Name: Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini; 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce; ½ cup cream cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Imagine a cozy weeknight, the craving for something cheesy and comforting hits, and you whip up a bubbling skillet of Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini — the ultimate mashup of Tex-Mex flavor and Italian heartiness! With tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a rich, spiced beef and enchilada sauce, all blanketed in gooey mozzarella, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something special, brimming with color, bold flavor, and a hint of homestyle nostalgia. Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is bound to become a new family favorite for busy evenings or casual get-togethers alike.

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The star of this dish is the delightful balance between convenience and deep flavor. Each ingredient brings something essential, from velvety cheese tortellini to robust spices, ensuring Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini never falls flat on flavor or texture.

Ground beef: Opt for an 85/15 blend for perfect flavor and just the right amount of richness.
Refrigerated cheese tortellini: These plump pasta pillows bring creaminess and a fun texture you’ll love.
Red enchilada sauce: The backbone of our Tex-Mex flavor, so choose your preferred mild or spicy version.
Cream cheese: Adds a luscious, tangy creaminess that marries the pasta and sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully atop the skillet, blanketing everything in irresistible gooeyness.
Medium onion: Diced for sweetness and aromatic depth right from the start.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic lends an unmistakable punch and warmth.
Chili powder: Just a teaspoon brings the right amount of heat and earthiness.
Ground cumin: Adds a layer of smokiness that really drives home those enchilada vibes.
Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing every underlying flavor — season to your taste.
Fresh cilantro (optional): A sprinkle at the end brightens and freshens the dish beautifully.

How to Make Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent — this brings out the onion’s natural sweetness. Next, add the minced garlic and give it a quick stir, letting the aroma bloom for about 30 seconds. This step lays down a flavor-packed foundation for your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Season

Once the kitchen smells like heaven, add the ground beef right into the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin while it’s still pink. Break up the beef as it browns, letting the spices infuse every bite. When the meat is no longer pink and cooked through, be sure to drain off any excess fat for a perfectly balanced dish.

Step 3: Pour in Enchilada Sauce

Time for the saucy magic! Pour in the red enchilada sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is where your beef really takes on those classic enchilada flavors, combining beautifully with the base you’ve built.

Step 4: Melt in Cream Cheese

Cut the cream cheese into chunks and scatter them into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely, making the sauce creamy, tangy, and totally luscious. You’ll notice everything starting to come together into a comforting, velvety mixture.

Step 5: Add the Tortellini

Gently fold in the cheese tortellini. Cook on medium-low heat, letting the tortellini soak up the saucy goodness for 5 to 7 minutes. They’ll plump up, warm through, and take on some of those marvelous enchilada flavors without getting overcooked.

Step 6: Top with Mozzarella and Melt

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the skillet. Cover and let the cheese melt for 2 to 3 minutes, or if you’re feeling extra bold, pop the skillet under the broiler instead. Let the cheese bubble and turn lightly golden — trust me, this is the dramatic finish your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini deserves!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

A final flourish of chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color. Serve your skillet up hot and watch every spoonful disappear just as fast as you can dish it out.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Garnishes

Cilantro brings brightness, but you can also add sliced green onions, diced avocado, or even a dollop of sour cream. A quick squeeze of lime over the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini right before serving gives a zesty lift that ties it all together.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty on its own, but it shines when paired with crisp green salads, roasted corn, or a side of black beans. Warm flour tortillas or crunchy tortilla chips work beautifully for scooping up every last bit of saucy, cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini family-style at the table straight from the skillet, or portion it into individual ramekins for a bistro-inspired feel. Leftovers make incredible filling for stuffed peppers or can even be scooped into taco shells for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it cools fully before sealing it up to keep the flavors at their freshest. It’s the kind of next-day lunch everyone looks forward to!

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely before spooning it into freezer-safe containers. For best texture, enjoy within two months. The sauce might separate slightly on thawing, but a gentle reheat and stir will bring it right back together.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave with a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce to loosen things up. For a big batch, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and keep the cheese nice and melty.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Just add a couple of extra minutes to the simmering time so the frozen tortellini become hot and tender. No need to thaw in advance — convenience is all part of the magic of Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

If you crave more heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños with the beef. You can also choose a spicy enchilada sauce for extra punch that really elevates this comforting dish.

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble work beautifully in Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Just remember to season generously so those flavors still shine through!

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Mascapone or sour cream make great alternatives in a pinch. You’ll want to add these after the sauce has simmered, and stir well to maintain that silky texture.

Can I make Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini ahead of time?

You sure can. Assemble everything up to the point of adding mozzarella, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, just reheat gently, sprinkle on the mozzarella, and let it get bubbly and golden right before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about bringing together the best of two cuisines in one cheesy, hearty meal. Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini delivers comfort and fun with every bite, and I can’t wait for you to taste just how much flavor can come from such a simple recipe. Once you try it, I bet it’ll earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation — and maybe even inspire your own creative spins!

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini recipe combines the flavors of traditional enchiladas with cheesy tortellini for a delicious and comforting meal.

Instructions

Sauté Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent for about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Cook Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
Add Sauce: Pour in the enchilada sauce and bring to a simmer.
Combine Cheese: Add cream cheese in chunks and stir until fully melted and combined.
Add Tortellini: Fold in the cheese tortellini. Cook on medium-low heat for 5–7 minutes until tender and heated through.
Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes, or broil until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop, Oven
Cuisine: Mexican