Zesty Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this cheesy beef enchilada tortellini that blends two beloved cuisines into one mouthwatering dish.

Hearty ground beef mingles with soft tortellini, creating a delightful fusion of flavors.

Melted cheese blankets each bite, promising a rich and satisfying meal.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Spices dance through the sauce, adding depth and warmth to every forkful.

Each serving delivers a perfect balance of meaty, cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to fall in love with this unexpected culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini: Batch Favorites

• Quickly Combine Cuisines: Blend the best of Mexican and Italian flavors in one mouthwatering dish that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.
• Super Simple Weeknight Meal: Requires minimal prep and cooking skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like cheese, beef, and pasta that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that allows personal touches like adding extra spices, swapping cheeses, or including additional toppings to suit individual tastes.

Everything Needed for Enchilada Tortellini

• Tortellini: A stuffed pasta that brings a delightful texture and hearty filling to the dish.

• Ground Beef: The main protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the enchilada tortellini.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a deep and savory flavor foundation.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: Warm spices that create a bold and authentic Mexican-inspired taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor.

• Enchilada Sauce: A zesty sauce that delivers authentic Mexican-style flavor and moisture to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheeses that add creamy richness and a golden, bubbly topping.
• Sour Cream: A cool and tangy element that adds smoothness and balances the spicy flavors.

• Cilantro: A fresh herb that provides a bright, herbal finish to the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Step 1: Boil Tortellini

Drop your tortellini into a pot of boiling water and cook exactly as the package tells you.

Once done, drain completely and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.

Let the meat develop a nice golden-brown color and drain away any excess fat.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the beef.

Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft, releasing their delicious fragrance.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir quickly and let the spices toast for about a minute to wake up their intense flavors.

Step 5: Create Enchilada Sauce

Pour enchilada sauce into the skillet and let everything simmer for 5 minutes.

This allows the flavors to mingle and develop.

Add the cooked tortellini and gently toss to ensure every piece gets coated in the rich sauce.

Step 6: Melt The Cheese

• Mozzarella cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes until the cheese transforms into a gooey, melted blanket.

Step 7: Final Touch

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in sour cream for extra creaminess.

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tips for Cheesy, Saucy Tortellini Dishes

• Shake colander well to remove excess water, ensuring tortellini doesn't become soggy when mixing with beef and sauce.
• Adjust chili powder quantity based on heat preference, starting with less and adding more gradually for perfect flavor balance.
• Briefly cover skillet while adding cheese to create steam, helping mozzarella and cheddar melt evenly and smoothly.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian version without compromising taste.
• Chop cilantro just before serving to maintain vibrant color and release maximum fresh, zesty flavor into the dish.

Beef Tortellini Variations to Explore

• Vegetarian Enchilada Tortellini: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef drippings.
• Spicy Southwestern Tortellini: Add diced jalapeños, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and include roasted corn kernels for extra heat and texture.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and replace standard enchilada sauce with a homemade gluten-free version using tomato sauce, broth, and spices.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute tortellini with riced cauliflower and use lighter cheese options like part-skim mozzarella to reduce carbohydrate content.

Serving Enchilada Tortellini for Dinner

• Fresh Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle chopped fresh jalapeños on top for extra heat and crunch.
• Mexican-Style Plating: Serve in colorful ceramic bowls with a small side of guacamole and fresh salsa.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy bacon bits or shredded rotisserie chicken for added protein and texture.
• Freshness Finish: Garnish with diced green onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for bright, zesty flavors.

Best Ways to Store Cheesy Tortellini

• Store leftover Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the taste.
• Warm gently in microwave or skillet, adding a splash of extra enchilada sauce to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain best texture and flavor.
• Let dish cool completely before storing to prevent condensation. Avoid repeated reheating, which can degrade quality and texture of pasta and beef.

FAQs

• What are the key spices in this recipe?

Chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper are the core spices that create a robust, warm flavor profile for the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean protein substitute and will absorb the same delicious spice blend.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has mild to moderate heat from chili powder. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preference.

• How do the enchilada sauce and tortellini work together?

The enchilada sauce coats the tortellini, creating a rich, saucy texture that blends Mexican and Italian cuisine in one comforting dish.

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savor Mexican-Italian fusion with this cheesy beef enchilada tortellini recipe that blends bold spices and creamy textures. Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and perfectly cooked tortellini create a mouthwatering meal packed with comfort and zest for you to enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 9 ounces (255 grams) cheese tortellini

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (10 ounces / 284 grams) can enchilada sauce (red or green)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Boil tortellini in salted water for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into pan, cooking until deep brown and no pink remains.
3. Drain excess grease from meat. Return skillet to heat and introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic.
4. Sauté aromatics with beef for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
5. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper across meat mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
6. Pour enchilada sauce into skillet, reducing heat to medium-low. Allow sauce to simmer and meld with meat for 4-5 minutes.
7. Gently fold cooked tortellini into sauce, ensuring each pasta piece gets completely coated.
8. Distribute mozzarella and cheddar cheese across the top of the mixture. Cover skillet and reduce heat to low.
9. Let cheese melt completely for 2-3 minutes until smooth and bubbling.
10. Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream until fully incorporated and creamy.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately while hot and cheese remains melted.

Notes

• Ensure pasta is al dente by checking package instructions and tasting a piece before draining to prevent mushy texture.
• Drain excess beef fat thoroughly to reduce greasiness and improve overall dish healthiness.
• Briefly cook spices before adding sauce to enhance their depth and release aromatic oils for more complex flavor profile.
• Low and slow heat helps cheese melt evenly without burning, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter versions. Use lactose-free cheese for dairy-sensitive diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg