Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

This comforting dish features lean ground beef cooked with onions and garlic, simmered in zesty enchilada sauce, then combined with al dente pasta. Melted cheddar cheese tops the skillet, adding rich creaminess. Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, or green onions for fresh flavor accents. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an effortless way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with a Mexican-inspired twist.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 16:51:00 GMT
Warm and cheesy Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal with melted cheddar and hearty beef. Save It
Warm and cheesy Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, a one-pot meal with melted cheddar and hearty beef. | sunnyspoonful.com

A mouthwatering fusion of classic enchilada flavors and comforting pasta, this one-pot dish features lean ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that pleases the whole family.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef:
  • 1 medium onion, diced:
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced:
  • 8 oz (225 g) penne or rotini pasta:
  • 1 cup (240 ml) enchilada sauce:
  • 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for serving, optional):
  • ½ cup (120 g) sour cream (for serving):
  • Chopped cilantro:
  • Sliced green onions:

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 5 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 4 minutes.
Step 3:
Pour in the enchilada sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 4:
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 5:
Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine and heat through for 1 2 minutes.
Step 6:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2 3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Step 7:
Serve immediately, topped with a dollop of sour cream and optional garnishes such as chopped cilantro or sliced green onions.
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A close-up of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, garnished with cilantro, a quick and family-friendly dinner. Save It
A close-up of Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta, garnished with cilantro, a quick and family-friendly dinner. | sunnyspoonful.com

Try using Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor. Pairs well with a crisp lager or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir.

Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta

Savory blend of beef, enchilada sauce, and cheddar with pasta, perfect for quick satisfying meals.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Duration
30 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Hearty Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style Mexican

Recipe Yield 4 Serving Size

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Meats

01 1 pound lean ground beef

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 1 medium onion, diced
02 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

01 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta

Sauces & Dairy

01 1 cup enchilada sauce
02 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
03 ½ cup sour cream (for serving)

Optional Garnishes

01 Chopped cilantro
02 Sliced green onions

Directions

Step 01

Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat as needed.

Step 02

Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 03

Simmer enchilada sauce: Pour enchilada sauce into the skillet, stir well, and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Combine pasta with beef mixture: Add cooked pasta to the beef and sauce mixture in the skillet. Stir thoroughly and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 06

Melt cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 07

Serve with garnishes: Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream and optional garnishes such as chopped cilantro and sliced green onions.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Colander

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (pasta) and milk (cheese, sour cream). Enchilada sauce may contain gluten or other allergens; verify ingredient labels if sensitivity is a concern.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 550
  • Fats: 28 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 46 grams
  • Proteins: 31 grams