One Pot Cheesy Enchilada Pasta

This One Pot Cheesy Enchilada Pasta combines the savory flavors of enchiladas with the creamy, comforting texture of pasta. Made in just one skillet, it’s an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. The ground beef, taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and melted cheese make every bite deliciously cheesy and full of flavor. Plus, it’s quick to make, so you can have dinner on the table in 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Cheesy Enchilada Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner. The creamy, cheesy sauce complements the spices from the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce, while the pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors. Cooking it all in one pot makes for an easy cleanup, and the addition of cream cheese and shredded cheese creates a rich, comforting dish. Whether you serve it as a main or with your favorite toppings, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• For the Pasta:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning

  • 1 (19 oz) can enchilada sauce (mild)

  • 2 cups low-sodium beef broth

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta (about 3 cups)

  • 4 ounces cream cheese

  • 2 cups Colby cheese or cheddar, shredded

• Optional Toppings:

  • Fresh cilantro

  • Diced tomatoes

  • Jalapeños

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Brown the Beef:

1. Heat a large skillet on medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until browned.

2. Add the diced onion and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

Season the Beef:

1. Stir in the taco seasoning and mix well to evenly coat the beef.

Simmer with Sauces:

1. Pour in the enchilada sauce and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Add Pasta:

1. Stir in the uncooked rotini pasta. Cover and simmer on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until the pasta is tender and some of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Make it Creamy:

1. Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.

Add Shredded Cheese:

1. Fold in the shredded cheese and stir until the pasta is creamy and the cheese is fully melted.

Garnish & Serve:

1. Garnish with diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and jalapeños if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Calories per Serving: 586 kcal

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a mix of black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.

• Spicy Kick: Add extra chili powder or hot sauce for more heat, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap out the Colby or cheddar for other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a mix of your favorite melty cheeses.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to restore the creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with other types of pasta such as penne, elbow macaroni, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of broth for added creaminess.

3. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add more taco seasoning, chili powder, or even some diced jalapeños to the mixture for extra heat.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work as lighter alternatives to ground beef. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly for these leaner meats.

5. Can I use low-sodium or fat-free cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-sodium or fat-free cream cheese for a lighter version of this dish. The flavor will be slightly different but still creamy.

6. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth if you want to make this dish vegetarian-friendly or if you prefer a milder flavor.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cheesy enchilada pasta for up to 3 months. Just store it in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding extra broth if necessary.

8. How do I know when the pasta is done?

The pasta is done when it’s tender but not mushy, and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

9. Can I add more cheese to the dish?

Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to add more shredded cheese on top or mix in a variety of cheeses for added flavor.

10. Can I use a different type of seasoning?

Yes, if you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own using a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to get a similar flavor.

Conclusion

This One Pot Cheesy Enchilada Pasta is a cheesy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner that combines the best of enchiladas and pasta in one dish. With tender pasta, savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and a touch of heat, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners. Plus, the one-pot method means less cleanup, making it an even bigger win!

Print