Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://zarameals.com/cheesy-beef-enchilada-tortellini-recipe/
