Enchilada Pasta - Family-friendly Mexican Dinner Idea
Some dinners just get it. They show up on a busy weeknight, solve everyone’s hunger crisis, and somehow don’t leave your kitchen looking like a crime scene. Enchilada Pasta is that dinner. It’s cheesy, beefy, saucy, and cooks all in one pot—aka the holy grail of weeknight meals. Dinner magic? Pretty much.
This is the kind of Mexican Pasta Dinner that feels cozy and exciting at the same time. You’ve got pasta soaking up bold enchilada sauce, ground beef bringing the comfort, and plenty of melty cheese tying it all together. Think Taco Pasta With Enchilada Sauce vibes, but easier and way more weeknight-appropriate. Who has time for complicated steps on a Tuesday?
What really makes this a standout is how fast it comes together. From pan to plate in under 30 minutes, no weird techniques required. Seriously, once you learn How To Make Enchilada Pasta, it’ll be on repeat. IMO, it’s right up there with other comfort favorites like Creamy Sausage Rotel Pasta—but with fewer dishes and zero regret.
It’s also wildly flexible, which is why it earns a top spot on the list of Family-friendly Pasta Dinner Ideas. Swap beef for turkey. Use chicken broth instead of beef broth. Feeling extra? Turn it into a Creamy Enchilada Pasta with a little cream cheese stirred in. Want a baked version? Boom—Enchilada Pasta Casserole. Leftovers don’t stand a chance anyway.
Add corn, olives, or tomatoes if that’s your thing. Top it with cilantro…or don’t. This is your kitchen, your rules. At its core, this Beef Enchilada Pasta is bold, comforting, and low-effort in the best way possible. Easy Enchilada Pasta that everyone actually wants to eat? Yeah, that’s a win—no argument needed.
Enchilada Pasta - Family-friendly Mexican Dinner Idea
This one-pot enchilada pasta delivers big, bold flavor with very little effort. Pasta simmers directly in rich enchilada sauce alongside seasoned ground beef, creating a cheesy, satisfying dinner that’s fast to make and even faster to clean up.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 pound ground beef (ground turkey works great as a swap)
- 3 teaspoons taco seasoning, or a blend of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder
- 20 ounces enchilada sauce (a 19-ounce can is totally fine)
- 2 cups beef broth (chicken broth can be used instead)
- 8 ounces dry rotini pasta (or another short pasta shape)
- 1½ cups shredded cheese such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or cheddar
Optional Add-Ins & Toppings
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup corn, thawed if frozen
- Sliced green onions
- Diced fresh tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns, until fully cooked with no pink remaining.
- Sprinkle in the taco seasoning (or spice blend) and stir well. Let it cook for about 1 minute so the spices bloom and coat the meat evenly.
- Pour in the enchilada sauce and broth, then add the dry pasta. Stir everything together, cover the pan, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the pasta brand.
- If using cream cheese, corn, or sour cream, stir them in during the final 2 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Fold in any additional mix-ins if desired.
- Finish with your favorite toppings and serve hot.
Post a Comment for "Enchilada Pasta - Family-friendly Mexican Dinner Idea"