This Enchilada Pasta is a cozy twist on traditional enchiladas! It combines pasta with spicy enchilada sauce, cheese, and your choice of veggies or meat for a filling meal.
Honestly, who knew pasta could get a Mexican makeover? 😄 I love how quick this comes together—just mix, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights!
It’s a fun way to spice up dinner! Serve it with some tortilla chips on the side for that extra crunch. Trust me, everyone will go back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This shape holds sauce well, making every bite flavorful. If you don’t have rotini, penne or fusilli can work nicely too. Gluten-free pasta options are also available if needed!
Ground Beef or Turkey: Ground beef gives a rich flavor, but turkey is lighter and just as good. For a vegetarian twist, consider using lentils or black beans as a substitute. They’ll add texture and protein.
Onion: This adds sweetness and depth. Yellow onions are my go-to because they caramelize nicely. You can swap for shallots or green onions for a lighter taste.
Cheese: I love combining cheddar and Monterey Jack for creaminess and flavor. You could use pepper jack for a spicy kick or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Enchilada Sauce & Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This combo is key for flavor! If you don’t have enchilada sauce, salsa can work too. For canned diced tomatoes, use fresh tomatoes or even taco sauce in a pinch!
How Do You Cook Pasta to Get It Just Right?
Cooking pasta properly is crucial for the perfect texture. Overcooked pasta turns mushy, but undercooked makes it chewy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a large pot of well-salted water. This adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta.
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but check a minute early. You’re looking for ‘al dente’—cooked but still firm when bitten.
- Once cooked, drain but don’t rinse. Rinsing washes away the starch, which helps sauce stick.
What’s the Best Way to Brown Ground Meat?
Browning your ground meat creates delicious flavor and texture. Here’s a simple process:
- Use a skillet over medium heat and add your meat without overcrowding the pan.
- Let it sit for a minute before stirring. This allows it to brown nicely.
- Stir occasionally until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat if needed, but leave some for flavor!
How to Make Enchilada Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare. This includes about 10 minutes for prepping the ingredients and 20 minutes for cooking, making it a quick and delicious meal for those busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey along with the diced onion. Cook them together for about 5-7 minutes until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep it healthier!
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes until your kitchen smells amazing, and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add some sauce! Pour in the enchilada sauce and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Give everything a good stir to combine, and let it simmer for a few minutes so all the flavors meld together.
5. Mix in Pasta:
Add the cooked rotini to your skillet, mixing until the pasta is completely coated with the vibrant sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta gets some of that delicious flavor!
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese all over the pasta. Stir gently to combine, or for an extra treat, cover the pan and let the cheese melt for a few minutes over low heat.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, remove the skillet from heat. If you like, garnish with some fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty enchilada pasta!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the meat is fully cooked before combining with other ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have Enchilada Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have enchilada sauce on hand, you can use taco sauce or a homemade blend of tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin as a substitute. This will still deliver a delicious flavor to your dish!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dish up until mixing in the cheese, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Once warmed, mix in the cheese and let it melt.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or warm gently in a skillet, adding a bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Enjoy your delicious enchilada pasta again!
