Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

Featured in: Dinner Fix

This one-pot dish combines lean ground beef with zesty enchilada sauce and tender pasta for a fulfilling meal. Cook beef until browned, sauté onions and garlic, then let the sauce simmer to deepen flavors. Pasta is cooked separately until al dente, then combined with the beef mixture. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for richness and balance. Perfect for busy evenings, offering bold flavors and hearty satisfaction.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:57:07 GMT
A steaming bowl of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, topped with melted cheddar cheese ready to eat. Save
A steaming bowl of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, topped with melted cheddar cheese ready to eat. | nachohaha.com

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta offers a quick and flavorful fusion of classic enchilada flavors with comforting pasta, making it an ideal one-pot dish for busy weeknights. Lean ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheddar cheese come together in this satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal that delivers Mexican-inspired taste with minimal fuss.

A steaming bowl of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, topped with melted cheddar cheese ready to eat. Save
A steaming bowl of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, topped with melted cheddar cheese ready to eat. | nachohaha.com

This dish balances hearty beef and vibrant enchilada sauce with tender pasta, creating a crowd-pleaser that's as comforting as it is quick to prepare. Whether you're cooking for the family or meal prepping for later, Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta hits all the marks.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
  • 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • ½ cup (120 g) sour cream (for serving)
  • 8 oz (225 g) penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) enchilada sauce

Instructions

1.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
3.
Stir in the enchilada sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
4.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
5.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
6.
Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für zusätzlichen Geschmack fügen Sie 1 Teelöffel gemahlenen Kreuzkümmel und ½ Teelöffel Chilipulver zu den Zwiebeln hinzu. Verwenden Sie Vollkorn- oder glutenfreie Pasta nach Wunsch, um das Gericht anzupassen.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Für eine leichtere Variante tauschen Sie einfach das Rinderhackfleisch gegen Huhn oder Pute aus. Frischer Koriander oder frische Jalapeño-Scheiben als Garnitur verleihen dem Gericht zusätzlichen Pfiff.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie das Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta heiß, garniert mit geriebenem Cheddar und einem Klecks Sauerrahm. Dazu passt ein frischer Salat oder knuspriges Brot für eine vollständige Mahlzeit.

One-pot Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta features tender pasta, ground beef, and a savory sauce for dinner. Save
One-pot Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta features tender pasta, ground beef, and a savory sauce for dinner. | nachohaha.com

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta delivers delicious, comforting flavor without the hassle. Perfect for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will enjoy repeatedly.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use other pasta types?

Yes, penne or rotini are ideal, but you can substitute with fusilli or rigatoni. Whole wheat or gluten-free options work well too.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add chili powder or diced jalapeños when sautéing onions and garlic to bring extra heat to the sauce.

What cheeses work best for topping?

Shredded cheddar adds a sharp, melty finish, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend can also enhance flavor.

Can I swap beef for other proteins?

Ground chicken or turkey are great alternatives for a lighter version while maintaining texture and flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat gently to retain moisture and flavor.

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

Quick and comforting blend of beef, enchilada sauce, pasta, and cheese for weeknight meals.

Prep duration
10 min
Time to cook
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Carlos Vega

Type Dinner Fix

Complexity Easy

Heritage Mexican

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements None specified

Components

Protein & Dairy

01 1 lb lean ground beef
02 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 ½ cup sour cream

Pasta

01 8 oz penne or rotini pasta

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, diced
02 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

01 1 cup enchilada sauce

Directions

Phase 01

Brown the beef: Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Phase 02

Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

Phase 03

Simmer with enchilada sauce: Stir in the enchilada sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

Phase 04

Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.

Phase 05

Combine pasta and beef mixture: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir to combine evenly and heat through.

Phase 06

Serve with toppings: Plate the warm pasta and top with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Tools needed

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Colander

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese, sour cream) and wheat (pasta).
  • May contain soy and gluten depending on enchilada sauce brand.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 550
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 31 g