The Best Enchilada Pasta Recipe: Fiesta Flavors in Every Bite

Creamy enchilada pasta brings a zesty twist to your weeknight dinner routine that promises delightful comfort.

Southwestern flavors dance across each delectable bite, blending traditional Mexican inspiration with classic pasta appeal.

Cheese melts into rich, spicy sauce, creating a meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Minimal ingredients guarantee quick preparation without sacrificing intense taste experiences.

Protein-packed and incredibly simple, this recipe welcomes busy home cooks seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Fragrant spices and smooth textures guarantee a crowd-pleasing dish everyone will request again.

One forkful and you’ll understand why this fusion recipe has become an instant favorite.

What Makes Enchilada Pasta So Flavorful

• Savor Homemade Comfort: Ground beef empanadas bring delicious satisfaction right to your kitchen.
• Quick Family Favorite: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe perfect for busy households.
• Versatile Meal Solution: These handheld treats work wonderfully as appetizers, lunch, dinner, or party snacks that everyone will love.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adjust spices, add different fillings, or experiment with vegetarian alternatives to match your taste preferences.

Enchilada Pasta Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the pasta dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a deep, savory base for the enchilada pasta.
• Black Beans: A protein-packed legume that adds creamy texture and extra nutritional value.
• Tomatoes: Contribute a bright, tangy element and help create the sauce’s robust foundation.

• Enchilada Sauce: Brings authentic Mexican-inspired flavor and gives the pasta its signature taste.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create a moist cooking environment and enhances the overall savoriness.
• Chili Powder, Cumin: Warm spices that provide depth and traditional Mexican-style seasoning.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all other flavors.
• Pasta: The main carbohydrate that serves as the hearty base of the dish.
• Cheese: Melts into a creamy coating that adds richness and binding texture.
• Fresh Cilantro: A bright, fresh herb used as a garnish for added flavor and color.

Step-by-Step for Enchilada Pasta

Step 1: Brown The Ground Beef

Sizzle the ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat until it transforms into a rich, caramelized brown color. Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep your dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Veggies

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften in the pot, releasing their mouthwatering fragrance and adding depth to the dish.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Enchilada sauce
• Chicken broth
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together to create a vibrant, zesty sauce that will make your taste buds sing with excitement.

Step 4: Cook Pasta To Perfection

Drop the pasta into the bubbling sauce and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, allowing the pasta to become tender and absorb all the incredible flavors.

Step 5: Melt In The Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in your favorite cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a creamy, luxurious texture that coats every single pasta piece.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Scatter fresh cilantro on top for a burst of bright, herbal freshness. Serve the enchilada pasta piping hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

Expert Tips for Enchilada Pasta Success

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner protein option.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Choose low-sodium broth and enchilada sauce to control salt content for heart-healthy meals.
• Enhance flavor by adding a splash of lime juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to cut down cooking time and make weeknight dinner preparation smoother.

New Flavor Ideas for Enchilada Pasta

• Southwest Chicken Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option. Add bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
• Vegetarian Fiesta: Substitute beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans. Include additional vegetables like zucchini and corn for hearty texture.
• Spicy Green Chile Version: Incorporate roasted green chiles and swap regular enchilada sauce with green chile sauce. Sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top for extra heat.
• One-Pan Mediterranean Fusion: Use ground lamb instead of beef. Add oregano, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Replace traditional spices with Mediterranean herbs for a global flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Enchilada Pasta

• Fiesta Family Dinner Night: Gather loved ones around this hearty one-pot meal that combines classic Mexican flavors with comforting pasta. Top with extra shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a crowd-pleasing feast.
• Southwest Taco Twist: Transform leftovers into crispy enchilada pasta quesadillas by spreading the mixture between tortillas and grilling until golden. Serve with fresh salsa and guacamole for a quick lunch or game day snack.
• Meal Prep Champion: Package cooled pasta in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week. Pair with a small side salad or cornbread for a complete, satisfying meal that reheats perfectly in the microwave.

How to Store Enchilada Pasta Properly

• Store leftover enchilada pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed pasta in a microwave, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

The heat level depends on your enchilada sauce and chili powder. You can control spiciness by choosing mild sauce or reducing chili powder amount for a milder version.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans like black beans, kidney beans, or lentils for protein.

• What kind of pasta works best?

Shorter pasta like rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni hold sauce well and mix easily with other ingredients in this one-pot recipe.

• Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

No, the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing flavors and creating a creamy, rich texture without needing separate boiling.

Enchilada Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty enchilada pasta brings Mexican-inspired comfort to dinner tables with rich, spicy flavors. Cheesy layers and hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles (10 oz)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, thoroughly draining accumulated fat to ensure a clean, lean base.
2. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
3. Pour in enchilada sauce, chicken broth, and introduce black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to create a robust, flavor-packed mixture.
4. Incorporate pasta into the liquid, bringing the entire concoction to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, cover, and allow to simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
5. Gently stir the pasta periodically, ensuring even cooking and preventing any potential sticking or burning.
6. Once pasta reaches al dente consistency, fold in shredded cheese until completely melted, creating a smooth, creamy texture throughout the dish.
7. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the top for a vibrant, herbaceous finish that adds brightness and complexity to the final presentation.
8. Serve immediately while hot, allowing diners to enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this Mexican-inspired pasta creation.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing chili powder and cumin to match personal heat preferences.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg