Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

Featured in: Cozy Everyday Meals

This dish combines lean ground beef with zesty enchilada sauce and melted cheddar cheese, all stirred through tender penne or rotini pasta. Onions and garlic add aromatic depth, creating a harmonious flavor perfect for busy weeknights. Simmered together in one pan, it’s a satisfying, comforting meal that can be easily customized with spices or protein swaps. Topped with sour cream, it brings a creamy finish that balances the bold elements.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:59:52 GMT
Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal, featuring melted cheese and a vibrant, flavorful sauce. Save
Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal, featuring melted cheese and a vibrant, flavorful sauce. | meanwhilerecipe.com

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta is a quick and flavorful fusion of classic enchilada flavors with comforting pasta, making it the perfect one-pot dish for busy weeknights. This recipe combines lean ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheddar cheese to create a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal, featuring melted cheese and a vibrant, flavorful sauce. Save
Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal, featuring melted cheese and a vibrant, flavorful sauce. | meanwhilerecipe.com

This dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to adjust the spice level or swap ingredients based on your preferences. It brings the beloved taste of enchiladas into a hearty pasta dish everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

  • Protein & Dairy
    1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
    1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
    ½ cup (120 g) sour cream (for serving)
  • Pasta
    8 oz (225 g) penne or rotini pasta
  • Vegetables
    1 medium onion, diced
    3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Sauce
    1 cup (240 ml) enchilada sauce

Instructions

1. Cook the 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 onions and garlic
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add enchilada sauce
Stir in the enchilada sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Cook the 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

Für zusätzlichen Geschmack kann man 1 Teelöffel gemahlenen Kreuzkümmel und ½ Teelöffel Chilipulver zusammen mit den Zwiebeln hinzufügen. Verwenden Sie Vollkorn- oder glutenfreie Pasta, wenn gewünscht, um das Gericht an Ihre Ernährungsbedürfnisse anzupassen.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Sie können das Rinderhackfleisch gegen Hähnchen- oder Putenhack austauschen, um eine leichtere Version dieses Gerichts zu erhalten. Frische Korianderblätter oder in Scheiben geschnittene Jalapeños eignen sich hervorragend als Beilage, um dem Gericht eine frische Note zu verleihen.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie das Gericht mit einem Klecks Sauerrahm, der die würzigen Aromen ausgleicht, und garnieren Sie es nach Belieben mit frischem Koriander oder Jalapeños für etwas Schärfe und Farbe.

Mouthwatering image of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, showcasing rich ground beef and a cheesy, bubbly topping. Save
Mouthwatering image of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, showcasing rich ground beef and a cheesy, bubbly topping. | meanwhilerecipe.com

With its blend of comforting textures and bold flavors, Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta is a delightful meal option that fits seamlessly into your weekly dinner rotation. It’s approachable, delicious, and sure to please both family and friends alike.

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used for a lighter alternative while maintaining the dish's texture and flavor profile.

What pasta works best for this dish?

Penne or rotini pasta is ideal as their shapes hold the sauce well, but any short pasta can be used as preferred.

How can I add more spice?

Incorporate ground cumin and chili powder during sautéing or garnish with sliced jalapeños for extra heat.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free varieties to accommodate dietary needs without compromising flavor.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor.

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

Quick blend of lean beef, enchilada sauce, cheddar, and pasta for a flavorful, one-pot comfort meal.

Time to Prepare
10 mins
Time to Cook
20 mins
Complete Time
30 mins
Created by Meanwhilerecipe Clara Bennett

Recipe Category Cozy Everyday Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mexican

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Considerations None specified

Ingredient List

Protein & Dairy

01 1 lb lean ground beef
02 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 ½ cup sour cream

Pasta

01 8 oz penne or rotini pasta

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, diced
02 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

01 1 cup enchilada sauce

Steps

Step 01

Brown the beef: Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until onions become translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 03

Incorporate sauce: Stir in enchilada sauce and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 04

Cook pasta: Prepare pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water following package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.

Step 05

Combine pasta and beef mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well to combine and heat through evenly.

Step 06

Serve: Plate hot pasta topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a spoonful of sour cream.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Colander

Allergy Notes

Examine all food items for allergens and consult your doctor for concerns.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream)
  • Contains wheat (pasta)
  • May contain soy (check enchilada sauce)
  • May contain gluten (pasta and sauce)

Nutrition Info (per portion)

These details are meant for reference, not as a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Energy (Calories): 550
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 31 g