Description
A quick, comforting one‑pot pasta dish combining seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and cheese — it’s like an enchilada and pasta in one pan.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra‑virgin olive oil
- 1 pound (about 450 g) lean ground beef (85‑88% lean) :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- 1 medium onion, diced :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- 3 cloves garlic, minced :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (or ~2 tablespoons) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- 2¼ cups dry rotini (or other short pasta) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- 2 cups water :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- 20 oz (≈2 × 10 oz) red enchilada sauce (or equivalent) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar‑Jack cheese (about 8 oz) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef and onion; cook 5‑7 minutes, breaking up the beef, until beef is no longer pink and onion is softened. Drain excess grease. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Add the garlic and taco seasoning; cook 1‑2 minutes until fragrant. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Add the dry pasta, water, and enchilada sauce; stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Reduce heat to medium‑low, cover, and cook 10‑15 minutes (stirring occasionally) until pasta is tender and much of the liquid is absorbed. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Remove from heat; stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85/15 or leaner) to avoid excess grease. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Choose a pasta shape with curves or ridges (rotini, cavatappi, fusilli) so sauce clings better. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- If sauce is reducing too fast before pasta is done, add a bit more water or broth. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Leftovers store well in fridge 3‑4 days. Reheat gently. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx.)
- Calories: 594 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 1672 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ‑
- Trans Fat: ‑
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 121 mg
