Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere I was, exhausted from a long day but craving something hearty and satisfying for dinner. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea for Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini, a dish that whipped up in just over 30 minutes! Imagine creamy cheese and savory beef wrapped around tender tortellini, all drenched in zesty enchilada sauce—comfort food at its finest. This recipe is not only incredibly quick, making it perfect for busy evenings, but it also allows for plenty of customization with protein options like turkey, chicken, or a delightful meatless twist. If you’re ready to elevate your weeknight meals without sacrificing time or flavor, this dish is just what you need. Curious how easily this can become your new go-to comfort food? Let’s dive in! Why is Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini a Must-Try? Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, coming together in just over 30 minutes, giving you more time to relax! Flavor Explosion: With zesty enchilada sauce and creamy cheese, each bite bursts with flavor, leaving you wanting more. Customizable Protein Options: Whether you prefer beef, turkey, or a meatless version with chickpeas, feel free to mix and match to suit your taste. Comfort Food Appeal: It’s like a warm hug on a plate—rich, creamy, and sure to satisfy the deepest cravings. Versatile Side Pairings: Serve with a fresh garden salad or tortilla chips for an elevated dining experience, just like with Cheesy Steak Rice. Once you try this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini, it’s bound to become your new favorite comfort food! Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Ingredients For the Filling • Ground Beef – The main protein source that provides richness; for a lighter option, replace with ground turkey or shredded chicken. • Diced Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor; substitute with shallots or leeks if desired. • Minced Garlic – Enhances flavor with aromatic notes; fresh garlic is best, but use powdered garlic when in a pinch. For the Sauce • Olive Oil – Used for sautéing; adds flavor; can be substituted with any cooking oil you prefer. • Red Enchilada Sauce – Provides a savory, spicy kick; choose a mild sauce to reduce heat or make your own for a fresher taste. • Cream Cheese – Creates a creamy texture; could be swapped for sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier twist. For the Pasta • Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini – The primary carbohydrate that soaks up the sauce; opt for gluten-free tortellini to fit that dietary need. • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Topping that adds melty goodness; consider cheddar or a dairy-free cheese for variations. Seasonings • Salt and Pepper – Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust to your taste preference. • Chili Powder and Ground Cumin – Spices that elevate the dish’s flavor; modify quantities to control heat level and achieve desired spice. This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for anyone craving comfort food without the long wait! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Step 1: Sauté the Onions Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and fragrant. This will create a flavorful base for your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Step 2: Add Garlic Once the onions are translucent, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. When the garlic is fragrant, it’s time to add the ground beef, enhancing the flavor profile of your dish. Step 3: Brown the Beef Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder (about 1 teaspoon), and ground cumin (1 teaspoon). Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini from being greasy. Step 4: Simmer with Sauce Pour in 1 cup of red enchilada sauce, stirring to combine with the beef mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat for about 3–5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, setting the stage for the creamy and delicious filling of your tortellini. Step 5: Add Cream Cheese Reduce the heat to low, then add 4 ounces of cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture. This velvety mixture will coat the tortellini perfectly in your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Step 6: Incorporate Tortellini Gently fold in 20 ounces of refrigerated cheese tortellini, making sure they are well coated with the creamy beef mixture. Cook on medium-low heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tortellini are heated through and tender, soaking up all that delicious flavor. Step 7: Add Cheese Topping Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts. For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the dish for a minute or two—watch closely to avoid burning! Expert Tips for Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Drain the Fat: Ensure you drain excess fat from the beef after browning to keep the dish light and flavorful. Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Keep an eye on the tortellini while cooking; they heat quickly and can become mushy if left too long. Customize the Spice: Adjust the chili powder and cumin levels according to your heat preference to make the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini just right for your palate. Broil Carefully: If you choose to broil the dish for a crispy top, stay near the oven to prevent the cheese from burning. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the dish ahead of time, but add cheese just before reheating for optimal melted goodness when serving. Storage Tips for Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Room Temperature: Let the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini cool completely before storing at room temperature. Avoid leaving it out for more than 2 hours. Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave or in a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water if needed to maintain creaminess and prevent sticking. Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Variations Feel free to put your own twist on this dish and make it truly yours! Turkey Twist: Substitute ground beef for ground turkey to lighten the dish while still packing in great flavor. Meatless Delight: Use black beans or chickpeas instead of meat for a hearty, protein-rich vegetarian option. Perfect for Meatless Mondays! Extra Creamy: Swap cream cheese with mascarpone for an even richer, silkier sauce that makes every bite a dream. Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in some Monterey Jack cheese along with mozzarella for added creaminess and flavor depth. Spicy Kick: Increase the chili powder or add sliced jalapeños for a fiery flavor boost. It’s a great way to set your taste buds ablaze! Homemade Sauce: Make your own enchilada sauce at home to enhance the freshness and flavor profile of the dish. Check out some recipes for homemade enchilada sauce to elevate your meal. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini to cater to dietary needs while keeping the texture just as delightful. You can’t go wrong with this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini, and with so many delicious variations, you’ll keep it fresh and exciting! Feel inspired? Combine it with a side of Garlic Butter Beef for a complete meal that will leave everyone satisfied. Make Ahead Options These Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini are a fantastic meal prep choice for busy weeknights! You can prepare the beef filling (steps 1 through 5) up to 24 hours in advance—just cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container and refrigerating. If you want to get even more ahead, you can refrigerate the entire dish without the cheese for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm the mixture on the stove, stir in the refrigerated tortellini, and top with cheese. Cover and heat until the tortellini are hot and the cheese is melted, ensuring quality and flavor are just as delicious as when freshly made! What to Serve with Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Imagine the aroma of a full meal spreading through your home, each component complementing the rich flavors of your main dish. Fresh Garden Salad: A vibrant mix of greens adds a refreshing crunch and balances the creamy richness of the tortellini. Tortilla Chips with Salsa: Crunchy chips paired with zesty salsa provide a delightful contrast, perfect for scooping and sharing. Refried Beans: Creamy, flavorful beans increase the heartiness of your meal, adding another layer of comfort to each bite. Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn offers a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of enchilada sauce. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky, charred veggies introduce a delightful depth, keeping the meal light and nutritious. Margaritas or Iced Tea: A cold, refreshing beverage rounds off your dining experience, enhancing the fun and flavor of your meal. Your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini becomes a part of a delightful feast with these complementary pairings, turning every dinner into a cherished family experience. Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe FAQs What type of tortellini should I use for Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini? Absolutely! I recommend using refrigerated cheese tortellini for this recipe because they cook quickly and absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, many grocery stores offer gluten-free tortellini made from rice or corn flour, which work just as well! How should I store leftover Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini? Very! After the dish has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to maintain its creamy texture. Can I freeze Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini? Of course! To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This helps avoid a mushy texture! What if my tortellini is overcooked and mushy? I’ve been there! To avoid mushy tortellini, keep a close eye on the cooking time—they usually heat through in just 5-7 minutes. If they do end up overcooked, consider adding a bit more cheese or a dollop of sour cream to bring some creaminess back to the dish and balance out the texture. Are there any dietary considerations for Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini? Absolutely! If you’re catering to dietary restrictions, feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter option, or use black beans or chickpeas for a meatless version. Additionally, gluten-free tortellini is widely available, ensuring everyone can enjoy this hearty dish! How can I enhance the flavors of my Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini? To elevate those flavors, try adding a tablespoon of lime juice or fresh cilantro when serving. You can also sprinkle some extra chili powder or fresh diced jalapeños for a little kick. The more, the merrier when it comes to customizing your meal! Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini: Comfort Food Made Easy Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini brings together creamy cheese and savory beef wrapped in tortellini, elevated with zesty enchilada sauce for a quick and satisfying meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: CasseroleCuisine: MexicanCalories: 660 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Filling1 pound Ground Beef or ground turkey or shredded chicken1 medium Diced Onion substitute with shallots or leeks if desired2 cloves Minced Garlic fresh is best, but powdered can be usedFor the Sauce2 tablespoons Olive Oil or any cooking oil1 cup Red Enchilada Sauce choose a mild sauce or make your own4 ounces Cream Cheese or sour cream or Greek yogurtFor the Pasta20 ounces Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini or gluten-free tortellini1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese consider cheddar or dairy-free cheese for variationsSeasoningsto taste Salt and Pepper essential for enhancing flavors1 teaspoon Chili Powder adjust to control heat level1 teaspoon Ground Cumin modify quantity for desired spice Equipment Large skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsHeat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and fragrant.Once the onions are translucent, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 30 seconds.Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until browned.Pour in 1 cup of red enchilada sauce, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer for about 3–5 minutes.Reduce heat to low, then add 4 ounces of cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until fully melted and incorporated.Gently fold in 20 ounces of refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cook on medium-low heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes until melted. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 660kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 36gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 3mg NotesThis dish can be prepared ahead of time, but add cheese just before reheating for optimal melted texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
