Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal

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When the craving for something cheesy, hearty, and packed with bold flavor hits, Beef Enchilada Pasta delivers on all fronts. This one-pan wonder marries the comforting richness of a beef enchilada with the convenience of pasta, wrapped up in a dish that’s both weeknight-simple and crowd-pleasing. Melty cheese blankets a robust mix of taco-seasoned ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and tender pasta, making every bite pure comfort.

Perfect for feeding a hungry family or reheating as lunch the next day, this dish doesn’t skimp on flavor or ease. It’s the kind of meal you’ll return to on busy nights, knowing it requires minimal cleanup but brings maximum satisfaction. With just one skillet and everyday ingredients, Beef Enchilada Pasta turns humble pantry staples into something special.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best in Beef Enchilada Pasta?

Short-cut pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold up well and cling to the sauce. Penne is often preferred because its tubular shape traps bits of beef and sauce inside, delivering a flavor punch with each bite. You want a pasta that complements, not overpowers, the hearty textures.

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Ingredients for the Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal

Ground Beef
Provides the rich, meaty base of the dish. Opt for lean ground beef to reduce grease without sacrificing taste.

Enchilada Sauce
The star of the flavor profile. Choose a medium or mild red enchilada sauce depending on your spice tolerance.

Pasta (Penne)
Cooks right in the skillet, soaking up all the savory flavors.

Cheddar Cheese
Melted over the top, it gives the pasta a creamy, gooey finish that ties everything together.

Green Onions and Cilantro
Fresh herbs add brightness and contrast against the rich sauce and cheese.

Taco Seasoning
This blend of spices boosts the beef and enriches the sauce with southwestern flair.

Beef Broth or Water
Used to cook the pasta in the same pan while infusing it with added depth.

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How To Make the Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, and drain any excess fat once no pink remains.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the browned beef and stir well to coat every morsel. This step lays the foundation for the enchilada-inspired flavor.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Liquid

Pour in the enchilada sauce and beef broth (or water). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This creates the saucy base in which the pasta will cook.

Step 4: Stir in the Pasta

Add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the skillet. Make sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese melts into a gooey layer.

Step 6: Finish with Garnishes

Remove from heat and scatter chopped green onions and fresh cilantro over the melted cheese. Serve hot, right from the skillet, for the best flavor and comfort.

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Serving and Storing Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal

This dish is best served hot and straight from the skillet. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some buttery cornbread for a well-rounded dinner. If you’re entertaining, scoop it into individual bowls and garnish with extra cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for flair.

For leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. This pasta also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or even ground chicken makes a lighter version while still offering great flavor.

Is it okay to use store-bought enchilada sauce?

Yes, store-bought sauce is a great shortcut. Just choose one with a flavor you enjoy, whether it’s mild, medium, or spicy.

What other pasta shapes can I use?

Rotini, rigatoni, or shells also work well. Just ensure they cook evenly and hold the sauce nicely.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Swap the beef for black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavors still shine through beautifully.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while cooking?

Stir occasionally and keep it simmering gently. Make sure there’s enough liquid to cover the pasta during the first few minutes of cooking.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini are delicious additions. Stir them in with the pasta to cook together.

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Want More One Pan Dinner Ideas?

You might also like the Pepperoni Pizza Casserole, a comforting twist on a family favorite that’s as easy as it is cheesy. Or try the Sloppy Joe Casserole if you’re after bold, saucy flavors that kids and adults alike will love.

For more meaty pasta combos, the One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta is loaded with richness and spice, and the Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole adds a vegetable-forward creamy element to your one-dish dinners. If you’re craving heat and layers of flavor, the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta is another knockout.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for busy weeknights. Just click the Pin button.

If you give it a try, I’d love to know how it turned out. Did you add corn? Go with spicy enchilada sauce? Drop your tweaks and tips in the comments below. It’s always exciting to see how this one-pan favorite evolves in different kitchens.

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