Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is the ultimate weeknight dinner that marries comfort food with Tex-Mex spices. The tender cheese tortellini soaks up the delicious, spiced enchilada sauce, while the creamy sour cream and melted cheddar cheese make the dish even more indulgent. With just a few ingredients and quick prep time, it’s a flavor-packed meal that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups red enchilada sauce
• 20 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef: Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
4. Add Enchilada Sauce: Drain any excess fat from the beef, then pour in the enchilada sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Add Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini, cover the skillet, and cook for 4–6 minutes or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
6. Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is melted and creamy.
7. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and an extra spoonful of sour cream if desired.
8. Enjoy: Enjoy right away, or store leftovers for later!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the beef mixture.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with beans (black beans or kidney beans) for a meatless option.
• Cheese Swap: Try swapping the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, or warm the entire dish on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works well in this dish. Just increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes to ensure they’re cooked through.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time by cooking everything up to step 5. Store it in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

3. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. It will give a lighter texture to the dish but will still be delicious.

4. How do I prevent the sour cream from curdling?

To prevent curdling, always remove the pan from heat before stirring in the sour cream. This ensures it remains smooth and creamy.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can swap the cheddar cheese for any type of cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.

6. How do I know when the tortellini is cooked?

The tortellini should be tender and cooked through after about 4-6 minutes. You can check by tasting one or cutting it open to ensure it’s soft.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutrition and add color to the dish.

8. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the sour cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream and dairy-free cheese to make the recipe dairy-free.

9. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

10. What can I serve with Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or some crusty bread for dipping.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavors. The combination of tender tortellini, savory beef, and spicy enchilada sauce makes this dish irresistible. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, cozy weekends, or anytime you’re craving a satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

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Description

This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Combining tender tortellini, savory ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, creamy sour cream, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a Tex-Mex twist on classic Italian tortellini. Ready in just 25 minutes!

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Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 ½ cups red enchilada sauce

20 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

½ cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish

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Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

• Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

• Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

• Drain any excess fat from the beef, then pour in the enchilada sauce. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

• Stir in the cheese tortellini, cover the skillet, and cook for 4–6 minutes or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.

• Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until everything is melted and creamy.

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and an extra spoonful of sour cream if desired.

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Notes

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for some heat.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with beans (black or kidney beans) for a meatless version.

Cheese Swap: Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese can be used instead of cheddar for a different flavor.

Frozen Tortellini: If using frozen tortellini, increase cooking time by 2–3 minutes.

Make Ahead: Prepare everything up to step 5 and store it in the fridge to reheat when ready to serve.