Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

Featured in: Family Dinners

This one-pot dish brings together ground beef sautéed with onions and garlic, simmered in enchilada sauce, and combined with perfectly cooked pasta. Topped with melted cheddar and a sour cream dollop, it’s a flavorful, satisfying meal ideal for busy evenings. Optional spices like cumin and chili powder add depth, while substitutions such as ground chicken or gluten-free pasta cater to preferences. A simple yet hearty dish with Mexican-inspired flavors made quick and easy.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:58:45 GMT
Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal, features tender pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese. Save
Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal, features tender pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese. | griddleglory.com

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta brings together the bold, zesty flavors of classic enchiladas with the comforting embrace of pasta in a single pot. This quick and simple dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss. Lean ground beef melds seamlessly with tangy enchilada sauce and melty cheddar, creating a crowd-pleasing fusion that’s packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes.

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal, features tender pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese. Save
Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal, features tender pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese. | griddleglory.com

This dish not only satisfies cravings for something hearty and cheesy but also delivers a vibrant and comforting experience. The combination of cooked ground beef, sautéed onions, and garlic simmered in enchilada sauce creates a savory base, while pasta adds a filling, tender texture. Top it all off with sharp cheddar and a dollop of sour cream for a truly indulgent finish.

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

For deeper flavor, try adding 1 teaspoon ground cumin and ½ teaspoon chili powder when sautéing the onions. You can also swap in whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs while keeping the dish just as delightful.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Switch the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter variant. Customize the heat level by garnishing with sliced jalapeños or fresh chopped cilantro to add brightness and a kick.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this pasta with an extra dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top. A fresh green salad or steamed veggies make excellent, complementary side dishes.

Cheesy Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a quick dinner, topped with shredded cheddar, ready to eat! Save
Cheesy Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a quick dinner, topped with shredded cheddar, ready to eat! | griddleglory.com

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta is an inviting, flavorful meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its simplicity and rich taste make it a go-to recipe that pleases the whole family while offering plenty of room for personal twists and dietary adaptations.

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

Quick, one-pot meal combining beef, enchilada sauce, and cheddar over tender pasta for busy nights.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mexican

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications 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 ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Phase 02

Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until onions are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Phase 03

Simmer with sauce: Stir enchilada sauce into the beef mixture and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Phase 04

Cook pasta: Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente according to package instructions, then drain thoroughly.

Phase 05

Combine pasta and beef mixture: Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce and stir until evenly combined and heated through.

Phase 06

Serve with toppings: Plate the enchilada pasta hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream) and wheat (pasta).
  • May contain soy and gluten; verify labels on enchilada sauce and pasta.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 550
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 31 g