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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, thoroughly draining accumulated fat to ensure a clean, lean base.
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently stir the pasta periodically, ensuring even cooking and preventing any potential sticking or burning.
- Once pasta reaches al dente consistency, fold in shredded cheese until completely melted, creating a smooth, creamy texture throughout the dish.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro across the top for a vibrant, herbaceous finish that adds brightness and complexity to the final presentation.
- 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