Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Pasta

If you’re searching for a comforting, hearty meal that comes together effortlessly, look no further than this Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Pasta. This delightful dish combines the rich flavors of enchiladas with the satisfying texture of pasta, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Just imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of seasoned beef, tomatoes, and spices simmering away in your slow cooker while you go about your day. With minimal prep time and a single pot meal, this recipe is not only convenient but also incredibly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore this Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Pasta. First and foremost, it’s a one-pot wonder! You can combine all your ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. This makes for easy clean-up, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes.

Secondly, the flavor profile is truly tantalizing. The ground beef is seasoned with cumin and chili powder, which perfectly complements the enchilada sauce, tomatoes, and beans. The addition of pasta absorbs all the delicious juices, making every bite a burst of flavor. Plus, it’s versatile! You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies or switching up the type of cheese used.

Finally, this dish is highly nourishing. With protein-rich ground beef, fiber-packed black beans, and hearty corn, you can feel good about serving this to your loved ones. It’s a meal that satisfies cravings while delivering essential nutrients, making it a win-win for everyone at the table!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Have you ever wondered how to impress a crowd without spending the entire day in the kitchen? The Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Pasta is your answer. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a surefire way to please picky eaters. The familiar taste of enchiladas paired with pasta makes it appealing for both kids and adults alike.

This dish also provides an excellent opportunity for meal prep. Make a large batch, and you’ll have leftovers for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, so you won’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture. Plus, with its customizable nature, you can switch out ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or your family’s dietary preferences.

Additionally, if you’re looking to impress guests at a casual gathering, this pasta dish is perfect. Set it out in a large serving bowl, and let everyone help themselves. Pair it with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips, and you have a complete meal that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Sour cream for serving (optional)

Necessary Utensils

• Large skillet for browning beef
• Slow cooker
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chopping board and knife for vegetables
• Bowl for serving

Gathering these ingredients and tools will set you up for a successful cooking experience. The ingredients are simple and can often be found in your pantry or local grocery store.

Detailed Recipe Steps

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy dish.
2. Add Aromatics: To the skillet with the cooked beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
3. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with their juice), enchilada sauce, beef broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
4. Add Pasta: Gently fold in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. This step is crucial as it allows the pasta to absorb the flavors while cooking.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as this can affect the cooking time.
6. Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheese. Cover the slow cooker to allow the cheese to melt, creating a creamy and indulgent finish to the dish.
7. Serve: Once cooked, serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired. This adds a fresh touch to the rich flavors of the pasta.

As a tip, feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. You can add more chili powder for additional heat or use a different type of cheese to switch things up!

FAQs

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Pasta is a delicious, comforting meal that checks all the boxes for convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Remember to customize it to your taste, and don’t hesitate to share your variations in the comments!

Try it out, and don’t forget to share your experience or any tips you discover along the way. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Slow Cooker Creamy Ham and Potato Chowder or our Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole. You can also explore our Slow Cooker Creamy Beef Stroganoff for another satisfying meal.

Don’t forget to check out our Pinterest page for more ideas: Ovia Recipes on Pinterest.

Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Pasta

A hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef, pasta, and enchilada flavors, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) Black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) Corn, drained
• 1 can (10 oz) Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (10 oz) Enchilada sauce
• 2 cups Beef broth
• 2 cups Uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
• In a slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, enchilada sauce, beef broth, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
• Add the uncooked pasta to the slow cooker, making sure it is submerged in the liquid.
• Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the pasta is cooked and tender.
• About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the shredded cheese and cover to allow it to melt.
• Once done, serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or add more vegetables!

Keyword beef, Enchiladas, pasta, slow cooker