Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal

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There’s something truly magical about a hearty one-pan meal that hits all the right notes: savory, cheesy, satisfying, and easy to throw together. That’s exactly what I love about this Beef Enchilada Pasta. It’s got the comfort of your favorite Tex-Mex flavors combined with the richness of pasta, all made in one single skillet. That’s right, fewer dishes and more flavor — a total win in my book.

I whipped this up on a busy weeknight when I was craving enchiladas but didn’t want to fuss with rolling tortillas or turning on the oven. I had some ground beef in the fridge, a half-used box of rotini, and a jar of enchilada sauce staring at me from the pantry. With a little bit of improvisation and a lot of cheese, this satisfying pasta dinner came together faster than takeout and tasted so much better.

This meal is now on repeat in my house. The way the pasta soaks up the sauce, the creaminess from the cheese melting into the beef, and the punch of flavor from the spices make this dish absolutely irresistible. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family or storing leftovers for lunch the next day. Trust me, you’ll be adding this to your regular dinner rotation just like I did.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal

This recipe is the ultimate comfort food hero. It’s made in just one pan, saving you clean-up time, and it blends two favorite cuisines: the spicy, savory notes of enchiladas and the hearty bite of pasta. It’s an ideal dish for busy nights, picky eaters, or just when you need something warm and cheesy to cheer up the table. Whether you’re making this for the family or meal prepping for the week, you’re going to appreciate how effortless and flavorful it is.

If you enjoy dishes like Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta or One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, then this Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal will be right up your alley.

Ingredients

Ground beef brings the rich and meaty foundation to this dish. Its bold flavor pairs perfectly with the spices and sauce, making it essential for that hearty enchilada taste. Rotini pasta is my noodle of choice here because its twists hold onto the sauce so well, delivering flavor in every bite. Enchilada sauce is the heart of this meal, giving it that deep, smoky, slightly tangy character that defines classic enchiladas.

You’ll also need diced tomatoes to add a touch of freshness and acidity that balances the richness. Cream cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy texture that coats the pasta. Shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend brings the ooey-gooey melty goodness. Finally, a bit of chopped cilantro at the end gives a fresh, herbaceous lift.

How to Make Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Add the Flavors

To the beef, stir in your enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and water. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder if you like an extra kick.

Step 3: Stir in the Pasta

Add the uncooked rotini pasta to the skillet. Stir to make sure it’s well coated in the sauce and submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Creamy Finish

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, then cover again for a couple of minutes to let it melt.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot straight from the skillet. Enjoy the melty, cheesy, beefy comfort that is Beef Enchilada Pasta.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

One of the best things about this Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal is how customizable it is. If you don’t have ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken are great leaner options that still deliver on flavor. Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the meat for black beans or lentils and bulk it up with bell peppers or zucchini.

You can also experiment with different cheeses. Pepper jack will add some heat, while Monterey Jack melts beautifully for an ultra-creamy texture. For those who like it extra spicy, a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños go a long way.

If you’re out of rotini, penne, elbows, or even shells will all do the job just fine. Just remember to monitor cook time so your pasta doesn’t overcook.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This dish is a satisfying meal on its own, but if you want to add sides, try a crisp green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette to complement the richness. Cornbread or warm tortillas also make delicious accompaniments to soak up the extra sauce.

For drinks, a cold Mexican lager, a margarita, or even a sparkling lime water with a wedge of citrus will round out your dinner beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Beef Enchilada Pasta stores like a dream. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce to keep it moist.

You can even freeze portions for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm gently.

FAQs

How spicy is the Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal?

It has a mild to medium kick depending on the enchilada sauce and whether you add chili powder or jalapeños. You can always adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Can I use a different type of pasta in the Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal?

Yes! Penne, macaroni, shells, or fusilli all work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make the Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal ahead of time?

You can cook it fully, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

What cheese works best in the Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal?

A shredded Mexican blend is perfect, but you can also use cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack depending on your flavor preference.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you’re loving the sound of this Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal, you’re going to want to try Shipwreck Dinner next. It’s another one-pan masterpiece filled with layered flavors, hearty textures, and all the comfort you crave. Or dive into Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini for a creamy pasta dream you won’t soon forget.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Make sure to pin this Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal to your favorite dinner board on Pinterest so you always have it at your fingertips. Sharing is caring, so don’t forget to send this recipe to a friend or family member who loves quick and hearty meals. Whether you post it on Facebook, email it, or text a screenshot, you’ll be spreading a whole lot of comfort and flavor with every share!

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