Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Cook tortellini, brown beef with seasonings, combine with enchilada sauce, top with cheese and sour cream. Ready in 25 minutes.
Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 18 Feb 2025 18:27:09 GMT
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Pin it
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini | recipesbyclare.com

Here's my cozy weeknight mash-up that combines cheesy tortellini with spicy enchilada flavors. I stumbled on this recipe one night when I was craving both pasta and Mexican food, and now it's my family's most-requested dinner. The best part? It all comes together in one pan while the pasta cooks.

The first time I made this, my picky 12-year-old went back for thirds. Now he helps me grate the cheese while I brown the beef - it's become our special cooking time together.

Grab These Ingredients:

  • Store-bought tortellini: - I grab it from the refrigerated section near the fancy cheese
  • Ground beef: that's 80/20 lean - the fat adds flavor you don't want to miss
  • Real blocks of cheese: - pre-shredded just doesn't melt right
  • Your favorite enchilada sauce: - I use mild red for the kids
  • Fresh garlic: - those little jars just aren't the same
  • Yellow onion: - trust me, sweet onions make it too sugary
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Pin it
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini | recipesbyclare.com

Let's Cook:

Start Your Base:
Get your pasta water going while you dig out your biggest skillet. Nothing worse than waiting for water to boil when everything else is ready.
Build Your Flavors:
Break up that beef into small bits - I use my wooden spoon that's got those battle scars from years of cooking. Once it's browning nicely, toss in those onions and let them get soft and sweet.
Season With Love:
Sprinkle in those spices and let them toast up. Your kitchen should smell amazing right about now - like your favorite Mexican restaurant.
Let's Get Saucy:
Pour that enchilada sauce right over everything. Watch it bubble and turn into this gorgeous, rich mixture. Sometimes I add an extra splash because we love things saucy in my house.
Bring It Together:
Dump in those cooked tortellini - I like to scoop them right from the water into the sauce. The little bit of pasta water that comes along helps make everything creamy.
Make It Rain Cheese:
This is my kids' favorite part. Cover everything with both kinds of cheese, pop that lid on, and let it get all melty and gooey. No peeking for 3 minutes!

Last week my neighbor came over while I was making this and practically invited herself to dinner after smelling it through the door. Now she makes it for her family too!

What To Serve It With:

I usually throw together a quick salad with whatever greens are in my fridge. Sometimes I warm up some tortillas too - they're perfect for scooping up the extra sauce. My husband likes his with sliced avocado on top.

Switch It Up:

Sometimes I use ground turkey to make it lighter, or spicy enchilada sauce when the kids aren't eating with us. Once I tried it with mushroom tortellini and it was amazing. Just work with what you've got!

Keep The Leftovers:

If you actually have any leftovers (we rarely do), they'll keep in the fridge for a few days. Add a splash of milk when you reheat it to bring back the sauciness. The flavors get even better the next day.

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe Pin it
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe | recipesbyclare.com

Kitchen Secrets:

  • Let your pan get nice and hot before adding the meat
  • Don't move the beef around too much while it browns
  • Save a cup of pasta water just in case your sauce needs thinning

You know what I love most about this recipe? It reminds me of Sunday dinners at my mom's house, where she'd always mix up different cuisines to make something new. Every time I make this, my kitchen fills with those familiar comfort food smells, and for a moment, it feels just like being back home.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different pasta?
Yes, any filled pasta like ravioli works well, just adjust cooking time according to package.
→ Red or green enchilada sauce?
Either works well - red for traditional flavor, green for a slightly tangier taste.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well for 2-3 days.
→ Can I use ground turkey?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can substitute for beef.
→ How spicy is this dish?
Mild to medium, depending on your enchilada sauce. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

A creative fusion dish combining cheese tortellini with seasoned ground beef and enchilada sauce, topped with melty cheese and sour cream!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Pasta and Protein

01 9 oz cheese tortellini
02 1 lb ground beef

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

03 1 small onion, chopped
04 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Seasonings

05 1 tablespoon chili powder
06 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 1 teaspoon paprika
08 ½ teaspoon salt
09 ½ teaspoon black pepper

→ Sauce and Cheese

10 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce (red or green)
11 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
12 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
13 ¼ cup sour cream

→ Garnish

14 Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Brown ground beef in large skillet over medium heat, breaking apart while cooking. Drain excess fat.

Step 03

Add onion and garlic to beef. Cook 2-3 minutes until onion softens.

Step 04

Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute to toast spices.

Step 05

Add enchilada sauce and simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors. Add cooked tortellini and toss to coat.

Step 06

Top with mozzarella and cheddar. Cover and cook on low 2-3 minutes until melted.

Step 07

Remove from heat, stir in sour cream. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

Notes

  1. Can use red or green enchilada sauce
  2. Quick weeknight dinner option
  3. Fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Pasta pot
  • Colander

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains wheat (gluten)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~