Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

Featured in: Everyday Dinners

This dish combines lean ground beef with classic enchilada sauce and tender pasta for a comforting meal. Onions and garlic add depth, while cheddar cheese and sour cream enrich each serving. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an ideal choice for busy evenings requiring simple, flavorful cooking. Customize with cumin or chili powder for a spicy twist, or switch to gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:17:16 GMT
A sizzling skillet of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, topped with melted cheddar cheese ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
A sizzling skillet of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, topped with melted cheddar cheese ready to eat. | bloomoven.com

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta is a delightful fusion of classic Mexican enchilada flavors and comforting pasta, all coming together in one pan. This quick and flavorful dish combines lean ground beef, tangy enchilada sauce, and melty cheddar cheese to create a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights and sure to please the whole family.

A sizzling skillet of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, topped with melted cheddar cheese ready to eat. Save to Pinterest
A sizzling skillet of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, topped with melted cheddar cheese ready to eat. | bloomoven.com

This dish brings together the best of both worlds: the zesty, rich sauce of enchiladas and the hearty, satisfying texture of pasta. It’s a great way to enjoy a family favorite in a convenient new form that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

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

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Für zusätzlichen Geschmack können 1 Teelöffel gemahlener Kreuzkümmel und ½ Teelöffel Chilipulver zusammen mit den Zwiebeln hinzugefügt werden. Verwenden Sie bei Bedarf Vollkorn- oder glutenfreie Pasta für eine gesündere Variante.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Für eine leichtere Version kann das Rinderhack durch gemahlenes Huhn oder Truthahn ersetzt werden. Frische Kräuter wie gehackter Koriander oder Jalapeños sind tolle Garnierungen für extra Frische und Schärfe.

Serviervorschläge

Dieses Gericht schmeckt hervorragend mit einer großzügigen Portion Sauerrahm, frisch gehacktem Koriander und einem Spritzer Limettensaft. Dazu passen knusprige Tortillachips oder ein grüner Salat als Beilage.

Creamy Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta bubbling in a pan, a comforting one-pot dinner for busy weeknights. Save to Pinterest
Creamy Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta bubbling in a pan, a comforting one-pot dinner for busy weeknights. | bloomoven.com

With its straightforward preparation and rich, inviting flavors, Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta is a wonderful addition to your weekly dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish balances convenience and taste perfectly.

Recipe FAQs

What pasta works best for this dish?

Penne or rotini pasta are recommended due to their shape, which holds the saucy beef mixture well.

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey can be used for a lighter variation without sacrificing flavor.

How can I add more spice to this dish?

Incorporate ground cumin and chili powder when sautéing onions and garlic to enhance the heat and depth of flavor.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely, use gluten-free pasta options to maintain the dish's texture and taste.

What toppings complement this meal?

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

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

A hearty blend of seasoned beef, enchilada sauce, and pasta ready in 30 minutes.

Prep Duration
10 min
Cook Duration
20 min
Entire Time
30 min
Created by Rachel Moore

Recipe Group Everyday Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mexican

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

Ingredient List

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Cook pasta: Meanwhile, boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.

Step 05

Combine pasta and beef mixture: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir well to incorporate and heat through evenly.

Step 06

Serve with toppings: Plate the pasta mixture hot, topped 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 Notes

Review ingredients to spot any allergens and ask your healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese, sour cream) and wheat (pasta). May include soy and gluten depending on enchilada sauce brand.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Use this info as a reference only; it doesn’t replace health guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 550
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 31 g