Easy Beef Enchilada Pasta (Printable Version)

One-pot flavorful dish combining ground beef, enchilada sauce, pasta, and melted cheddar cheese.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
02 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until onion becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
03 - Pour enchilada sauce into the skillet, stir to combine, and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
04 - Prepare pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
05 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet with beef and sauce, stirring thoroughly to combine and heating through for 1 to 2 minutes.
06 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, cover the skillet, and allow it to sit for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese is melted.
07 - Plate immediately and add a dollop of sour cream along with optional chopped cilantro and sliced green onions.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One pot meal
  • Quick and satisfying dinner
02 -
  • Using lean ground beef reduces excess fat in the dish.
  • For a spicier version, add jalapeños or use hot enchilada sauce.
03 -
  • Drain excess fat after browning beef to avoid greasy pasta.
  • Cover the skillet after adding cheese to melt it perfectly.
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