Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

Featured in: Quick Everyday Dinners

This dish brings together lean ground beef and zesty enchilada sauce, creating a bold, comforting flavor that coats tender pasta. Sautéed onions and garlic deepen the taste, while shredded cheddar adds a creamy finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want a filling, vibrant meal that pleases the whole table.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 21:22:47 GMT
A close-up of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, brimming with melted cheese and zesty sauce. Save
A close-up of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, brimming with melted cheese and zesty sauce. | tastlis.com

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta offers a delightful fusion of bold Mexican flavors with the comforting texture of pasta, all cooked in one pot for simple, satisfying weeknight meals. Lean ground beef mingles with zesty enchilada sauce and melted cheddar cheese, creating a dish that pleases the whole family with minimal effort and maximum taste.

A close-up of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, brimming with melted cheese and zesty sauce. Save
A close-up of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, brimming with melted cheese and zesty sauce. | tastlis.com

This recipe blends familiar Mexican spices with tender pasta to satisfy your craving for a hearty, home-cooked meal without hours in the kitchen. It's an inviting, crowd-pleasing option that brings warmth and flavor to any dinner table.

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 the 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 Sie 1 Teelöffel gemahlenen Kreuzkümmel und ½ Teelöffel Chili-Pulver mit den Zwiebeln anbraten. Verwenden Sie bei Bedarf Vollkorn- oder glutenfreie Pasta für eine alternative Variante.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Sie können das Rinderhackfleisch durch Hähnchen- oder Putenhackfleisch ersetzen, um eine leichtere Version zu erhalten. Außerdem lässt sich das Gericht durch das Garnieren mit frischem Koriander oder in Scheiben geschnittenen Jalapeños individuell anpassen.

Serviervorschläge

Servieren Sie die Enchilada-Pasta heiß, verfeinert mit einer großzügigen Portion geriebenem Cheddar und einem Klecks saurer Sahne. Ergänzen Sie das Gericht mit einem frischen Salat oder gedünstetem Gemüse für eine komplette Mahlzeit.

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| tastlis.com

This hearty and flavorful pasta dish makes for an easy, satisfying dinner that brings everyone together. Its quick prep and comforting taste ensure it becomes a staple in your recipe rotation.

Recipe FAQs

What type of beef is best for this dish?

Lean ground beef works best, as it browns quickly and blends well with the sauce without excess fat.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, penne or rotini are ideal for holding the sauce, but other short pasta shapes work well too.

How can I add more spice to the dish?

Mix in ground cumin and chili powder during the sauté for a deeper, spicier flavor profile.

Is sour cream essential for serving?

Sour cream adds creaminess and balances the sauce’s tang; however, it can be omitted or replaced with yogurt if desired.

Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?

Yes, ground chicken or turkey provide lighter alternatives while maintaining a similar texture and flavor base.

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

One-pot pasta with ground beef, enchilada sauce, and melty cheddar for a fast and tasty dinner.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
20 min
Overall Time
30 min
Author Lena Foster


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mexican

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary details None specified

What You'll Need

Protein & Dairy

01 1 lb lean ground beef
02 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 ½ 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

Instruction 01

Brown the beef: Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

Instruction 02

Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the onions become translucent, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

Instruction 03

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

Instruction 04

Cook pasta: Prepare pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.

Instruction 05

Combine pasta and beef mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture, stirring to combine and heat through evenly.

Instruction 06

Serve with toppings: Plate the dish hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Colander

Allergy Notes

Review each component for possible allergens. If you aren't sure, ask a health pro.
  • Contains milk (cheese, sour cream) and wheat (pasta)
  • May contain soy depending on enchilada sauce used
  • Contains gluten in pasta and sauce

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This nutrition data is just for your information—always check with a healthcare provider if needed.
  • Energy: 550
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 31 g