Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal

Welcome to a delicious and easy one-pan meal that combines the flavors of beef enchiladas with the comfort of pasta. This Beef Enchilada Pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender beef, rich enchilada sauce, and creamy cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why this Beef Enchilada Pasta recipe is a must-try:

1. Easy and Quick

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring only one pan for cooking. You can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

2. Bursting with Flavor

The combination of beef, enchilada sauce, and spices creates a flavor-packed dish that will tantalize your taste buds. Each bite is filled with savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors that will leave you wanting more.

3. Versatile and Customizable

This recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. You can easily add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra color and nutrition. Additionally, you can adjust the level of spiciness by using mild or hot enchilada sauce.

4. One-Pan Convenience

With this recipe, you only need one pan to cook the entire meal. This means less time spent on washing dishes and more time enjoying your delicious creation.

Ingredients

For this Beef Enchilada Pasta recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Pasta:

– 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta

– 1 pound (450g) ground beef

– 1 small onion, diced

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 can (14 ounces) enchilada sauce

– 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained

– 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies, drained

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– 1/2 teaspoon cumin

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese

– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Beef Enchilada Pasta:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Saute the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for a few minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Enchilada Sauce and Tomatoes

Pour the enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes (undrained) into the skillet. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Add the diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to incorporate the spices. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Add the Cooked Pasta

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.

Step 7: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey and delicious.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired. Serve the Beef Enchilada Pasta warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these expert tips to ensure your Beef Enchilada Pasta turns out perfect every time:

1. Use Lean Ground Beef

Using lean ground beef will result in a healthier and less greasy dish. Look for ground beef with a lower fat percentage, such as 90% lean.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Cook the pasta until it is al dente, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture.

3. Customize the Heat

If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add additional chili powder or even a dash of hot sauce. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, use mild enchilada sauce and omit the diced green chilies.

4. Add Vegetables

If you want to incorporate more vegetables into your meal, consider adding diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or even black beans to the skillet. These additions will not only enhance the flavor but also add color and nutritional value.

Variations and Substitutions

Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try with this Beef Enchilada Pasta recipe:

1. Chicken Enchilada Pasta

If you prefer chicken over beef, you can easily substitute ground chicken for the ground beef. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

2. Vegetarian Option

If you follow a vegetarian diet, you can omit the ground beef altogether and replace it with cooked black beans or crumbled tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Gluten-Free Version

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure that the enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes are also gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This Beef Enchilada Pasta is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the meal by serving it with the following:

1. Garlic Bread

Pair the pasta with some warm garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

2. Mexican Rice

For a complete Mexican-inspired meal, serve the pasta alongside some fluffy Mexican rice.

3. Avocado Salad

Balance out the richness of the pasta with a refreshing avocado salad. Simply toss together diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers have about Beef Enchilada Pasta:

1. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

2. Can I Freeze Leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

3. Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?

Absolutely! While penne pasta works well in this recipe, you can use any type of short pasta, such as rotini or rigatoni.

Final Thoughts

This Beef Enchilada Pasta recipe is a delicious and convenient one-pan meal that brings together the flavors of beef enchiladas and pasta. With its easy preparation and mouthwatering taste, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal in no time!