Description
This One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Ground beef, taco seasoning, and enchilada sauce combine with pasta in one pot for a simple yet delicious meal topped with melted cheddar jack cheese.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85-88% lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 2 1/4 cups dry rotini pasta
- 2 cups water
- 20 ounces red enchilada sauce (2 cans, 10 ounces each)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese (about 8 ounces)
Instructions
- Cook the beef and onion: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef and diced onion, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant, ensuring the seasoning is well incorporated.
- Add pasta, water, and enchilada sauce: Pour in the dry rotini pasta, water, and red enchilada sauce. Stir to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer until pasta is tender: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar jack cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately for a cheesy, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85-88%) for the best balance of flavor and fat.
- Feel free to substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne or elbow macaroni.
- To make it spicier, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the taco seasoning.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 594 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1672 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 121 mg
