If you’re craving a dish that combines the hearty flavors of a classic beef enchilada with the comforting, cheesy goodness of tortellini, then you are absolutely going to love this Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe. It’s a vibrant, filling meal that brings together spiced ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, tender tortellini, and a melty cheese topping that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss, this recipe packs exciting Mexican-inspired flavors in a creamy, pasta form that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each contributing a unique touch of flavor, texture, and color. From savory seasoned ground beef to fragrant cilantro, every item plays a crucial role in making this dish stand out.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty, savory base filled with rich meaty flavor.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Adds authentic Mexican spices that bring warmth and depth.
- 1 cup onion, diced: Brings sweetness and slight crunch when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant, aromatic essence essential for balanced flavor.
- 1 can (15 ounces) enchilada sauce: The robust, tangy sauce that defines the dish’s enchilada character.
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained: Adds juiciness and acidity to brighten the rich flavors.
- 8 ounces cheese tortellini: Soft, pillowy pasta pockets that soak up all the saucy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully, lending sharpness and gooey texture on top.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Creamy and mild, it balances out the cheddar with its luscious melt.
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned): Offers bursts of sweetness and a delightful pop of color.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh and vibrant, the perfect garnish to finish your dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and enriching the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all ingredients.
How to Make Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant—this builds the aromatic foundation for your dish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the ground beef to your skillet. Cook it thoroughly until it’s browned and nicely crumbled. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat that could make your dish greasy. This step ensures the beef remains juicy and flavorful without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Sauces and Spices
Now stir in the taco seasoning packet, enchilada sauce, and drained diced tomatoes. This is where your dish really starts coming alive with bold flavor, as the spices meld beautifully with the tangy sauce and fresh tomatoes. Mix well to combine everything evenly.
Step 4: Add Corn and Simmer
Next, fold in the corn and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes. The corn adds a burst of sweetness and balances the spice, while simmering helps all the flavors meld together perfectly.
Step 5: Cook the Tortellini
While your sauce simmers, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually boiling for 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Drain them well to avoid watery sauce and set aside. These cheesy pasta pillows will soak up the flavors in the next step.
Step 6: Preheat Oven and Combine
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the beef and enchilada sauce mixture, making sure every piece is fully coated and luscious. This combination is the heart of your Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe.
Step 7: Bake with Cheese
Transfer everything into a baking dish and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crown that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Remove your creation from the oven and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. This touch of green freshness complements the richness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where your personal flair can shine. Besides fresh cilantro, consider a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sliced jalapeños if you enjoy a little heat. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a lovely brightness that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or Mexican street corn. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside warm, soft tortillas or a scoop of refried beans for extra indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual ramekins straight from the oven, ensuring everyone gets a bubbly cheesy crust on top. You can also top it with avocado slices or chopped green onions to add texture and vibrant color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from your Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent lunch or dinner option when you’re pressed for time.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your leftovers, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its quality for up to 2 months. When thawing, transfer it to the fridge overnight for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the leftover Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 to 20 minutes. Microwaving works too—just cover to prevent drying out and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional and flavorful, you can swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, just replace the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or black beans and adjust the seasoning accordingly. The enchilada sauce and cheese provide plenty of savory flavor to keep it satisfying.
What type of tortellini works best?
Cheese-filled tortellini is the best choice here because it complements the enchilada flavors beautifully. However, you can experiment with spinach or mushroom tortellini for a different spin.
Can I prepare this dish in advance and bake later?
Definitely! Prepare everything up to combining the tortellini with the beef mixture, refrigerate it, and then bake just before serving. This makes it a superb recipe for meal prep or entertaining.
How spicy is the Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to the taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. You can adjust the heat by choosing a mild or hot seasoning packet and adding fresh jalapeños or chili powder if you like it spicier.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and exciting about this Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe. It marries bold Mexican flavors with creamy Italian pasta to create a dish that is both familiar and refreshingly new. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite that you turn to time and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delicious culinary treat—you won’t regret it!
Print
Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
A flavorful and hearty Beef Enchilada Tortellini casserole combining spicy ground beef, enchilada sauce, and tender cheese tortellini, topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for a comforting Mexican-inspired baked pasta dish.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta & Cheese
- 8 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté onions: Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent, building the flavor base.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant to deepen the aroma.
- Brown the beef: Increase to medium-high heat, add ground beef, and cook until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Mix seasonings and sauce: Stir in taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and drained diced tomatoes. Combine well for a rich, spicy sauce.
- Add corn and simmer: Incorporate the corn, mix thoroughly, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook tortellini: While the sauce simmers, cook cheese tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside to be added later.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the beef and enchilada sauce mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the combined mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add cheese topping: Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top for a gooey, golden finish.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, and serve hot for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- Use fresh corn instead of frozen or canned for a sweeter flavor.
- To make it spicier, add chopped jalapeños with the onions or use a hotter enchilada sauce.
- For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef and reduce the cheese quantity.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
