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
Scale
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.
