Description
Looking for a delicious and satisfying dinner that’s quick, easy, and full of flavor? This Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal is your answer. Combining the bold flavors of enchilada sauce and taco-seasoned beef with creamy pasta and melted cheese, this dish is a comforting and hearty meal for any night of the week. The best part? It’s made in one pan, which means minimal cleanup and maximum enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner version)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder)
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (mild or spicy based on preference)
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups elbow pasta (or penne, rotini, or any small pasta)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese, like Monterey Jack or a cheese blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Jalapeño slices (optional, for extra spice)
Instructions
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Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, for about 6-8 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Stir occasionally and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
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Season the Beef: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef mixture, and stir to combine. If you want a spicier dish, feel free to add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper at this stage.
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Add the Enchilada Sauce, Broth, and Tomatoes: Pour in the enchilada sauce, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together, ensuring the beef is well coated in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
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Add the Pasta: Add the pasta to the pan, ensuring it is well mixed into the beef and sauce. Submerge the pasta in the liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the pasta cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking. Check the pasta after 12 minutes to ensure it is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
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Add the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt into the pasta, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.
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Garnish and Serve: Once everything is melted and combined, remove the pan from the heat. Top with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices if desired. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
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Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add some chopped fresh jalapeños when cooking the onions and garlic, or stir in a few dashes of hot sauce or extra chili powder. You can also choose a spicier enchilada sauce.
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Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for black beans, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.
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Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your enchilada sauce is also gluten-free. Many stores offer gluten-free pasta options, and some brands of enchilada sauce are naturally gluten-free.
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Dairy-Free: To make this dish dairy-free, simply omit the cheese and sour cream, or use plant-based cheese and dairy-free sour cream alternatives.
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To reheat, add a bit of broth or water to loosen up the pasta, and warm on the stove over low heat.
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Freezing: This recipe freezes well. Once it has cooled completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stove.
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Add Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic for a colorful twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg