Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini – Comfort Food Dinner Favorite

When you’re in the mood for a comforting meal that brings together the flavors of classic enchiladas and cheesy tortellini, Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is the dish you need. This delightful recipe combines ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, and creamy cheese tortellini for a satisfying dinner that’s quick and easy to make. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to impress with its deliciously cheesy goodness.

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is more than just a meal; it’s a hearty comfort food that feeds the soul. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Here are a few reasons why you should definitely try making this recipe:

Quick to Prepare: This meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those busy evenings when time is short.
One-Pot Wonder: Less clean-up is always a plus! You prepare everything in one skillet, which means you can enjoy your meal and relax afterward.
Customizable Ingredients: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your family’s taste preferences or dietary restrictions by adding vegetables, swapping meats, or using gluten-free tortellini.
Kid-Friendly: This dish is a hit with children and adults alike. Who can resist cheesy pasta mixed with flavorful beef and sauce?
Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick re-heating during the week.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Making Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is really straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that is sure to be a hit at your dinner table!

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika (optional)
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (19 oz) bag cheese tortellini (frozen or refrigerated)
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Crushed tortilla chips

Directions:

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain fat if necessary.
Season with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in enchilada sauce and sour cream until creamy and smooth.
Stir in cheese tortellini. If using frozen tortellini, cook according to package directions first. Coat evenly with sauce.
Sprinkle shredded cheese blend on top. Cover and cook on low for 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Garnish with cilantro, green onions, or crushed chips, if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

When serving Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini, consider pairing it with simple side dishes that complement the rich flavors. Here are some serving suggestions:

Top with Fresh Garnishes: Add chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.
Side Salads: Serve it alongside a fresh salad with avocado, tomato, and a zesty dressing to lighten up the meal.
Cornbread or Tortillas: Have warm cornbread or soft tortillas on the side to soak up the delicious enchilada sauce.
Sour Cream Dollop: Offer sour cream on the side for those who love a creamy touch with every bite.

How to Store Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Leftovers can be stored easily for later enjoyment. Here’s how you can store Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini properly:

Refrigeration: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container, and it will last in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freezing: If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Heat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water or extra sour cream for moisture.

Tips to Make Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Here are some handy tips to ensure your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini turns out perfectly:

Use Lean Ground Beef: To reduce grease, opt for lean ground beef or turkey.
Veggie Add-In: Sneak in some veggies like bell peppers, corn, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Cheddar Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese blends for a unique twist on flavor.
Spice it Up: If you like some heat, add jalapeños to the mix or serve with hot sauce.

Variation

There are many ways to tweak this recipe to fit your taste. Here are some variations you might enjoy:

Chicken Enchilada Tortellini: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Option: Use meat substitutes like lentils or black beans and add veggies for a delicious meat-free meal.
Cheesy Spinach Tortellini: Swap cheese tortellini with spinach tortellini for a veggie-packed twist.

FAQs

Can I use a different sauce instead of enchilada sauce?

Yes, you can use salsa verde or a homemade tomato sauce for different flavors.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and makes for an easy reheat meal throughout the week.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free cheese tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is an incredibly comforting dish that is easy to prepare and is loaded with cheesy goodness and beefy flavor. It’s perfect for busy nights or family gatherings. Give it a try, and you may find a new favorite dinner on your table!

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Author: amanda-hart
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Beef

Description

A comforting dish that combines ground beef, enchilada sauce, and cheesy tortellini for a quick and easy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika (optional)
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
1 (19 oz) bag cheese tortellini (frozen or refrigerated)
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnishes: Chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain fat if necessary.
Season with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in enchilada sauce and sour cream until creamy and smooth.
Stir in cheese tortellini. If using frozen tortellini, cook according to package directions first. Coat evenly with sauce.
Sprinkle shredded cheese blend on top. Cover and cook on low for 5–7 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Garnish with cilantro, green onions, or crushed chips, if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

For added flavor, top with fresh garnishes like cilantro or green onions. This dish is also great for meal prep.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: enchilada, tortellini, comfort food, quick dinner, beef