This Enchilada Pasta is a fun, tasty twist on traditional enchiladas. With cheesy pasta and a zesty sauce, it’s like a party in a bowl!
I love how it comes together quickly, perfect for busy nights. Plus, you can top it with your favorite things—avocado, sour cream, and cilantro make it extra special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is perfect for this dish, catching all that yummy sauce. If you don’t have rotini, any shape like penne or fusilli works great too!
Ground Meat: I usually use ground beef for its flavor, but ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative works well. Vegetable options are also tasty!
Enchilada Sauce: The heart of this dish! You can use canned sauce for convenience or make your own if time allows. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, green enchilada sauce works too.
Cheese: I love a Mexican cheese blend for that perfect melt. If you’re dairy-free, try cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!
How Do I Get the Ground Meat Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking the meat correctly keeps the dish flavorful without it being greasy. Here’s my process:
- Heat the skillet to medium heat before adding olive oil.
- Add the diced onions—these add sweetness as they cook.
- Once the onions are soft, add the garlic just before the meat to prevent burning.
- When adding ground beef (or turkey), break it into smaller pieces. Cook until browned all over and no pink remains. Drain excess fat afterwards.
Getting this step right will enhance the overall taste and texture of your Enchilada Pasta! Enjoy!
Enchilada Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces rotini or spiral pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (red)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the pasta, while the rest is all about cooking the meat and mixing everything together. A quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini (or whichever pasta you chose) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and soft, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This combination really adds a lovely base flavor to your dish!
3. Brown the Meat:
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook it while breaking it up with a spoon until it’s browned and fully cooked. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Season the meat generously with salt and pepper.
4. Mix in Spices and Sauces:
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix everything together well. Then, add the enchilada sauce and drained diced tomatoes. Stir again, and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to let all the flavors come together.
5. Combine Pasta with Sauce:
Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with your delicious meat and sauce mixture. Stir it thoroughly until all the pasta is well-coated with the enchilada sauce. The pasta should soak up all those tasty flavors!
6. Add Cheese and Serve:
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend all over the top of the pasta. Cover the skillet and let it sit on low heat for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. It’s a great moment!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness. You can also serve the pasta with a dollop of sour cream or slices of avocado on the side for added richness. Dig in and enjoy your comforting and flavorful Enchilada Pasta!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for catching the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef or turkey with a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans (like black beans or pinto beans). You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Enchilada Pasta in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over low heat and stir occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears dry.
What Can I Use Instead of Enchilada Sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce, you can use taco sauce or even a homemade sauce made from blending canned tomatoes with spices like chili powder and cumin. For a milder option, green salsa can work well too!
