Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef Enchilada Tortellini blends the bold, savory depth of classic beef enchiladas with the comforting richness of cheesy tortellini. The result is a hearty, family-friendly meal that feels both familiar and exciting. This dish is perfect for those nights when you crave Tex-Mex flavor but want something creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to prepare. What I love most is how quickly it comes together—especially when using refrigerated tortellini. I once made this using a spicy beef filling seasoned with chipotle powder, and it worked great, adding smoky heat that complemented the cheesy sauce beautifully. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or bring it to a potluck, this fusion dish delivers satisfying flavor and a comforting, saucy finish in every bite.
Beef Enchilada Tortellini: A Comforting Fusion of Tex-Mex Flavor and Pasta Night Ease
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty, cheesy fusion dish combining tender tortellini with seasoned ground beef and classic enchilada flavors for a quick, comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 package (20–22 oz) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic; cook until softened, 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Add tortellini directly to the skillet, stirring to coat.
- Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes (12–14 minutes if frozen), until tortellini are tender.
- Stir in sour cream and 1 cup of the shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Top with remaining cheese, cover, and heat on low until cheese melts.
- Garnish with cilantro or green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken or cheese tortellini for a lighter version.
- Add black beans or corn for extra heartiness.
- For a spicier dish, choose hot enchilada sauce or add jalapeños.
- This dish reheats well for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cheese Tortellini
Refrigerated cheese tortellini provides a rich, soft, cheesy base that pairs perfectly with the Tex-Mex sauce.
Ground Beef
Ground beef brings hearty depth to the dish. It absorbs the enchilada flavors and complements the creamy, cheesy finish.
Onion
Diced onion adds aromatic sweetness and helps build the savory flavor foundation.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the Tex-Mex profile and deepens the meat mixture’s flavor.
Enchilada Sauce
Red enchilada sauce coats the tortellini and beef with bold chili, tomato, and spice notes. Choose mild or hot depending on preference.
Diced Tomatoes
Tomatoes add moisture and a bright, tangy layer that balances the richness of the pasta and cheese.
Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese
Melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, gooey finish that brings the whole dish together.
Olive Oil
Used for sautéing, helping soften the onions and develop the meat’s flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning the beef mixture and balancing the overall dish.
Cumin or Taco Seasoning (Optional)
Adds extra Tex-Mex depth and a warm, smoky hint if you want a bolder flavor.
Directions
Start by cooking the tortellini according to package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by one minute since it will finish in the sauce later. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and optional cumin or taco seasoning.
Pour in the enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring well to incorporate. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. Add the cooked tortellini, gently folding them into the sauce. Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover, and simmer on low heat for several minutes until the cheese melts fully and the sauce thickens slightly.
Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve warm with optional toppings such as green onions, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4–6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce to loosen the mixture. Avoid microwaving too long, as the tortellini can become overly soft. This dish does not freeze well due to the pasta’s cheese filling.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Enchilada Tortellini
Add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese for a richer, silkier sauce.
Chicken Tortellini Enchilada
Swap beef for shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter but still flavorful version.
Vegetarian Option
Replace beef with black beans, roasted corn, and sautéed peppers.
Spicy Chipotle Tortellini
Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo for smoky, intense heat.
Verde Version
Use green enchilada sauce and pepper jack cheese for a fresh, tangy profile.
Tortellini Bake
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Loaded Tex-Mex Style
Top with jalapeños, cilantro, avocado, or corn for extra color and crunch.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free tortellini and sauce for a completely gluten-free meal.
Cheesy Overload
Mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra melting richness.
Tortellini with Veggies
Add sautéed zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to make it hearty and colorful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, cook it according to package directions before adding to the sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
It depends on your enchilada sauce and seasoning. Choose mild for less heat.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely—ground turkey works well and absorbs the seasonings beautifully.
Does the tortellini get mushy?
If you slightly undercook it initially, it remains tender without becoming mushy.
Can I substitute pasta shapes?
Yes, but the creamy filling in tortellini adds richness that plain pasta won’t replicate.
Should I drain the tomatoes?
For a thicker sauce, drain them; for a saucier dish, add with their juices.
Can I make it ahead?
You can prepare the beef mixture ahead, but add tortellini and cheese just before serving.
What cheese melts best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese melt beautifully.
How do I add more vegetables?
Stir in bell peppers, spinach, or corn before adding the tortellini.
Can I serve this as a baked casserole?
Yes, top with cheese and bake until bubbly for a delicious pasta-bake twist.
Conclusion
Beef Enchilada Tortellini offers a creative, comforting fusion of Tex-Mex flavors and pasta-night simplicity. With its creamy sauce, seasoned beef, and tender cheese-filled tortellini, the dish delivers hearty satisfaction and bold flavor in every bite. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s the kind of recipe that becomes a beloved go-to for busy nights or casual gatherings. Enjoy experimenting with variations and making it your own.
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