Cheesy Enchilada Pasta Bake

Are you craving the flavors of enchiladas but looking for a simpler way to enjoy them? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Enchilada Pasta! This one-pot wonder takes all the delicious elements of traditional enchiladas and transforms them into a hearty pasta dish that’s easy to make and even easier to devour.

Picture this: tender pasta cooking directly in a rich and spicy enchilada sauce, absorbing all the savory goodness along the way. The result is a delectable fusion of flavors that will have your taste buds singing with every bite. With melted cheese, seasoned ground beef (or turkey), and a medley of toppings, this Enchilada Pasta is a comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.

I stumbled upon this recipe when I wanted the taste of enchiladas without the hassle of rolling tortillas – and I’m so glad I did! It’s a hit with both picky eaters and Mexican food enthusiasts alike. So, why not whip up a batch of this delightful Enchilada Pasta for dinner tonight? It’s a creative twist on a classic dish that’s bound to bring smiles to the table!

Table of Contents

Quick Benefits

Easy one-pot meal with rich, spicy flavors
Customizable toppings for everyone to enjoy
Can be made ahead and reheated for convenient meal prep
Versatile – can use ground turkey and add extra veggies for variety

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Enchilada Pasta Bake Recipe

One-pot wonder: Enjoy the flavors of enchiladas without the hassle of rolling tortillas – all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters will love this dish; it’s a hit with kids, husbands, and even mother-in-laws!
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro to tailor each bowl to your liking.
Versatile: Swap ingredients like ground turkey, different cheeses, or extra veggies to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Make-ahead: Perfect for meal prep – it keeps well in the fridge for a few days and can be assembled and frozen for future quick dinners.
Rich flavors: The pasta absorbs the rich, spicy flavors of the enchilada sauce, cream cheese, and spices, creating a satisfying and comforting meal.
Hearty meal: Enjoy it as a complete meal on its own or pair it with a fresh salad or warm tortillas for a balanced dinner.
Leftover magic: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it a great option for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients for Cheesy Enchilada Pasta Bake

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (ground turkey can also be used)
3 teaspoons taco seasoning (or an equal combination of cumin powder, chili powder and garlic powder)
8 ounces dry (uncooked) rotini pasta (other similar shapes can be used)
20 ounces enchilada sauce (19 ounce can will work fine)
1 cup yellow onion, diced
2 cups beef broth (chicken broth can also be used)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack, Colby or cheddar cheese

Optional Ingredients

1 cup corn, thawed if using frozen
Green onions for topping
Black olives for topping
Fresh diced tomatoes for topping
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
Sour cream for topping
Cilantro for topping

How to Make Cheesy Enchilada Pasta Bake

Step 1: Heat oil and cook onions

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Brown the beef

Cook ground beef for 5-6 minutes until browned, stirring occasionally to break it up.

Step 3: Add seasoning

Sprinkle taco seasoning (or garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin) into the pan, stir, and cook for 1 minute.

Step 4: Add sauce and pasta

Combine enchilada sauce, broth, and dry pasta in the pan. Stir, cover, and bring to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer until tender

Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Cooking times may vary among pasta brands.

Step 6: Add optional ingredients

Add sour cream, cream cheese, or corn during the final 2 minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Finish and serve

Take the pot off the heat and stir in the cheese. Mix in any optional ingredients, garnish as desired, and serve.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Enchilada Pasta, first, make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate the dish for up to 3 days. When reheating, use the microwave and consider adding a splash of broth if the pasta seems too thick after being refrigerated. This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

For longer storage or meal prep, you can assemble the Enchilada Pasta but freeze it before the final cooking step. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed in the recipe. This way, you can have a delicious meal ready to go whenever you need it. The versatility and ease of storing this dish make it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tempeh, tofu, or plant-based ground “meat.” This swap will still provide a similar texture and absorb the delicious flavors of the enchilada sauce and spices.

If you prefer a lighter version of this dish, you can use ground turkey instead of ground beef. Ground turkey is leaner and can be a healthier option while still providing a great source of protein. It will work well with the other ingredients and maintain the balance of flavors in the dish. Additionally, if you’re looking to reduce the fat content, opt for a leaner ground beef like 90/10 or drain excess fat after cooking to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation of this delectable Enchilada Pasta, consider serving it in individual baked tortilla bowls. Simply drape softened tortillas over the back of a muffin tin and bake until crispy and golden brown. Once done, fill each tortilla bowl with a generous serving of the enchilada pasta, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of fresh lime juice for a burst of brightness.

For a fun and interactive serving idea, create a build-your-own Enchilada Pasta bar for your next gathering. Set up a variety of toppings such as black beans, corn, jalapeños, different cheeses, and fresh herbs in separate bowls. Allow your guests to customize their bowls of pasta with their favorite toppings, creating a personalized culinary experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Encourage them to get creative and mix and match flavors to suit their taste preferences.

FAQs for Cheesy Enchilada Pasta Bake

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this enchilada pasta recipe. It will still provide great flavor and texture.

How long does this enchilada pasta dish last in the fridge?

This dish can be stored in the fridge for about 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Can I freeze this enchilada pasta for later consumption?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything and freeze it before the final cooking step for easy meal prep. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly when you’re ready to enjoy it.

What are some suggested toppings and side dishes to serve with this enchilada pasta?

For toppings, you can use sour cream, diced tomatoes, green onions, black olives, and cilantro to allow everyone to customize their bowl. As for side dishes, a fresh salad with lime vinaigrette, warm tortillas, or crusty bread are great options to complement the richness of the dish.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Enchilada Pasta as much as I do. It’s truly a dish that brings together the comforting flavors of enchiladas with the ease of a pasta recipe. The beauty of this dish lies not just in its simplicity, but in how easily customizable it is to suit your preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Enchilada Pasta has a way of bringing people together over a delicious meal that feels both familiar and exciting. So gather your loved ones, share this dish, and create new memories around the dinner table. Let the aroma of Mexican spices and melted cheese fill your kitchen, and relish in the joy of a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a regular on your menu. Enjoy every bite of this Enchilada Pasta, and may it bring you warmth and happiness with each mouthful!