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Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal

Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal
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This Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal combines the bold, smoky flavors of classic enchiladas with the comforting heartiness of pasta. Ground beef, enchilada sauce, tender pasta, diced tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese come together quickly in one pan, making it a convenient, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner option perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Dairy

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Optional: 1-2 tablespoons chopped green chilies or sliced jalapeños

Liquids and Sauces

  • 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups beef broth or water

Dry Ingredients and Spices

  • 8 ounces uncooked short pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef and aromatics: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it up with a spoon. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté until softened and fragrant, building a flavorful base for your pasta.
  2. Add spices and liquids: Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat the beef evenly. Pour in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth or water. Stir everything well so the sauce begins to bubble with delicious aromas.
  3. Stir in uncooked pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pan, making sure it is submerged in the sauce and liquid mixture. This allows the pasta to absorb all the spicy, tangy flavors as it cooks.
  4. Simmer until pasta is tender: Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. After about 12 to 15 minutes, the pasta will be tender and fully infused with enchilada flavors.
  5. Add cheese and finish cooking: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan again and allow the cheese to melt into gooey perfection. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions or jalapeños if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
  • Do not rush the simmering process; allowing pasta to cook slowly absorbs all flavors.
  • Reserve some cheese to add after cooking for extra gooeyness on top.
  • If the sauce appears too thick during cooking, add small amounts of broth or water to maintain moisture.
  • Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions add a refreshing brightness to the rich dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef enchilada pasta, one-pan meal, enchilada pasta, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, Mexican-inspired pasta

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/beef-enchilada-pasta-one-pan-meal/