Save Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta combines the bold, zesty flavors of classic Mexican enchiladas with the comfort of your favorite pasta. This quick and satisfying one-pot meal features lean ground beef sautéed with onion and garlic, simmered in savory enchilada sauce, and perfectly paired with tender penne or rotini. Topped with melted cheddar and a cooling dollop of sour cream, it's the ideal dish to bring the family together on busy weeknights without fuss.
Save With few ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable for cooks of all levels. From the first bite, the mix of savory beef and tangy enchilada sauce wrapped around pasta will have everyone asking for seconds.
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 onion 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 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 mehr Geschmack kannst du 1 Teelöffel gemahlenen Kreuzkümmel und ½ Teelöffel Chilipulver zusammen mit den Zwiebeln anbraten. Verwende Vollkorn- oder glutenfreie Pasta, wenn du eine alternative Option bevorzugst.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Für eine leichtere Version tausche das Hackfleisch durch gemahlenes Huhn oder Pute aus. Du kannst auch mit frischem Koriander oder in Scheiben geschnittenen Jalapeños garnieren, um dem Gericht eine frische und würzige Note zu verleihen.
Serviervorschläge
Serviere die Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta mit einem Klecks Sauerrahm und einer Portion frischem Salat oder gedünstetem Gemüse, um die Mahlzeit ausgewogen und bunt zu gestalten.
Save This Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta is a go-to recipe for anyone craving a cozy, flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare. With minimal ingredients and maximum taste, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Kitchen Q&A
- → Can I use other pasta types?
Yes, penne or rotini work best, but you can substitute with any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add chili powder or jalapeños during cooking to increase heat without overpowering flavors.
- → Is it possible to lighten the dish?
Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken and use low-fat cheese and sour cream options.
- → What sides complement this meal?
Serve with a fresh green salad, guacamole, or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate.
- → Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well in the oven or microwave; add fresh cheese or sour cream before serving.