One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe

If you’re after a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that hits all the right notes, you’ve got to try this One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe. It’s packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, is super easy to pull together, and the best part? You only need one pot to make it! I absolutely love how this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, cheesy, and comforting meal that my whole family devours. Stick with me — I’ll walk you through how to nail it, plus tips to make it your own.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The charm of this One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe is in its well-balanced ingredients that come together beautifully. Using common pantry staples and fresh aromatics, this recipe promises big flavors with minimal effort. Here’s a quick look at the key players you’ll want on hand before you get started.

• Ground beef: I like lean ground beef for flavor without too much grease.
• Yellow onion: Adds the perfect savory sweetness when sautéed.
• Black beans: Provide a nice texture contrast and protein boost.
• Diced tomatoes: Use canned with juice to build a flavorful base.
• Corn: Adds subtle sweetness and color — canned is just fine!
• Salsa: Choose your favorite heat level to customize the spice.
• Taco seasoning: Store-bought works great, or a homemade blend for extra flair.
• Bow tie pasta (Farfalle): Holds the sauce wonderfully and cooks evenly.
• Chicken broth: It’s all about that rich liquid to cook the pasta and infuse flavor.
• Colby-Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers that delicious gooey factor.
• Sour cream: Stirred in at the end to make everything creamy and smooth.

Variations

I love that this recipe is a total blank canvas. You can easily tailor the One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs — and trust me, once you get the base down, playing with it is half the fun!

• Spice it Up: When I want a kick, I add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce right along with the salsa.
• Veggie Boost: I sometimes toss in chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition — they soften up nicely in the simmer.
• Cheesy Swap: Use pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a different melty texture and flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Swap the pasta for gluten-free noodles or use rice to keep it friendly for sensitive stomachs.
• Protein Twist: Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully if you want to switch up the meat.

How to Make One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onion

Start by heating your oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking the beef apart with a wooden spoon, until the meat is nicely browned and the onion is soft and translucent—about 5–7 minutes. This step develops the base flavor, so don’t rush it! Make sure to drain any excess fat if your beef is on the fattier side.

Step 2: Stir in the Beans, Veggies & Seasonings

Now, add the black beans, canned diced tomatoes (juice and all!), corn, salsa, and the taco seasoning. Stir everything together until it’s well combined. The liquid from the tomatoes and salsa is key here—it’s going to help cook the pasta later while soaking in all those spices.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth, Then Simmer

Pour in the dry pasta and chicken broth, and give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the pasta will absorb most of the liquid and cook perfectly tender during this time.

Step 4: Finish With Cheese & Sour Cream

Once the pasta is al dente and the liquid mostly absorbed, turn off the heat. Stir in one cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese until melted and gooey. Then fold in the sour cream for that silky, creamy finish. Serve it up right away, topping with the remaining cheese for some extra indulgence.

How to Serve One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I like to pile on fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime juice — it adds a bright freshness that cuts through the richness. A dollop of extra sour cream or some sliced green onions is always a hit, too. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a few crushed tortilla chips sprinkled on top bring a wonderful crunch.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but if you want sides, I recommend simple Mexican street corn or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Refried beans or a fresh pico de gallo also pair perfectly and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I sometimes serve this dish bubbling hot out of a cast iron skillet at the center of the table — it always gets “oohs” and “ahhs.” Layer it in a casserole dish, add extra cheese on top, and broil briefly for a golden crust if you want a fancier presentation. It’s great for potlucks or family-style dinners!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making great next-day lunches. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

While I prefer to enjoy this fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact—avoid freezing the sour cream mixed-in part, as it can separate.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, stirring until warmed through. Microwaving works too; just add a little liquid and cover to keep moisture in. Adding a fresh sprinkle of cheese when warming up keeps that gooey goodness alive.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for easy weeknight dinners that still feel special. It’s comforting, flavorful, and comes together so quickly you might find yourself making it on repeat. Give it a shot — I promise you’ll enjoy how simple and delicious dinner can be when everything cooks together in one pot. Grab your skillet, invite your loved ones, and get ready to dig into a meal everyone will talk about long after it’s gone.

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