Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Sauce
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 cup frozen or canned corn
- ½ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, or tortilla strips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop and Measure: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out all the spices and liquids for easy assembly. Rinse and drain the black beans if using canned.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Onions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey/chicken) and cook, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the cooked meat mixture. Stir well to evenly coat the meat and onions with the spices.
Step 4: Add the Sauce Ingredients
- Pour in the enchilada sauce, broth, diced tomatoes, and diced green chilies. Stir to combine.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Step 5: Simmer and Cook the Pasta
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 6: Add the Corn, Beans, and Cheese
- Stir in the corn and black beans, allowing them to heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Add the sour cream or Greek yogurt, stirring until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top.
- Serve the enchilada pasta hot, with optional toppings such as diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, or crispy tortilla strips for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g