If you are craving a dish that brings together the rich, comforting flavors of Mexican cuisine with the cheesy, tender delight of Italian pasta, then you need to try this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal that combines savory ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and the creamy goodness of melted cheese tortellini. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself to something truly comforting, this recipe is a delightful fusion that manages to be both familiar and exciting all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and with this recipe, you’ll find each one plays a star role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the hearty ground beef to the luscious mix of cheeses, these ingredients keep things simple yet incredibly tasty.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the onions and browning the beef without adding heaviness.
- Small yellow onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that deepens the flavor throughout the dish.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this dish filling and rich.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving the sauce a deep, robust taste.
- Taco seasoning: Brings a perfect blend of spices that enhance the Mexican flair of the dish.
- Red enchilada sauce: The soul of this recipe, adding a tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy element.
- Cheese tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated tortellini filled with cheese—its tender pasta hugs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, amplifying the cheesy experience.
- Sour cream: Adds a cooling, creamy contrast when dolloped on top.
- Fresh cilantro (optional): Sprinkles that fresh herbaceous pop that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until it becomes soft and fragrant. This step is vital because it builds a flavorful foundation, mellowing the onions’ sharpness and bringing out their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook while breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This step locks in the savory meaty flavors, and draining any excess grease ensures your dish won’t feel too heavy or oily.
Step 3: Enhance with Tomato Paste and Taco Seasoning
Stir in the tomato paste and taco seasoning mixture to the browned beef and onions. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often. This brief cooking time allows the tomato paste to caramelize slightly, intensifying the sauce’s richness while the spices bloom fully.
Step 4: Add the Red Enchilada Sauce
Pour in the enchilada sauce and combine it thoroughly with the beef mixture. The sauce envelops the meat with a tangy, smoky punch that sets this dish apart, giving each bite its signature Mexican-inspired flavor.
Step 5: Incorporate the Cheese Tortellini
Now, add the uncooked cheese tortellini directly into the skillet. Cover and let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. This step allows the pasta to absorb all those wonderful flavors while staying perfectly tender.
Step 6: Melt the Shredded Cheese
Sprinkle the Mexican blend cheese generously over the tortellini mixture. Cover once again and allow the cheese to melt beautifully, about 2 to 3 minutes. This creates that irresistible gooey, cheesy layer that makes the dish extra indulgent.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serve
Just before serving, top your dish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, if you’re using it. These additions add a creamy coolness and vibrant freshness that balance the rich, spicy flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishing, sour cream is a must! It cools down the spices and adds a luscious creaminess. Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal note, and if you like a little extra kick, a few sliced jalapeños make an excellent topping.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to balance its richness. For an extra Southwestern vibe, serve with a side of warm, buttery cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe in individual bowls garnished with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime for an extra zesty touch. For a crowd-pleaser, serve it straight from the skillet at the table, inviting everyone to help themselves to this cheesy, comforting goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish, but keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini might soften slightly after thawing. Store in freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to revive the creamy cheesy sauce. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen it up during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While cheese tortellini is perfect for this recipe because of its creamy filling and tender texture, you can substitute with other stuffed pastas like ravioli or even small shells. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The taco seasoning and enchilada sauce give it a mild to moderate spice level. You can control the heat by choosing a milder or hotter enchilada sauce or adjusting the amount of taco seasoning.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or lentils and use a vegetarian enchilada sauce. This will still deliver the hearty, cheesy flavors you love.
What kind of cheese is best for melting on top?
The Mexican blend cheese is ideal because it melts smoothly and offers a great combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other cheeses. You can also use mozzarella or a mix of your favorite melting cheeses.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
From start to finish, the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe takes about 25 minutes, making it a fantastic quick-cooking comfort meal for any busy day.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe is one of those magical meals that brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to your dinner table in under half an hour. I encourage you to dive in, try it out, and make it your go-to dinner when you want comfort food with a fun twist. It’s sure to become a beloved favorite as it has for me and many others!
Print
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Description
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a quick and flavorful skillet meal that combines savory ground beef cooked with enchilada sauce and taco seasoning, tender cheese tortellini, and melty Mexican blend cheese. Topped with sour cream and fresh cilantro, it’s a comforting fusion dish perfect for an easy dinner in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
Pasta & Cheese
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Toppings
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed to avoid greasiness.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in tomato paste and taco seasoning, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Add Enchilada Sauce: Pour in the red enchilada sauce and mix well to combine thoroughly with the beef mixture.
- Simmer Tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the skillet with the sauce and beef. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover again and let it melt for about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Serve with Toppings: Spoon portions onto plates and top with sour cream and freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Enjoy immediately while warm.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh tortellini if preferred; just adjust simmering time as needed.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the taco seasoning.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and confirm taco seasoning and sauce are gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
