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Beef Enchilada Pasta

Beef Enchilada Pasta
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Delicious Beef Enchilada Pasta combining seasoned ground beef, tangy enchilada sauce, melted cheese, and tender pasta noodles for a quick and satisfying one-pot meal that is family friendly and easily customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Meat

  • 1 lb ground beef

Sauce & Spices

  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (red, high quality)
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup green chilies or jalapeños (optional)

Cheese & Garnish

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until nicely browned. Drain any excess fat. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until fragrant and soft to build the savory base of the dish.
  2. Add Spices and Sauce: Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt evenly over the beef mixture. Stir in the enchilada sauce along with optional green chilies or jalapeños. Let it simmer so all the bold flavors blend together.
  3. Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente. Drain thoroughly. Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet with the beef and enchilada sauce mixture, ensuring all noodles are well coated.
  4. Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Allow the cheese to melt completely into a creamy, gooey topping without burning.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh cilantro on top. Serve warm for a flavorful and inviting meal.

Notes

  • Cook pasta slightly under al dente as it will continue cooking with the sauce, preventing mushiness.
  • Use a high-quality red enchilada sauce for the best flavor and color.
  • Drain excess beef fat to avoid greasy pasta and balanced flavors.
  • Melt cheese over low heat covered to ensure smooth creamy texture without burning.
  • Adjust spice level by adding or reducing jalapeños, chili powder, or green chilies according to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef enchilada pasta, easy dinner, one-pot meal, ground beef recipe, Mexican pasta, quick weeknight dinner

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