This Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal is an easy and satisfying dish, combining the rich flavors of enchiladas with the comfort of cheesy pasta. The beef and spices bring a hearty warmth, while the melted cheese creates a creamy finish that’s simply irresistible.
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity – everything is cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze! Plus, it’s highly customizable; you can adjust the spice level or add vegetables to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this dish will surely become a weeknight favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add ground beef, cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, sauté for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then add pasta to the pan. Stir to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Cover the pan and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally.
- Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover the pan again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 500 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal is a crowd-pleasing recipe that combines the rich, bold flavors of traditional Mexican enchiladas with the comforting, hearty texture of pasta. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a flavorful, filling meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The concept of combining pasta with enchiladas might sound unconventional, but it’s a creative fusion that will change the way you think about both dishes. The creamy, cheesy pasta is enveloped in the tangy, spicy sauce that’s characteristic of enchiladas, creating a unique yet comforting meal. Best of all, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning you won’t be faced with a pile of dishes to clean afterward, making it the perfect solution for anyone who values both taste and convenience.
A Little Background on Enchiladas and Pasta
Enchiladas are a staple of Mexican cuisine, traditionally made with corn tortillas filled with a variety of meats, beans, cheese, and vegetables, then smothered in a flavorful chili-based sauce. The dish has a rich history, with roots going back to the Aztec civilization. The term “enchilada” is derived from the Spanish verb enchilar, which means “to season with chili,” and the dish has evolved over centuries into various regional versions, each with its own twist.
On the other hand, pasta is an Italian classic with an even longer history, dating back to ancient times. Pasta has become a worldwide favorite, prized for its versatility and ability to absorb the flavors of the sauces it is paired with. The idea of combining pasta with a bold, spicy enchilada sauce may be new to some, but it’s an exciting marriage of two beloved comfort foods.
Why This Recipe Is the Best
- Convenience: One of the standout features of this Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal is its simplicity. The recipe requires just one pan, reducing both prep time and cleanup time. This makes it a go-to choice for busy people or families who want a quick, tasty meal without a lot of effort.
- Speed: This dish comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it a perfect option for those who don’t want to spend all evening cooking. The cooking time is short, but the flavors are rich and satisfying, so you’ll feel like you’ve made something much more complex.
- Customization: Another fantastic benefit of this recipe is its versatility. You can customize the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Want to make it spicier? Add more chili powder or some jalapeños. Prefer a different type of cheese? Go ahead and swap in mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a dairy-free option. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to boost the nutritional content.
- Affordable Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday ingredients that are easily available at your local grocery store. Ground beef, pasta, enchilada sauce, and cheese are all affordable staples that most people already have in their kitchen, making this dish budget-friendly while still delivering a hearty and delicious meal.
- Family-Friendly: With its bold flavors and cheesy goodness, this one-pan pasta meal is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. The beef provides a good source of protein, while the pasta offers comfort and substance. The cheese adds that creamy texture that everyone loves, and the tangy enchilada sauce gives it a fun twist that sets it apart from typical pasta dishes.
- Balanced Meal: Although this recipe is rich and flavorful, it still offers a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and fats. Ground beef provides a hearty source of protein, while the pasta delivers satisfying carbohydrates. You can easily add some vegetables on the side or mix them in for added vitamins and fiber.
- Meal Prep Friendly: If you love meal prepping or cooking in advance, this recipe works great for that. You can make a large batch, store it in individual portions, and reheat it throughout the week. The dish will retain its flavors and texture, making it an excellent option for preparing lunches or dinners ahead of time.
Healthier Tweaks and Modifications
If you’re looking to make this recipe a little lighter, there are several ways you can adjust it without sacrificing flavor:
- Lean Ground Beef: Use lean or extra-lean ground beef to cut down on fat content. You can also substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: For an added health boost, swap regular pasta with whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber content and make the dish more filling.
- Dairy-Free Options: If you’re lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, you can easily substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese or vegan cheese shreds.
- Add More Veggies: To make this meal even healthier, consider adding vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the dish. You can either cook them along with the beef or toss them in after everything has simmered.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal is perfect for those who enjoy bold, flavorful food that is quick, easy, and satisfying. The fusion of two beloved dishes – enchiladas and pasta – creates a dish that’s unique yet familiar, with the richness of beef and cheese, complemented by the tangy kick of enchilada sauce. It’s a one-pan meal that not only delivers on taste but also offers the convenience that today’s busy lifestyle demands.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, hosting a gathering, or just looking for a hearty and quick meal for yourself, this Beef Enchilada Pasta is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. It’s filling, flavorful, and most importantly, easy to make – exactly what everyone needs after a long day.
Conclusion
The Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. By combining the bold, spicy flavors of enchiladas with the comforting texture of pasta, this dish delivers a unique twist on two beloved classics. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this one-pan recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Not only is it quick and simple, but it’s also customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs. From adding extra veggies to swapping in different cheeses, the possibilities are endless. Plus, with minimal cleanup required, you can enjoy a delicious, satisfying meal without the hassle of doing a mountain of dishes.
So, if you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family, the Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal is a must-try. It’s a dish that brings people together with its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture, making it the perfect choice for any occasion.
Enjoy this meal with loved ones, and let it become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!