Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

Featured in: Family Dinner Plates

This comforting dish combines lean ground beef with savory enchilada sauce and perfectly cooked penne or rotini pasta. In a single skillet, beef is browned then simmered with onions, garlic, and flavorful sauce. The al dente pasta is then mixed in and topped with shredded cheddar and a dollop of sour cream. Ideal for a quick, satisfying dinner, it offers rich tastes with minimal prep and cleanup.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:11:00 GMT
Savory Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal with melted cheddar on top. Pin It
Savory Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal with melted cheddar on top. | sweetbatata.com

A quick and flavorful fusion of classic enchilada flavors with comforting pasta, this one-pot dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Lean ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheddar cheese come together for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

  • Protein & Dairy: 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
  • Protein & Dairy: 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • Protein & Dairy: ½ cup (120 g) sour cream (for serving)
  • Pasta: 8 oz (225 g) penne or rotini pasta
  • Vegetables: 1 medium onion, diced
  • Vegetables: 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) enchilada sauce

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Instructions

Step 1:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5 7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 2:
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onions are translucent, about 3 4 minutes.
Step 3:
Stir in the enchilada sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 4:
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
Step 5:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 6:
Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Pin It
| sweetbatata.com

A comforting bowl of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, hot and ready for a weeknight dinner. Pin It
A comforting bowl of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, hot and ready for a weeknight dinner. | sweetbatata.com

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of pasta works best?

Penne or rotini hold sauce well and maintain texture when combined with beef and enchilada sauce.

→ Can I add extra spices for more flavor?

Yes, adding ground cumin and chili powder with the onions enhances the depth and warmth of the dish.

→ How do I ensure the pasta cooks perfectly?

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain well before adding to the skillet to avoid sogginess.

→ Is it possible to swap beef for other proteins?

Ground chicken or turkey are great alternatives for a lighter variation without sacrificing taste.

→ What toppings complement this dish?

Shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream add creaminess, while cilantro or jalapeños provide fresh and spicy notes.

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Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

A zesty blend of beef, enchilada sauce, and pasta cooked in one skillet for a tasty meal.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
20 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created by Nora James


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

Cooking Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water following package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.

Step 05

Combine pasta and meat sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce and stir until evenly combined and heated through.

Step 06

Serve: Plate portions hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Notice

Check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
  • Contains milk (cheddar cheese, sour cream) and wheat (pasta).
  • May contain soy and gluten depending on enchilada sauce brand.

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Sweetbatata only offers this for informational use. Please don't treat it as personalized medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 550
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Proteins: 31 g

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