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Beef Enchilada Pasta

Beef Enchilada Pasta
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Beef Enchilada Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and comforting one-pot meal that combines the bold, spicy zest of Mexican enchiladas with the creamy texture of pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this hearty dish features savory ground beef, tangy enchilada sauce, tender rotini pasta, black beans, green chilies, and a melty cheese blend, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners with customizable spice levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Base

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
  • 8 oz rotini pasta

Aromatics and Flavorings

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Beef and Aromatics: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Once the beef starts to brown, add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Add Spices and Sauce: Sprinkle in chili powder and cumin, stirring to coat the beef mixture evenly. Pour in the enchilada sauce and stir in the black beans and green chilies. Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  3. Cook the Pasta: While the beef mixture simmers, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Combine and Melt Cheese: Stir the cooked pasta into the beef and sauce mixture in the skillet. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top, cover the pan, and let the residual heat melt the cheese to gooey perfection.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese is melted, gently toss the pasta, plate it, and garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh spices for more vibrant flavor by grinding chili powder and cumin yourself or buying high-quality blends.
  • Cook pasta just al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.
  • Let the beef and sauce simmer to develop richer taste before mixing with pasta.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or queso fresco for varied flavors and textures.
  • Save some cheese for topping before serving to create an irresistible golden crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef enchilada pasta, Mexican pasta recipe, quick dinner, one-pot meals, cheesy pasta, family-friendly dinner

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/beef-enchilada-pasta/