Print

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe

4.6 from 261 reviews

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a flavorful one-pan dish combining seasoned ground beef with tender cheese tortellini in a savory enchilada sauce, topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal with a Mexican twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Components

  • 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

  1. Brown the Beef and Onions: 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.
  2. Add the Seasonings: 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.
  3. Combine Sauce and Tortellini: Pour in the enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Add the frozen tortellini and stir until everything is evenly mixed.
  4. Simmer Until Tender: 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.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, give everything a gentle stir. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover again (or briefly broil) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Spoon the cheesy beef enchilada tortellini onto plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and flavor.

Notes

  • Use mild enchilada sauce for a milder flavor or switch to medium or hot for a spicier dish.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans or textured vegetable protein.
  • Be sure to cover the pan while simmering to help the tortellini cook evenly and absorb the sauce flavors.
  • To melt the cheese quickly, you can briefly place the skillet under a broiler for 1-2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
  • Fresh cilantro adds a bright, fresh taste—feel free to omit if you don’t like cilantro.

Keywords: cheesy beef enchilada tortellini, ground beef recipe, enchilada sauce pasta, quick Mexican dinner, cheesy tortellini skillet