Flavorful Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal Recipe

Recipe By:
Jennifer Shear
Updated:

When it comes to mouthwatering meals, few dishes hit the mark quite like a Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal. Imagine a steaming plate of pasta mingling with zesty beef, enveloped in a blanket of cheesy goodness, and topped with vibrant cilantro. It’s like a fiesta for your taste buds! This delightful concoction is not just food; it’s an experience that brings the whole family together with its incredible flavors and aromas.

You might be wondering, what’s the secret to this culinary masterpiece? Well, let me take you back to that one rainy Tuesday evening when I stumbled into the kitchen, half-heartedly searching for something to whip up. My pantry was practically begging for help, and that’s when inspiration struck! A medley of ingredients combined into this delicious Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal that would change my dinner game forever. Trust me; you’ll want to save this recipe for cozy family nights or any time you’re craving comfort food!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal is all about simplicity and flavor while minimizing cleanup.
  • You can easily adjust spice levels to suit your taste buds.
  • The vibrant colors make it visually appealing and perfect for impressing guests.
  • Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish can be made in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Fusilli Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta holds sauce perfectly and adds a fun texture to the dish.
  • Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for the best flavor without excess grease. It browns beautifully!
  • Enchilada Sauce: Opt for your favorite store-bought brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous; it adds that signature kick.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese melts beautifully on top, creating a heavenly cheesy layer.
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness and freshness to finish off your dish.

For the Toppings:

  • Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices perfectly.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes give a pop of color and freshness on top of your meal.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal

How to Make Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown about one pound of ground beef until no longer pink. As you stir, let those juicy bits get all nice and caramelized—this is where the flavor magic happens!

Step 2: Add the Sauce

Pour in your favorite enchilada sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir well so every bit of beef gets enveloped in that spicy goodness!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Add two cups of fusilli pasta along with enough water (or broth) to cover everything by about an inch. Bring it all to a boil; then reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer until the pasta is al dente—about eight minutes.

Step 4: Mix in Cheese

Once your pasta is cooked just right, sprinkle in two cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is gooey and delightful—this part feels like a warm hug!

Step 5: Final Touches

Stir in chopped fresh cilantro right before serving—this will add freshness that dances on your taste buds.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Plate up generous portions topped with sour cream and diced tomatoes for added flair! Your family will be begging for seconds.

Now grab those plates and dig into your flavorful Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal—a dish that’ll have everyone asking for more than just one helping!

You Must Know

  • This Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal is not just a culinary delight; it also saves you from doing countless dishes.
  • With a medley of flavors, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and guarantees satisfaction for the whole family.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the beef in your one pan, letting those savory aromas fill the kitchen. Next, toss in your pasta and sauce simultaneously, letting them mingle perfectly as they cook together for the ultimate flavor blend.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or plant-based meat if you’re feeling adventurous. Add some black beans or corn for extra texture, and sprinkle cheese on top before serving to make it extra cheesy!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist and delicious.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always season your beef well before browning to maximize flavor.
  • Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
  • For added creaminess, mix in some sour cream just before serving.

Cooking this Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal brings back memories of cozy family dinners where everyone gathered around, sharing laughs and second helpings like there was no tomorrow.

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal?

To make a delicious Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal, you’ll need ground beef, pasta, enchilada sauce, bell peppers, onions, and cheese. You can also add black beans or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. Choose your preferred type of pasta, such as penne or rotini, to complement the dish. Fresh cilantro and lime juice can enhance the flavors even more. Having everything prepped in advance makes cooking this meal quick and easy.

How long does it take to prepare Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal?

Preparing Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal is quite efficient. The entire process typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes from start to finish. This includes browning the beef, sautéing the vegetables, cooking the pasta, and combining everything with enchilada sauce. Since it’s a one-pan meal, cleanup is minimal, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or quick family dinners.

Can I make Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal ahead of time. To do this, cook the ingredients without adding cheese until you’re ready to serve. Store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove and add cheese just before serving for that gooey texture everyone loves.

Is Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal is a hit with kids due to its cheesy goodness and familiar flavors. You can adjust the spice levels by choosing a mild enchilada sauce if your kids prefer less heat. Adding colorful veggies like bell peppers can also entice children to try new ingredients while enjoying their meal. This dish is nutritious and satisfying for all ages.

Conclusion for Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal:

Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for busy nights. With ground beef, pasta, and a rich enchilada sauce, this meal satisfies both taste buds and hunger pangs. It’s easy to customize with additional ingredients like beans or vegetables while remaining kid-friendly. Plus, its one-pan nature ensures quick cleanup after dinner. Enjoy this delightful recipe that combines comfort food with convenience!

Print

Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal

Beef Enchilada Pasta One-Pan Meal is a delightful fusion of savory ground beef, tender fusilli pasta, and zesty enchilada sauce, all cooked harmoniously in one skillet. Topped with gooey cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, this family-friendly dish is not only comforting but also quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz fusilli pasta
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef until browned; season with salt and pepper.
  2. Stir in the enchilada sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add fusilli pasta along with enough water to cover by an inch; boil then reduce heat to simmer until al dente (about 8 minutes).
  4. Mix in the cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
  5. Stir in chopped cilantro just before serving.
  6. Serve hot with optional sour cream and diced tomatoes on top.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: - For extra flavor, consider adding black beans or corn. - Substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option. - Adjust spice levels by choosing mild or spicy enchilada sauce.

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