Enchilada Pasta: Your New One-Pot Weeknight Wonder!
Let’s face it: we all love the incredible, bold flavors of classic beef enchiladas. That savory meat, the rich sauce, the gooey cheese – it’s pure comfort food bliss. But sometimes, on a busy weeknight, the thought of rolling individual tortillas can feel like an extra step too far. What if we told you there’s a way to get all that amazing enchilada flavor, with less mess and in just one pot?
Enter Enchilada Pasta.
This dish is a game-changer. It takes everything you adore about traditional beef enchiladas – the seasoned ground beef, the vibrant red sauce, the generous blanket of melted cheese – and transforms it into a hearty, one-pot pasta dish. Imagine tender pasta soaking up all those incredible, spicy-savory notes, mingling with perfectly cooked ground beef, all topped with a luscious layer of cheese. It’s comforting, incredibly flavorful, and unbelievably easy to clean up.
This isn’t just a quick meal; it’s a smart meal. It’s perfect for those evenings when time is short but you refuse to compromise on taste. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to become a regular in your weeknight rotation. Get ready to experience the magic of enchiladas, without the fuss!
Ingredients (Serves 4–6):
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning OR 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (or a Tex-Mex blend), divided
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for extra meltiness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado
Equipment:
- Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven with a lid (at least 10-12 inches)
Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics & Brown Beef:
- Heat the olive oil in your large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink.
- Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Season & Simmer:
- Stir in the taco seasoning (or your homemade spice blend: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper). Cook for 1 minute, stirring, to toast the spices.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, red enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef broth. Stir everything well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a strong simmer.
3. Add Pasta & Cook:
- Add the uncooked pasta to the simmering sauce. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Cheese & Serve:
- Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Stir in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese (and Monterey Jack, if using) until melted and incorporated.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese generously over the top of the pasta.
- Cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese on top is completely melted and gooey.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, if needed.
5. Garnish & Enjoy:
- Serve hot, straight from the pot!
- Offer optional toppings like a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or sliced green onions for an extra burst of freshness and flavor.
This Enchilada Pasta is a true triumph of convenience and flavor. It delivers all the hearty, spicy, and cheesy satisfaction of your favorite Mexican dish, all from a single pot. Say goodbye to piles of dishes and hello to more time enjoying your delicious meal!