Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic Mexican and Italian dishes. This casserole combines savory ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, and tender cheese tortellini, all topped with melted mozzarella. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• ½ cup cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add enchilada sauce and cream cheese; stir until smooth and simmer for 5 minutes.
2. Step 2: Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well but do not rinse.
3. Step 3: Combine the cooked tortellini with the beef and sauce mixture in the skillet. Transfer everything to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
5. Step 5: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicy twist.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in an additional ¼ cup of cream cheese before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. This dish does not freeze well due to the creamy sauce and pasta texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions until al dente and drain well before combining with the beef mixture.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild to moderate spice level from the chili powder and cumin. You can adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or including jalapeños if you like it spicier.

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 80 reviews

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a comforting casserole that combines savory ground beef cooked in a rich red enchilada sauce with creamy cheese tortellini. This dish is baked with mozzarella cheese until bubbly and golden, making for a flavorful Tex-Mex inspired dinner that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family meals.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
• ½ cup cream cheese

Pasta and Topping

• 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef together with the diced onion until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant. Add the red enchilada sauce and cream cheese, stirring continuously until the cream cheese has melted into a smooth sauce. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
2. Cook Tortellini: While the beef mixture simmers, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to drain well without rinsing, as keeping the pasta slightly sticky helps it absorb the sauce better.
3. Combine and Assemble: Add the cooked tortellini directly into the skillet with the beef and enchilada sauce. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Then transfer the entire mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Bake: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese has melted, turning lightly golden and crisp on top.
5. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired, and serve warm for a delicious, hearty meal.

Notes

• For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• You can swap cream cheese for sour cream if preferred for a tangier taste.
• Use fresh cilantro as garnish to brighten the flavors just before serving.
• This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure not to overcook the tortellini to avoid mushy texture after baking.

Keywords: cheesy beef enchilada tortellini, beef enchilada casserole, baked tortellini recipe, Tex-Mex pasta bake