Get ready to meet your new weeknight obsession. This Beef Enchilada Tortellini recipe is where savory enchilada flavor meets the cheesy, comforting goodness of tortellini in a single skillet. It’s a game-changing dish that delivers massive flavor with minimal cleanup, making it a guaranteed winner for busy weeknights and hungry families. If you love bold, cheesy, and satisfying meals, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for.
We’re combining seasoned ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, and pillowy cheese tortellini, then smothering it all in melted cheese. It’s the perfect fusion of Mexican and Italian comfort foods, ready in about 35 minutes. Let’s dive in and make this incredible one-pan wonder.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
This isn’t just another dinner; it’s a culinary powerhouse that solves the “what’s for dinner?” dilemma with style. It’s designed for real life—quick, easy, and incredibly delicious.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you can have this cheesy masterpiece on the table in about 35 minutes.
- Family-Approved Flavor: The combination of savory beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and cheesy tortellini is a flavor profile that kids and adults will devour.
- Incredibly Versatile: It’s easy to customize with different cheeses, proteins, or by adding extra veggies.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Enchilada Tortellini
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Savory Beef Base
- Lean Ground Beef: 90/10 lean ground beef works perfectly, providing rich flavor with less grease.
- Onion & Garlic: The essential aromatic duo that builds the foundation of our sauce. Finely chopped yellow onion and minced garlic are best.
- Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought packet or a homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, and paprika for that classic enchilada taste.
For the Sauce & Tortellini
- Red Enchilada Sauce: A good quality canned red enchilada sauce is the star of the show. Choose a mild or medium heat level depending on your preference.
- Beef Broth: This helps create the perfect sauce consistency for cooking the tortellini.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and absorbs the enchilada sauce beautifully.
- Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: A blend of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Colby gives you the best melt and flavor.
- Optional Toppings: Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for a little extra kick.
How to Make Beef Enchilada Tortellini (Step-by-Step)
This one-skillet meal comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow along to create the ultimate Beef Enchilada Tortellini bake.
- Brown the Beef: In a large, oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the enchilada sauce and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add the refrigerated tortellini to the skillet, stirring gently to coat. Let it simmer for the time indicated on the package, typically 5-7 minutes, until the tortellini is tender.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. For a bubbly, golden-brown top, you can place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Garnish and Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Want to make your beef enchilada tortellini taste like it came from a professional kitchen? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks fast. Keep an eye on it to ensure it stays perfectly al dente and doesn’t become mushy.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Shredding your own cheese from a block will give you a much creamier, gooier result.
- Taste and Adjust: Before you add the cheese, taste the sauce. You can adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt, a little extra cumin, or a dash of hot sauce if needed.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for creativity. If you love this dish, you might also enjoy the bold flavors in our Cajun Steak Pasta. Here are a few fun variations for the enchilada tortellini:
- Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño with the onion or use a spicy enchilada sauce for an extra kick.
- Add Veggies: Stir in a cup of canned black beans (rinsed and drained) or corn along with the tortellini for extra texture and nutrition.
- Switch the Protein: This dish works wonderfully with ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
What to Serve with Your Tortellini Bake
This Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a hearty all-in-one meal, but a simple side can complete the dinner. A light green salad with a cilantro-lime vinaigrette or a side of steamed vegetables works perfectly. For a truly satisfying meal, pair it with a simple side like our Beet and Feta Salad (coming soon).
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftovers are fantastic, and this dish is no exception! Store any leftover tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. The cheese will become just as melty and delicious as the first day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish without the final cheese topping, let it cool, and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, top with cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and heated through.
Absolutely! While a Mexican blend is recommended, you can use sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack cheese for a little extra spice.
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the simmering time to ensure it’s cooked through. Check the package directions for guidance.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
This dish is great on its own, but a simple side salad, steamed green beans, or a dollop of sour cream and sliced avocado on top are excellent additions.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of cheesy, comforting dinners, you won’t want to miss our Creamy Sausage Tortellini (coming soon), which offers a different but equally delicious spin on a tortellini skillet. It’s another family favorite that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Get the Recipe
Beef Enchilada Tortellini: The Ultimate Cheesy One-Pan Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large, oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for about one minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the enchilada sauce and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the refrigerated tortellini to the skillet, stirring gently to coat. Let it simmer for the time indicated on the package, typically 5-7 minutes, until the tortellini is tender.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. For a bubbly, golden-brown top, you can place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
- Let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro and green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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