Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 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)
- 20 ounces enchilada sauce (a 19 ounce can works fine)
- 2 cups beef broth (chicken broth can also be used)
- 8 ounces dry rotini pasta (or similar shape)
Cheese and Mix-ins
- 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack, Colby, or Cheddar cheese
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup corn, thawed if using frozen
Toppings
- Green onions, for topping
- Fresh diced tomatoes, for topping
- Black olives, for topping
- Sour cream, for topping (optional)
- Cilantro, for topping
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the onions.
- Sauté onions: Add diced yellow onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent.
- Cook ground beef: Add 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey) to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains.
- Add seasoning: Sprinkle in 3 teaspoons taco seasoning (or a mix of cumin, chili, and garlic powders). Stir well and cook for an additional minute to release the spices’ flavors.
- Combine sauce, broth, and pasta: Pour in 20 ounces enchilada sauce, 2 cups beef broth, and 8 ounces dry rotini pasta. Stir everything together to combine.
- Bring to boil and then simmer: Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Adjust timing based on pasta brand if needed.
- Add cream cheese, corn, and sour cream: Stir in 2 ounces cream cheese cubes, 1 cup corn, and sour cream (if using) just before the last 2 minutes of cooking to melt and blend them into the dish.
- Finish with cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack, Colby, or Cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Top with green onions, fresh diced tomatoes, black olives, sour cream, and cilantro as desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious enchilada pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- If you don’t have taco seasoning, use a combination of cumin powder, chili powder, and garlic powder as a homemade substitute.
- The cook time for pasta may vary depending on the brand; adjust simmering time accordingly.
- Optional toppings like sour cream and cilantro add fresh flavor and creaminess.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American