Description

Enchilada Pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that combines the rich, bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comfort and heartiness of Italian pasta. This one-pot meal features seasoned ground beef (or turkey), tender pasta cooked in a tangy enchilada sauce, and a generous helping of melted cheese. It’s topped with fresh garnishes like green onions, tomatoes, and black olives, creating a visually appealing and flavor-packed dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, Enchilada Pasta is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup yellow onion diced
1 pound ground beef* ground turkey can also be used
3 teaspoons taco seasoning or an equal combination of cumin powder, chili powder and garlic powder
20 ounces enchilada sauce if you have a 19 ounce can, that will work fine
2 cups beef broth chicken broth can also be used
8 ounces dry (uncooked) rotini pasta other similar shapes can be used
1 1/2 cups monterey jack, colby or cheddar cheese

Optional Ingredients

2 ounces cream cheese cut into 1″ cubes
1 cup corn thawed if using frozen
green onions for topping
fresh diced tomatoes for topping
black olives for topping
sour cream for topping
cilantro for topping

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or dutch oven over medium.
Add the onions and saute for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink, breaking up the beef with a spoon as it cooks.
Add the taco seasoning (or garlic powder, chili powder and cumin) to the pan, stir well and cook for an additional minute.
Add the enchilada sauce, broth and dry pasta and stir to combine. Cover the pan and bring to a boil.
Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the cooking liquid. Different brands of pasta will have different cook times.
If adding sour cream, cream cheese or corn, stir in just before the last 2 minutes of cook time.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese. Add in any optional mix ins.
Garnish as desired and serve.

Notes

This recipe is highly versatile and can be easily customized to suit different dietary preferences or available ingredients. Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based protein for a lighter or vegetarian option. You can also adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of chili powder or using a milder enchilada sauce. If you prefer a gluten-free version, simply swap the pasta with a gluten-free alternative. For added creaminess, stir in some sour cream or cream cheese at the end, and don’t forget to top it with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream.