Name: One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef (85-88%); 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1-ounce packet of taco seasoning; 2 1/4 cups dry rotini pasta; 2 cups water; 20 ounces red enchilada sauce (2 10-ounce cans); 2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese (about 8 ounces)

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 27 reviews

Get ready to fall in love with your new weeknight superstar: the One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe. Imagine the bold flavors of a cheesy beef enchilada tangled up with perfectly cooked pasta, all made in a single pan with barely any fuss. This comforting, crowd-pleasing dish is loaded with savory ground beef, a saucy kick of red enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all beautifully combined in just 25 minutes. It’s a dinner that will have everyone running to the table, and cleanup is blissfully easy. Trust me, once you try it, this One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe will instantly earn a place in your regular meal rotation!

One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this dish is the short and simple ingredient list—each one brings its own magic to the table, adding depth, creaminess, or just the right pop of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for a fantastic One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe:

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef and onions to perfection.
Lean ground beef: The heart of the dish, giving it that savory, meaty flavor we can’t resist.
Yellow onion: Sweet and aromatic, onion lays the flavor foundation for the whole recipe.
Garlic: Those minced cloves make every bite more fragrant and irresistible.
Taco seasoning: A one-stop flavor booster—spicy, smoky, and a little tangy.
Dry rotini pasta: Its curves grab every drop of saucy goodness. You can swap in another short pasta if you’d like!
Water: Keeps the pasta perfectly tender and helps create that irresistible sauce.
Red enchilada sauce: Brings the classic enchilada flavor that makes this pasta so special—choose mild or spicy, your call!
Shredded cheddar jack cheese: Melts into the pasta for creamy, cheesy bites all the way through.

How to Make One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and diced onion, then let them sizzle together for about 5 to 7 minutes. The beef should be fully cooked—no pink spots left—and the onions need to be soft and slightly translucent. Once everything is nicely browned, drain off any extra grease, so your One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe won’t be oily.

Step 2: Add Flavor with Garlic and Taco Seasoning

Next, sprinkle in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Stir it all together, letting the spices bloom and the garlic become fragrant—this only takes a minute or two. It’s a quick but essential step that packs in tons of flavor and builds a tantalizing base for your pasta.

Step 3: Stir in Pasta, Water, and Enchilada Sauce

Now pour in the dry rotini, water, and both cans of enchilada sauce. Give it a good stir to combine everything, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged (it needs that moisture to cook evenly!). Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil so the pasta starts cooking right in that wonderful sauce.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover your pot, and let it all simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Check and stir a couple of times while it cooks, just so nothing sticks to the bottom. When the pasta is perfectly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, you’ll know it’s ready for the cheesy finale.

Step 5: Make it Cheesy and Serve

Turn off the heat, sprinkle the shredded cheddar jack cheese right over the top, and stir until melted and gooey. Give your One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe a taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and get ready for smiles around the table!

How to Serve One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A good garnish can take this already-delicious pasta to the next level. Freshly chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a handful of diced tomatoes add lovely color and a bright pop of freshness. For a creamy kick, dollop on sour cream or scatter some crumbled queso fresco before serving.

Side Dishes

One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe is a meal all on its own, but if you want to round things out, serve it with a crisp side salad or warm up some buttery corn or roasted veggies as a simple, tasty companion. Tortilla chips make a fun, crunchy side too—perfect for scooping up every last bit of saucy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, try scooping the pasta into individual bowls and letting everyone add their favorite toppings tableside. For parties, spoon the pasta into mini ramekins, top with extra cheese and broil for a melty, bubbly crust. Or, pile it high on a big platter with all the fixings in the middle of the table for a help-yourself feast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, scoop any leftover One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or second-helping cravings.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Let the pasta cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to three months. Thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge before reheating so it stays nice and tender.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your chilled or thawed leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen up the sauce. In a pinch, you can microwave it in 1-minute bursts, stirring a few times to make sure it heats evenly and stays creamy—not dry.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short, curly pasta works beautifully in this One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe. Penne, fusilli, or shells will all hold onto the sauce just as well, so feel free to use what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe spicier or milder?

Definitely. Choose a mild or hot enchilada sauce based on your family’s taste. To really amp up the heat, toss in a bit of cayenne or use pepper jack cheese for some extra kick!

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Yes, you can easily swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. The One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe is very forgiving and adaptable to whatever ground meat you prefer.

What other cheese can I use?

Feel free to experiment with your favorites! Monterey Jack, medium cheddar, or even a little pepper jack add delicious personality to this dish. Just make sure you use a good-melting cheese for ultimate gooeyness.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Keep an eye on your pasta as it cooks, and stir occasionally. Begin checking for doneness at the 10-minute mark and remove from heat as soon as the pasta is just tender—this helps it hold its shape perfectly in the One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about making a whole meal in just one pot, especially when it turns out as delicious as this! Give the One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe a try next time you want dinner to be comforting, quick, and absolutely packed with flavor. I can’t wait for you to taste how easy enchilada-inspired pasta night can be!