Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This easy beef enchilada pasta combines all the bold flavors of classic enchiladas with a comforting pasta dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onions become translucent, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour the enchilada sauce into the skillet and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package directions. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir well to combine and warm through evenly.
- Step 6: Serve the pasta hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking the onions and garlic.
- Use ground turkey or shredded chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavor profiles.
- If you like more sauce, increase the enchilada sauce to 1½ cups.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra sour cream to keep the pasta creamy and moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rotini work best because they hold the sauce well, but you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or shells.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the pasta mixture for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave.
Print
Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta combines the bold, spicy flavors of enchilada sauce and ground beef with tender pasta for a comforting and flavorful weeknight meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features a simple skillet method and comes topped with cheddar cheese and sour cream for creamy richness.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
Pasta & Toppings
- 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Brown ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the lean ground beef until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté them together for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Simmer sauce: Pour the enchilada sauce into the skillet with the beef and aromatics. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes so the flavors meld well.
- Cook pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, usually about 9 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine pasta and beef mixture: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the enchilada beef sauce. Stir well to combine and allow the pasta to warm through evenly for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnishing each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for richness and a creamy finish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy enchilada sauce to suit your taste.
- For a cheesy bake, sprinkle extra cheddar on top and broil for 2-3 minutes.
- Gluten-free pasta can be substituted to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: easy beef enchilada pasta, enchilada pasta recipe, ground beef pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, skillet pasta
