Dinner

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe

Bymia larkspur October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

Introduction

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a comforting one-pot dish that combines the bold flavors of enchilada sauce with tender cheese-filled tortellini and seasoned ground beef. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family.

The dish shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with baked tortellini pasta. There are two main layers visible: the bottom layer is yellow tortellini pasta covered with a rich, thick red meat sauce that has a slightly oily texture, and on top is a layer of melted white cheese that stretches softly over the pasta. Scattered green parsley leaves add a fresh look across the surface. The pasta pieces are plump, with some edges folded and others round, creating a textured and hearty appearance. The photo is taken on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

450 grams ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried cilantro
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon minced garlic
540 grams frozen cheese tortellini
295 milliliters mild enchilada sauce
285 grams diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
120 grams shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Add the chopped onion and continue sautéing until translucent. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Stir in the salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, and cayenne pepper. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Add the frozen tortellini and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
Step 4: Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, reduce to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the tortellini is tender.
Step 5: Once the pasta is cooked, give everything a gentle stir. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover again (or broil briefly) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Swap Monterey Jack cheese for cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
Add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
If you prefer, use fresh tortellini instead of frozen, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much upon cooling, stir in a splash of water or broth while reheating to loosen it.

How to Serve

This image shows a white bowl filled with several pieces of tortellini pasta covered in a thick, rich meat sauce, with chunks of ground meat visible throughout. The pasta is a warm yellow color with a soft texture, coated evenly by the reddish-brown sauce. Melted white cheese is spread on top in a melting, gooey layer, with some parts more covered than others, allowing the sauce to peek through. Small pieces of bright green parsley are scattered over the entire dish, adding a fresh touch. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a vegetarian version.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can cook the beef mixture and store it separately from the tortellini and sauce, then combine and heat everything together just before serving to maintain the best texture.