Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a delicious fusion dish combining the rich flavors of enchilada sauce with tender cheese tortellini and seasoned ground beef. This comforting casserole is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner that will satisfy the whole family.
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 to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the enchilada sauce and cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well but do not rinse.
- Step 3: Combine the cooked tortellini with the beef and sauce mixture in the skillet. Transfer everything to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Step 5: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.
- Adding black beans or corn to the beef mixture can boost the nutrition and texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until hot. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream cheese sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Just cook it according to package instructions and adjust cooking time as needed.
Is this dish very spicy?
The recipe has a mild spice level from chili powder and cumin. You can adjust the seasonings or add extra heat with cayenne pepper or hot sauce according to your taste.
PrintCheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a flavorful and comforting casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, creamy enchilada sauce, and tender cheese-filled tortellini. Topped with melted mozzarella and baked to perfection, this dish offers a delicious twist on classic Mexican flavors with Italian pasta, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients
Beef and Sauce Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- ½ cup cream cheese
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Beef Filling: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the enchilada sauce and cream cheese, stirring until smooth. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Cook Tortellini: While the beef mixture simmers, cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well but do not rinse, to retain starch for better sauce adhesion.
- Combine and Assemble: Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet with the beef and enchilada sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Then transfer the entire mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the assembled mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted with a slight golden hue on top.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, then serve warm for a comforting and cheesy meal.
Notes
- Use refrigerated fresh tortellini for best texture; frozen works but may require additional cooking time.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños when cooking the beef.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- You can substitute mozzarella with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.
Keywords: beef enchilada tortellini, cheesy casserole, enchilada pasta bake, Mexican pasta dish, baked tortellini recipe
