Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
Imagine the heartiest, most comforting fusion of cheesy pasta and zesty Mexican flavors—all coming together in one skillet. That’s exactly what you get with Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. This weeknight wonder swaps tortillas for pillowy cheese tortellini and pairs them with saucy ground beef, plenty of gooey melted cheese, and a splash of enchilada magic. If you’re craving something easy, satisfying, and totally irresistible, this is the dish you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini isn’t in fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s about bold, simple favorites coming together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item here brings something special to the symphony—from savory richness to creamy decadence and a touch of herby freshness.
- Ground beef: Use lean beef for all the flavor with less grease; it lays the meaty, savory foundation for the dish.
- Cheese tortellini: Opt for refrigerated tortellini for the best texture and a cheesy interior that makes the dish extra comforting.
- Red enchilada sauce: Pick your favorite brand—mild or spicy—because this sauce infuses the whole dish with tangy, smoky flavor.
- Cream cheese: Adds a creamy silkiness that mellows the spices and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection on top and gives that golden, bubbly finish everyone loves.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed, it adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor right at the start.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, but they make the world of difference—fresh and aromatic!
- Chili powder: Brings essential warmth and a gentle smokiness to the party.
- Ground cumin: A pinch infuses the beef with savory, earthy notes that scream “enchilada.”
- Salt and pepper: Essential for rounding out and brightening all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): The perfect green finishing touch, sprinkled on just before serving for freshness and color.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and let it sizzle until it becomes soft and translucent—this takes 3 to 4 minutes and sets a fragrant base for your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Give those onions a quick stir, then toss in minced garlic, letting it cook for another 30 seconds. The aroma will have everyone hovering near the kitchen!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add your ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Let it brown fully, stirring occasionally for even cooking. Once the beef is nicely caramelized and no longer pink, take a moment to drain off any excess fat—this keeps the sauce rich but not greasy.
Step 3: Add Enchilada Sauce
Pour in that luscious red enchilada sauce, and watch the pan transform into a bubbling fiesta. Stir everything together and bring it to a light simmer. The sauce clings to every morsel of meat, soaking them with tangy, spicy flavor.
Step 4: Melt in Cream Cheese
Cut the cream cheese into chunks and add them right into the simmering sauce. Stir patiently until it melts completely and the sauce takes on a creamy, dreamy consistency. This step really elevates the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini sauce to something spoon-licking good.
Step 5: Add Tortellini
Gently fold in the cheese tortellini, making sure they’re smothered in the rich sauce. Cook the mixture on medium-low heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. The tortellini warm through and soak up all the flavors, while the sauce thickens up to the perfect saucy blanket.
Step 6: Top with Mozzarella
Now it’s time for the crowning glory: sprinkle that shredded mozzarella generously over everything. Cover and let it melt for 2 to 3 minutes. For extra drama, pop the skillet under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly with slightly golden, irresistible spots.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat, scatter some fresh chopped cilantro over the top (if you like), and serve your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini immediately while the cheese is still swoon-worthy and melty. It’s that easy—enjoy the happy silence as everyone digs in!
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness. You might also add sliced green onions or a few pickled jalapeño rings for a tangy, spicy kick. Dollops of sour cream offer cool contrast to the cheesy, savory layers.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini holds its own as a hearty one-pan meal, but sides make it shine. Consider pairing it with a crisp, chopped Mexican slaw, a scoop of refried beans, or an easy avocado-tomato salad. Even classic tortilla chips make for fun scooping!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini into dazzling party fare by serving small portions in ramekins, topped with extra cheese. Or for weeknight coziness, simply bring the skillet straight to the table and let everyone help themselves family-style—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh and fabulous in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors mingle even more after a day or two, making leftovers a lunchtime delight.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Portion cooled Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini into freezer-safe containers, then freeze for up to two months. When you crave a quick meal, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or defrost gently in the microwave—perfect for busy weeks!
Reheating
To reheat, simply transfer your portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if it seems thick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure your tortellini are cooked through and tender. You may want to boil them separately beforehand according to package instructions for best texture.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
To make Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini gluten-free, look for gluten-free tortellini in the refrigerated or freezer section and double-check that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.
Can I make it spicier?
Definitely! Feel free to use spicy enchilada sauce, add minced jalapeño with the onion, or sprinkle in extra chili powder or red pepper flakes. Customize the heat level to suit your taste buds.
What can I substitute for beef?
If you’re looking for an alternative, ground turkey or chicken both work beautifully and soak up the spices just as well. For a vegetarian twist, try a crumbled plant-based beef or even black beans for that hearty feel.
Can I prep this dish ahead for a party?
Yes! Assemble Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini up to the point of adding the mozzarella, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, sprinkle on the cheese and bake covered at 350°F until bubbly and hot, then broil briefly for a golden top before serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini—this one-skillet wonder always steals the show at my table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, this dish delivers comforting flavors with minimal effort. Give it a go and let it become your family’s new favorite!
Print
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini recipe combines the flavors of traditional Mexican enchiladas with cheesy tortellini pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
Cheese Tortellini:
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Enchilada Sauce:
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
Cream Cheese:
- ½ cup cream cheese
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Onion:
- ½ medium onion, diced
Garlic:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Chili Powder:
- 1 tsp chili powder
Ground Cumin:
- ½ tsp ground cumin
Salt and Pepper:
- To taste
Fresh Cilantro:
- Optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent (3–4 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Add Enchilada Sauce: Pour in the enchilada sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Cream Cheese: Add cream cheese in chunks and stir until fully melted and combined.
- Combine Tortellini: Fold in the cheese tortellini. Cook on medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes until tender and heated through.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes, or broil until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot!
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- For extra heat, top with sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini, Enchilada Tortellini recipe, Beef Tortellini, Cheesy Tortellini
