Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned ground beef, creamy enchilada sauce, and tender cheese tortellini. Topped with melted mozzarella and garnished with fresh cilantro, it offers a comforting Tex-Mex twist on classic pasta dishes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Enchilada Sauce: Pour the red enchilada sauce into the skillet with the beef. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Add chunks of cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and blends smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Cook Tortellini: Fold in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Continue cooking over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
- Add Mozzarella and Melt: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the skillet’s contents. Cover the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or alternatively, transfer to a broiler-safe dish and broil briefly until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve the dish hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option if preferred.
- Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Using fresh mozzarella instead of shredded can yield a creamier topping.
- If you don’t have a broiler-safe dish, simply cover the skillet to melt the cheese thoroughly.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: cheesy beef enchilada tortellini, ground beef pasta, enchilada sauce recipe, quick weeknight dinner, comfort food
