Description
Creamy “enchilada pasta” combines zesty Mexican flavors with comforting pasta for a hearty dinner sensation. Cheese-laden noodles draped in rich sauce deliver a delightful meal that satisfies deep cravings with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces dry rotini pasta
- 20 fluid ounces (591 milliliters) enchilada sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups monterey jack cheese
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 teaspoons taco seasoning
Instructions
- Create a flavorful one-pan meal combining hearty pasta with classic enchilada flavors in a quick and easy preparation.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, preparing the foundation for a robust dish.
- Gently sauté diced onions until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces while cooking until completely browned and no pink remains.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning across the meat, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spices and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Pour enchilada sauce and broth into the skillet, then add uncooked pasta, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated.
- Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing the liquids to activate the pasta’s cooking process.
- Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, letting the pasta absorb the rich, spicy liquid while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
- During the final two minutes of cooking, incorporate corn, sour cream, or cream cheese for added creaminess and texture.
- Remove from heat and fold in shredded cheese until completely melted and evenly distributed.
- Top with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, green onions, or additional cheese to elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- Serve immediately while the pasta remains hot and the cheese is delightfully melted.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting the type and amount of chili powder or adding jalapeños for extra spice.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences.
- Ensure pasta doesn’t stick by stirring occasionally and checking liquid levels during cooking.
- For a creamier texture, blend in cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein and richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg