Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

Featured in: Family Comfort Classics

This one-pot dish blends lean ground beef with zesty enchilada sauce and tender pasta for a hearty, comforting meal. Sautéed onions and garlic enhance the savory flavors, while melted cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream add creamy richness. It's perfect for busy evenings and offers a quick, flavorful option that satisfies cravings without sacrificing time. Simple steps and common kitchen tools make preparation easy and convenient.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 15:09:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, topped with melted cheese, ready for a delicious dinner. Save to Pinterest
Steaming bowl of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, topped with melted cheese, ready for a delicious dinner. | recipesforevers.com

A quick and flavorful fusion of classic enchilada flavors with comforting pasta, this one-pot dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Lean ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheddar cheese come together for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5&7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 2:
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 3&4 minutes.
Step 3:
Stir in the enchilada sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 4:
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Step 5:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 6:
Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
A close-up of cheesy Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, showing the rich red sauce and tender pasta. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of cheesy Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, showing the rich red sauce and tender pasta. | recipesforevers.com

Flavorful Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal with ground beef, ready to be served. Save to Pinterest
Flavorful Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal with ground beef, ready to be served. | recipesforevers.com

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used for a lighter alternative without compromising flavor.

What pasta types work best in this dish?

Penne, rotini, or similar shaped pastas hold sauce well and cook evenly, making them ideal choices.

How can I add extra seasoning to the dish?

Incorporate ground cumin and chili powder during the onion sauté stage for a deeper, spicier flavor.

Is it possible to make the dish gluten-free?

Yes, using gluten-free pasta ensures the dish is suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without affecting taste.

What toppings complement this pasta dish?

Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños add freshness and creaminess.

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

A satisfying fusion of beef, enchilada sauce, pasta, and cheddar cheese ready in 30 minutes.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Complete Duration
30 minutes


Complexity Easy

Cuisine Mexican

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

What You Need

Protein & Dairy

01 1 lb lean ground beef
02 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 1/2 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

Step 01

Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, prepare the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package until al dente. Drain thoroughly.

Step 05

Combine Pasta and Beef: Incorporate the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and heat through evenly.

Step 06

Serve with Toppings: Plate the pasta and top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and a spoonful of sour cream.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Be sure to check every item for allergens. If uncertain, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream) and wheat (pasta). May contain soy and gluten depending on enchilada sauce.

Nutrition per serving

Nutrition details are for your reference only. Always speak with a professional for medical concerns.
  • Caloric Content: 550
  • Total Fat: 28 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 46 grams
  • Proteins: 31 grams