Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Okay, friends, gather ’round! I’m SO excited to share this recipe with you. What is the best enchilada Tortellini? Imagine the comfort of cheesy beef enchiladas, but with the added deliciousness and fun of tortillas. Cheese-filled tor Is it like a love child between Mexican comfort food and Italian pasta night? It’s become a staple in our house. What are some of the best one-pan meals? What is the best flavor you’ve ever had?

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini?

What’s a good alternative to beef enchiladas? Instead of rolling tortillas, we’re using cheese tortellini to soak up all that delicious enchilada. How do you prepare ground beef for enchilada sauce? What is the best way to serve a tortellini with cheese? What is the best way to bake a brownie until golden brown? What is the best combination of flavors and textures? My family loves it, and I bet you will too.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What I love about this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is how incredibly flavorful and easy it is to make.

  • What is the flavor explosionWhat’s a good beef enchilada sauce? By creamy, melty cheese. What is a fiesta in your mouth?
  • What’s your weekWhat are some of the best recipes to cook in one pan? What is the best way to make a meal in 30 minutes?
  • Budget friendlyIs ground beef and tortellini a good option for feeding pigs? How can I meet a crowd without breaking the bank? I often buy ground beef in bulk and freeze it to save even more!
  • Super versatile: Very versatileHow do I customize a recipe to your liking? Add your favorite veggies, swap the beef for chicken or turkey, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Is there any limit to the possibilities?

If you’re a fan of my One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies (another family favorite! What are some good ways to make a Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini? Is it as easy as it sounds, but with a totally different flavor profile? What are some good ideas for a dinner rotation?

How do you make a delicious enchilada Tortellini?

Quick Overview

What’s the best way to brown ground beef with taco seasoning, then simmer it for a few hours? How do I make homemade enchilada sauce? Next, you’ll toss in fresh cheese tortellini and plenty of cheese, and bake it until it’s bubbly, about 15 minutes. What is chee Is it easy to cook a meal? What is the magic in enchilada sauce? What is the difference between a good and bad taste? Don’t be intimidated by anything, it’s easier than you think!

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture:

  • 1 pound ground beef. 1 kg.
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend) for your favorite taccos.
  • 1 onion, chopped.
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced. 1 clove
  • How much tomato sauce can I make?
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (like Rotel) (as opposed to 1 cup).
  • One cup beef broth. 1 cup chicken broth and 1

For the Cheesy Tortellini: I

  • 20 ounces fresh cheese tortellini.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite blend)?
  • Optional: chopped cilantro, sour cream, or guacamole for topping.

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the step-

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do I avoid sticking? I usually spray it with cooking spray, but you could also use a little bit of olive oil.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef. Drain off any excess grease. What do you like about greasy enchila

Step 3: Add Aromatics & Seasoning

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant. I always use low sodium taco seasoning. My family is not big fans of too much salt. I can’t get enough of it.

Step 4: Make the Enchilada Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chiles, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to blend. This step is crucial for developing that rich enchilada flavor. Don’t skip it!

Step 5: Add Tortellini

Make sure the tortellini are evenly distributed in the sauce. Stir in fresh basil.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture. Is it safe to bake cheese in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes? Tortellini are tender. I usually bake it until the cheese is starting to turn golden brown – that’s when you know it’s done baking.

Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve

Let the Cheesy Beef Tortellini cool for a few minutes before serving. What’s your favorite way to serve cilantro, Sour Cream, or guacamole?

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best ways to make a cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini? Is it a complete meal?

  • What is a Mexican Fiesta?Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. What’s the best way to serve sour cream and cilantro?
  • For a lighter meal:Serve with a green salad and lime vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances out the richness and crunch of enchiladas perfectly.
  • For a Crowd: This is a great dish to bring to a potluck or party. Serve it with tortilla chips and salsa for a complete Mexican-inspired spread.
  • My Family Tradition: My mom always makes a big batch of homemade guacamole to go with our enchiladas. It’s the perfect creamy, cool contrast to the spicy beef and cheese.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. Just choose your favorites and enjoy!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini even better. Here are my top tips:

  • Don’t Overcook the Beef: Make sure to brown the beef thoroughly, but don’t overcook it, or it will become tough. You want it to be tender and juicy.
  • Homemade Enchilada Sauce: While you can use store-bought enchilada sauce, I highly recommend making your own. It’s so much more flavorful and it only takes a few minutes.
  • Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh cheese tortellini is the way to go for this recipe. It cooks up perfectly in the sauce and has a wonderful texture.
  • Cheese, Please!: Don’t skimp on the cheese! Use a generous amount to create that ooey-gooey, cheesy deliciousness that everyone loves. I usually use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack for the best flavor and melting properties.
  • Spice It Up: If you like your enchiladas with a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also use a spicier taco seasoning. I sometimes add a chopped jalapeno to the beef mixture for extra heat.
  • Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients. Add your favorite veggies, swap the beef for chicken or turkey, or try different types of cheese. The possibilities are endless!

I remember one time I accidentally used hot enchilada sauce instead of mild, and it was way too spicy for my kids. Now I always double-check the label before adding it to the recipe!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is great for meal prepping or making ahead of time. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

  • Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours.
  • Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavor actually gets even better as it sits!
  • Freezer Instructions: To freeze, let the enchiladas cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  • Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the enchiladas, I recommend waiting to add the cheese until after you thaw and reheat them. This will prevent the cheese from becoming dry and crumbly.

To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free tortellini and gluten-free taco seasoning. You may also need to use a gluten-free thickener, like cornstarch, for the enchilada sauce if it seems too thin. I’ve tested it with a couple of brands, and Barilla gluten-free tortellini works great!
Do I need to pre-cook the tortellini?
Nope! Since you’re using fresh tortellini, it will cook perfectly in the sauce while baking. No need to pre-cook it. If you are using dried tortellini, you will need to pre-cook it first, according to the package directions.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Definitely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even shredded beef would all work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. You could even use a plant-based ground “beef” alternative.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the beef mixture. Diced bell peppers, onions, corn, and black beans would all be great additions. I often add a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra protein and fiber.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through. I often prepare it in the morning and bake it in the evening for an easy weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So, there you have it – my Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini recipe! I hope you love it as much as my family does. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to make. If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and family-friendly meal, this is it. If you enjoy this, be sure to check out my recipe for Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake, another one-pan wonder that is also a hit in my house. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your own variations – I love hearing your ideas!

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

A delicious twist on classic enchiladas, using cheese tortellini for a fun and flavorful meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Ground beef
  • 1 cup Enchilada sauce
  • 1 package Cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup Sour cream

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Brown ground beef in a large skillet. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in enchilada sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Combine cooked tortellini, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese in a baking dish.
  • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
  • Top with sour cream before serving.

Notes

Serve immediately for best results.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
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