If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines the heartiness of a pasta dinner with the vibrant, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine, then you are going to absolutely love this Easy Enchilada Pasta Recipe. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting but crave daring flavors all at once. Imagine tender rotini spirals swimming in a saucy blend of enchilada sauce, seasoned ground beef, and melty cheese, all coming together in one pot. This recipe isn’t just simple to make—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, packed with layers of texture and flavor that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Enchilada Pasta Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to bring depth and balance to the dish. These staples work in harmony to create luscious, cheesy, slightly spicy pasta that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Olive oil: The base to sauté your onions, adding a subtle fruity richness and preventing sticking.
- Yellow onion, diced: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation once sautéed to translucency.
- Ground beef: Delivers hearty protein with that classic meaty flavor perfect for enchilada-inspired dishes.
- Taco seasoning: A mix of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder for that unmistakable Mexican spice profile.
- Enchilada sauce: The star ingredient that brings authentic enchilada flavor and vibrant color to the pasta.
- Beef broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the pasta perfectly moist and saucy.
- Dry rotini pasta: Its spiral shape soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully while providing a satisfying texture.
- Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Colby, or cheddar): Ensures a creamy, melty finish that ties all the flavors together.
- Cream cheese, cubed (optional): Adds an indulgently smooth texture and slight tang, making the sauce even richer.
- Corn (optional): Introduces a sweet crunch that balances the spices perfectly.
- Green onions, fresh diced tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, cilantro: Flavorful garnishes to customize and brighten every bite.
How to Make Easy Enchilada Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onions and cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant, setting the groundwork for your flavorful sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Add Seasoning
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s fully browned and breaking apart nicely. Once cooked through, stir in the taco seasoning to layer in those warm, smoky spices that define the dish’s enchilada inspiration.
Step 3: Combine Sauce, Broth, and Pasta
Pour in the enchilada sauce, beef broth, and dry rotini pasta all at once. Bring this mixture up to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the sauce’s rich flavors.
Step 4: Stir in Cream Cheese and Corn (Optional)
For creaminess and a subtle tang, stir in the cubed cream cheese along with thawed corn during the last 2 minutes of cooking. These additions are optional but highly recommended for that extra layer of lush texture and sweetness.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheese, letting it melt into the sauce to create a dreamy, cheesy finish. Serve your Easy Enchilada Pasta Recipe with your favorite garnishes for the perfect bold and comforting meal.
How to Serve Easy Enchilada Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of this recipe is that you can dress it up however you like. Sprinkle on fresh green onions or chopped cilantro for a bright pop of color and freshness. Dollops of sour cream bring cooling creaminess against the spicy notes, while diced tomatoes and sliced black olives add juicy bursts and extra savory layers that complement the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this enchilada pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve alongside warm, soft tortillas for a Tex-Mex feast. Spanish rice or black beans also make fantastic sides, helping round out the meal with wholesome textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the Easy Enchilada Pasta Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or colorful bowls to highlight the golden melted cheese and vibrant garnishes. You can also layer it in a casserole dish and broil briefly for a bubbly, crispy top that’ll impress all your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this recipe by placing cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if the pasta feels dry. Alternatively, microwave at medium power in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work wonderfully in this Easy Enchilada Pasta Recipe. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked and enjoy the lighter protein option.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add plant-based meat crumbles if you prefer.
What types of cheese work best?
Monterey Jack, Colby, or cheddar are traditional and melt beautifully here. Feel free to experiment with a Mexican cheese blend or even pepper jack for a touch of heat.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
You can cook the pasta and sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just hold off adding the shredded cheese until you’re ready to reheat and serve to keep that melty, fresh texture.
How spicy is the dish?
The level of spice depends on your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce choices. You can easily adjust it by using mild versions or adding extra chili powder or hot sauce if you want more kick.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Enchilada Pasta Recipe is a joyful mash-up of comfort food and Mexican zest that comes together quickly and satisfies deeply. Whether you’re feeding a family or making dinner for yourself, it’s a bright, flavorful way to elevate weeknight meals with minimal effort. Dive in, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy every cheesy, spicy bite!
Print
Easy Enchilada Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Easy Enchilada Pasta recipe combines the bold flavors of classic enchiladas with the comforting texture of pasta for a quick and satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Ground beef simmered with enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, and rotini pasta creates a flavorful one-pan dish perfect for weeknight dinners, topped with melty cheese and fresh garnishes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tsp taco seasoning (or equal parts cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder)
- 20 oz enchilada sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 8 oz dry rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Colby, or cheddar)
- 2 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup corn (thawed if frozen)
Optional Toppings
- Green onions
- Fresh diced tomatoes
- Black olives
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook, breaking it apart, until the beef is fully browned. Stir in the taco seasoning evenly to coat the meat with spices.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the enchilada sauce and beef broth, then add the dry rotini pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cream Cheese and Corn: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the cubed cream cheese and corn to melt and incorporate into the sauce, enriching the texture and flavor.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts completely for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Serve: Plate the enchilada pasta and garnish with your choice of green onions, fresh diced tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, and cilantro for added freshness and texture.
Notes
- Use your preferred taco seasoning mix or make your own blend of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder for control over spice levels.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, adding beans or additional vegetables.
- If the sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a splash of extra broth or water to maintain a saucy consistency.
- Leftovers keep well and reheat quickly in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra broth to loosen the sauce.
