Description
This Instant Pot Beef Enchilada Pasta is a flavorful and easy one-pot meal that combines the savory taste of ground beef, spicy enchilada sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Made quickly under pressure, this Mexican-inspired dish is topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying and hearty dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Beans
- 1 lb ground beef
- 15 oz can black beans, drained
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups rotini pasta (about 8 oz, or half a box)
- 10 oz can enchilada sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup water (if needed)
Spices
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In the insert pot of an Instant Pot, use the Sauté setting to brown the ground beef. Cook until the beef is fully browned, then drain off excess grease if necessary and return beef to the pot.
- Add pasta and spices: Layer the rotini pasta on top of the beef without stirring. Sprinkle the chili powder and cumin evenly over the pasta.
- Pour sauces and liquids: Pour the enchilada sauce and beef broth over the pasta without stirring. Use a spoon to push down any pasta pieces so they are submerged in the liquid. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup water if the pasta is not fully covered.
- Add beans: Evenly distribute the drained black beans on top of the mixture without stirring.
- Pressure cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the vent to sealed. Select the high-pressure setting for 4 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then release any remaining pressure quickly.
- Stir and add cheese: Carefully remove the lid and stir the contents. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted. The mixture will be somewhat soupy initially but will thicken as it cools slightly.
- Serve: Serve hot with additional shredded cheese on top if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust spiciness by using mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce based on your preference.
- Swap black beans with kidney or pinto beans, or omit beans if preferred.
- Use mild cheddar cheese or opt for pepper jack to add a bit more heat. Medium cheddar or Colby Jack also work well.
- Other short pasta shapes like penne, farfalle, or macaroni can be substituted; avoid very small pastas like orzo.
- If you don’t have chili powder or cumin, use 1.5 tablespoons of taco seasoning instead.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts better but pre-shredded cheese can be used.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Mexican
