Description
This One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta is a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner combining lean ground beef, savory enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, and rotini pasta, all cooked together in a single skillet for a comforting and cheesy Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef (85-88% lean)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Sauces
- 1 (1 ounce) packet of taco seasoning
- 20 ounces red enchilada sauce (2 x 10 ounce cans)
Pasta and Dairy
- 2 1/4 cups dry rotini pasta
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese (about 8 ounces)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook beef and onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Add 1 pound of lean ground beef and 1 diced medium yellow onion. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is softened. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat.
- Add garlic and taco seasoning: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 packet (1 ounce) of taco seasoning. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant, ensuring the seasoning is well combined with the beef and aromatics.
- Add pasta, water, and enchilada sauce: Pour in 2 1/4 cups of dry rotini pasta, 2 cups of water, and 20 ounces of red enchilada sauce (two 10-ounce cans). Mix well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil on medium-high heat.
- Simmer until pasta is tender: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed by the pasta and meat mixture.
- Stir in cheese and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar jack cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Serve warm for a cheesy, hearty meal.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner packed with classic Mexican flavors.
- Using lean ground beef keeps the dish lighter while still rich and satisfying.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra taco seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- Feel free to substitute the rotini pasta with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- For a vegetarian alternative, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of water.
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: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 121 mg
