Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta (Printable)

Savory ground beef and enchilada sauce combined with pasta and melted cheddar for a quick dinner.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pasta

04 - 8 oz penne or rotini pasta

→ Sauces & Dairy

05 - 1 cup enchilada sauce
06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
07 - ½ cup sour cream (for serving)

→ Optional Garnishes

08 - Chopped cilantro
09 - Sliced green onions

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned, 5 to 7 minutes, then drain excess fat if needed.
02 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion becomes translucent, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Stir in enchilada sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
04 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
05 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet with beef mixture, stirring well to combine and warming for 1 to 2 minutes.
06 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the mixture, cover the skillet, and let stand for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted.
07 - Plate immediately topped with a dollop of sour cream and optional chopped cilantro or sliced green onions.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick weeknight meal
  • Family favorite with classic flavors
02 -
  • For a spicier dish, use a hot enchilada sauce or add diced jalapeños
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
03 -
  • Drain excess fat from beef to keep dish from being greasy
  • Add cheese towards the end to achieve perfect melty texture
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