Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal

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This Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—combining the bold flavors of classic beef enchiladas with the hearty, satisfying texture of pasta. Perfectly cooked rotini is simmered with seasoned ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, all in a single skillet. The result is a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy dish that hits all the right notes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and delicious enough to serve to guests.

One of the best things about this dish is the ease of preparation and cleanup. With everything coming together in just one pan, you’ll spend less time doing dishes and more time enjoying this irresistible meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal

• One pan wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings or ingredients.
• Comfort food perfection: Cheesy, saucy, and hearty.
• Kid-friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

(Essential Tools and Equipment, and Their Importance)

To make this Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal, you won’t need a kitchen full of gadgets. Simplicity is key here, and the following tools will help you get the job done with ease:

• Large Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan (with Lid)
  This is the heart of the recipe. A deep skillet allows room for the beef, pasta, and sauce to cook evenly. The lid is essential to trap heat and help the pasta absorb the sauce perfectly.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
  Useful for browning the beef and stirring the pasta without scratching your pan.
• Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board
  Needed if you plan to add extras like onions, garlic, or bell peppers.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons
  For accurate measurement of liquids, pasta, and seasonings.

The beauty of this recipe is that you’re building layers of flavor in one vessel—from browning the beef to simmering the pasta—making these tools both practical and essential.

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Preparation Tips

• Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well: Rotini, penne, or shells work beautifully because their nooks and ridges catch the cheesy enchilada goodness.
• Drain excess grease: After browning the beef, be sure to drain any excess fat to avoid an overly greasy dish.
• Simmer gently: Once you add the liquids, maintain a gentle simmer. A high boil could overcook the pasta or burn the sauce.
• Cheese timing is key: Add the cheese towards the end so it melts perfectly on top—covering the pan for a few minutes helps achieve that gooey finish.
• Customize heat levels: If you prefer a spicier dish, opt for a hot enchilada sauce or add diced jalapeños.

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Ingredients for This Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal

To bring this flavorful one-pan dish to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
  Lean ground beef is ideal to keep the dish hearty but not overly greasy.
• 8 oz uncooked rotini pasta
  Or substitute with penne, shells, or your favorite short pasta.
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
  Choose mild, medium, or hot based on your spice preference.
• 1 cup beef broth
  Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the pasta.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  For texture and a hint of sweetness.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  Melts beautifully into the dish—feel free to mix with Monterey Jack for extra richness.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
  Enhances the enchilada flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  Adds warm, earthy notes.
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  Season as needed to bring out all the flavors.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  For garnish and a pop of freshness.

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Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat your large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. This should take about 5–7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it.

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Step 2: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly with the spices, allowing them to bloom for about 1 minute.

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Step 3: Stir in Liquids and Pasta

Add the enchilada sauce, beef broth, and undrained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Then, add the uncooked rotini pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.

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Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash more broth as needed.

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Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if using. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy one-pan meal!

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Notes

• Meat variations: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
• Pasta options: Any short pasta works well—penne, rotini, shells, or fusilli. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as they may vary slightly.
• Cheese blends: While cheddar is classic, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend adds extra creaminess and flavor.
• Spice level: Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce, and optionally adding diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Make ahead: This dish reheats beautifully and can be prepared a day in advance, making it ideal for meal prep or busy weeknights.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to stir occasionally and keep an eye on the pasta during simmering. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy.
• Forgetting to drain the beef: Excess grease can make the dish too heavy. Always drain after browning.
• Using too little liquid: Pasta needs enough broth and sauce to cook properly. If the mixture seems too dry while cooking, add a little more broth.
• Skipping the cheese cover: For that perfect, melty cheese topping, don’t skip the final cover step. Let it melt fully before serving.
• High heat simmering: Keep it to a gentle simmer. Boiling too vigorously can cause the sauce to evaporate too quickly and burn on the bottom.

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What to Serve With Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal

A dish this rich and flavorful pairs beautifully with simple sides that add balance and texture to the meal. Here are some great ideas:

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8 Recommendations

1. Simple Green Salad
   A fresh salad with crisp lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta.
2. Garlic Bread
   Perfect for soaking up every bit of the cheesy, saucy goodness.
3. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
   Grilled corn topped with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime adds a sweet, smoky complement.
4. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips
   A creamy and crunchy starter that sets the tone for the meal.
5. Refried Beans
   Creamy refried beans are a classic Tex-Mex side and make the dish even more filling.
6. Sautéed Bell Peppers and Onions
   Adds color, crunch, and a bit of sweetness to the plate.
7. Pickled Jalapeños
   A great option for those who like to amp up the heat.
8. Mexican Rice
   A fluffy, spiced rice rounds out the meal with a bit of traditional flair.

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Storage Instructions

Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal stores very well, making it a fantastic option for leftovers or meal prepping:

• Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This pasta can also be frozen. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the pasta has absorbed too much sauce during storage, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving — based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: ~25 g
• Carbohydrates: ~35 g
• Fat: ~20 g
• Saturated Fat: ~10 g
• Cholesterol: ~75 mg
• Fiber: ~3 g
• Sugar: ~5 g
• Sodium: ~900 mg

Note: Exact nutritional values will vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While rotini is great for catching sauce, penne, shells, or fusilli all work well. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

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2. Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely. Use a hot enchilada sauce, add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to crank up the heat.

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3. Is it okay to use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or even ground chicken makes an excellent leaner substitute for ground beef.

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4. Can I make this vegetarian?

You can! Swap the beef for a plant-based ground meat or cooked black beans for a delicious meatless version.

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5. What if I don’t have beef broth?

You can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth. Even water with a bouillon cube will work in a pinch.

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6. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while simmering, and make sure the pasta is fully coated and submerged in liquid when you start cooking.

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7. Will this dish freeze well?

Yes, it freezes wonderfully. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Of course! Bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or spinach can all be added to the skillet during cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.

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Conclusion

Beef Enchilada Pasta One Pan Meal is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: quick, easy, packed with flavor, and family-friendly. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a make-ahead meal for later, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Plus, the flexibility to customize it to your tastes means you’ll never get bored. Grab your skillet and give this crowd-pleaser a try — your taste buds will thank you!

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