture.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little bit of broth or water if it has thickened. You can also microwave individual portions.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Beef Enchilada Pasta ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and reheat it when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for enchilada sauce?

If you don’t have enchilada sauce, you can use salsa or a combination of tomato sauce and chili powder.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, to make it spicier, you can add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy taco seasoning.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta shape, such as penne or rotini, works well in this recipe.

Can I add beans to this recipe?

Yes, black beans or pinto beans can be added to the beef mixture for extra protein and fiber.

How do I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the spice, use mild enchilada sauce, omit the jalapeños, and use a mild taco seasoning.

Can I make this dish in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic on the stove, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the pasta and cheese at the end and cook on low for 3-4 hours.

Can I freeze Beef Enchilada Pasta?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the freezer.

Conclusion

Beef Enchilada Pasta is a bold, cheesy, and comforting one-pot meal that brings together the best flavors of Mexican cuisine and pasta. It’s a quick, easy, and flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy nights. With its rich sauce, tender beef, and melted cheese, it’s a family-friendly dish everyone will love!

Beef Enchilada Pasta

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Author: Ava
Total Time: 30min
Yield: 6servings

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Description

Beef Enchilada Pasta is a bold, flavorful one-pot dish that combines seasoned ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and melted cheese with hearty pasta. This quick, comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights and will become a family favorite. Full of savory flavors, it’s easy to make and satisfying for everyone!

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chilies, optional)
1 cup chicken broth or beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta – In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef – In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables – Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Season the Beef – Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes (if using), and enchilada sauce. Mix well.
Add the Broth – Pour in the chicken or beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes to let the mixture thicken slightly.
Combine the Pasta – Add the cooked pasta into the beef mixture, stirring until well combined.
Add the Cheese – Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Let the cheese melt and incorporate into the pasta, making a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Garnish and Serve – Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne to spice it up.
Vegetarian Option – Use black beans or a mix of mushrooms and zucchini as a substitute for beef.
Extra Cheese – Top with extra cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly for an even cheesier dish.
Different Pasta – Use any small pasta like penne or rigatoni for a fun texture variation.

Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 20min
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired, Tex-Mex