Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

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This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is the ultimate one-skillet comfort dish that blends the hearty richness of classic enchiladas with the soft, pillowy texture of tortellini. Imagine everything you love about beef enchiladas wrapped up in a cheesy, tomatoey, and spicy sauce, then combined with tender cheese-stuffed tortellini for a meal that hits every note of flavor and texture.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is as easy to make as it is to devour. It all comes together in a single pan, which means minimal cleanup. But don’t be fooled by the simplicity—this recipe packs in flavor from seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, melty cheese, and just the right kick of spices. Whether you’re feeding a family or indulging in some much-needed comfort food, this one-pot wonder is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

This dish combines bold Tex-Mex flavors with creamy Italian pasta in a totally unexpected and delightful way. It’s quick to cook, customizable with pantry staples, and delivers on both flavor and texture. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying without being too heavy. It’s the perfect twist for those who love fusion dishes that make dinner exciting.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

You can use any refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini you prefer. The key is to look for a kind that cooks up tender but firm enough to hold its shape in the sauce. Fresh cheese tortellini from the refrigerated section tends to give the best results for texture and flavor. If you’re using frozen, just adjust your cooking time slightly and ensure they’re fully cooked before serving.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

To make this dish taste as rich and comforting as it looks, you’ll need a handful of everyday ingredients that come together beautifully in just one pan. These ingredients build the base of the dish’s flavor, with each component bringing its own unique character to the mix.

• Ground beef
• Yellow onion
• Minced garlic
• Red enchilada sauce
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Beef broth
• Cheese tortellini
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• Olive oil
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh cilantro

Each of these plays a key role—from the bold spices that bring the Tex-Mex kick to the creamy cheeses and the hearty tortellini that absorb all those flavors.

How To Make the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink.

Step 3: Add the Sauce Base

Pour in the red enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Gently fold in the cheese tortellini. Cover the skillet and let the tortellini cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and evenly combined into the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top, and serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Serving and Storing Your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

This comforting dish is best served hot straight from the skillet, with gooey melted cheese still clinging to the tortellini. It feeds about 4 to 6 people, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or casual get-together meal. Add a sprinkle of extra cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for a little flair when serving.

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. While you can freeze it, note that the texture of tortellini might become slightly softer upon thawing.

What to Serve With Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini?

Garlic Bread

The rich sauce loves a good, crusty garlic bread to help soak up every last bite.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness.

Mexican Street Corn

The sweet and smoky flavors of elote make a fantastic sidekick.

Avocado Slices or Guacamole

Creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the bold spices of the enchilada base.

Black Beans

A spoonful of seasoned black beans adds a protein boost and extra heartiness.

Pickled Jalapeños

Add some heat and zing with tangy jalapeños for those who like it spicy.

Tortilla Chips

Crunchy chips work well for scooping up extra sauce or even as a fun alternative to a fork!

Lime Wedges

A fresh squeeze of lime over the top cuts through the richness and brings it all together.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you enjoyed this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini, you’ll definitely want to check out these other cozy and flavorful recipes:

• Try the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed dinner.
• The Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is a must if you’re craving something extra indulgent.
• Love Tex-Mex flavor? You might also enjoy the Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Recipe with its deep spices and saucy goodness.
• Keep the tortellini fun going with the Creamy Cajun Linguine for a zesty, peppery twist.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice? Maybe some sour cream or jalapeños? I’d love to hear what you did to make it your own.

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Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is where comfort food meets a bold fusion of flavors. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with that enchilada essence we all crave. Whether you’re hosting or just need a quick and hearty dinner, this dish checks every box.

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