Oh my goodness, let me tell you about cheesy beef enchilada tortellini! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, combining the comforting flavors of cheesy pasta with the bold, zesty goodness of enchilada sauce. I remember the first time I made this—it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something hearty yet quick. The moment I took a bite, I was hooked! The ground beef adds a savory depth, while the cheese pulls everything together in a delightful melty embrace. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or when you just want a cozy meal. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef, crumbled
- 1 package cheese tortellini (9 ounces)
- 2 cups enchilada sauce, store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How to Prepare Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
Alright, let’s dive into making this cheesy beef enchilada tortellini! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll have it ready in no time. Just follow my lead, and you’ll be savoring every bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, cook your tortellini according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes in boiling water. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside. You want them just al dente—don’t worry, they’ll soak up some flavor later!
- While your tortellini is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it nice and warm but not smoking!
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they’re beautifully softened and fragrant. Trust me, this will set the stage for all the yummy flavors!
- Next, toss in the ground beef, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to break it up as it cooks so it’s nice and crumbly.
- Now, stir in the enchilada sauce and let it simmer for a minute, allowing those flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens!
- Finally, gently fold in the cooked tortellini until they’re thoroughly coated in that delicious sauce. Top it all with shredded cheese, cover the skillet, and let it sit on low heat for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
- Once everything is melted and bubbly, garnish with fresh cilantro if you like, then serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided for cheesy beef enchilada tortellini is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. For precise dietary needs, it’s best to calculate based on your own ingredients. Enjoy your delicious meal with peace of mind!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick one-pan meal that comes together in about 35 minutes!
- The flavors are a fantastic fusion of cheesy goodness and spicy enchilada zest.
- You’ll love how filling and satisfying it is, perfect for hungry bellies.
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spices for added flair!
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it great for meal prep.
Tips for Success
To make your cheesy beef enchilada tortellini absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few handy tips for you! First, don’t skip on browning the ground beef well; it adds so much rich flavor to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even chicken—just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Also, if you want to spice things up, toss in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder when you’re cooking the beef. And remember, if you love a bit of crunch, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or corn for a pop of color and texture! Finally, make sure not to overcook the tortellini; you want them to be perfectly al dente so they soak up all that delicious sauce without getting mushy. Enjoy experimenting!
Variations
The beauty of cheesy beef enchilada tortellini is how adaptable it is! If you’re in the mood to mix things up, here are some fun variations to try. For a veggie-packed twist, throw in some black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers when you add the enchilada sauce. It adds color and nutrition, and you’ll love the added textures!
If you like a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. For a creamy version, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving—trust me, it takes the richness to a whole new level!
And if you want to switch up the cheese, try using pepper jack for an extra kick or even a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving cheesy beef enchilada tortellini, I love to keep it simple yet satisfying! A fresh green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette makes a perfect side, balancing the richness of the dish. You could also serve it with warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra enchilada sauce—yum! For a festive touch, add some homemade guacamole and tortilla chips for a fun crunch. And don’t forget a dollop of sour cream on top to cool things down a bit. Trust me, it’ll elevate your meal to an entirely new level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers of this cheesy beef enchilada tortellini (which is always a win!), simply transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy those delicious flavors again! When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce to keep it moist and creamy. Enjoy your second helping just as much as the first!
FAQ Section
Can I make cheesy beef enchilada tortellini ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the point of adding the cheese and just store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stovetop and let the cheese melt right before serving. It’s perfect for meal prep!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free cheese tortellini, this cheesy beef enchilada tortellini is a delicious option for those avoiding gluten. Just double-check the labels on your enchilada sauce and tortellini to be sure!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you want to make it lighter or try something different, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in this recipe. You could even use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian spin!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just let the cheesy beef enchilada tortellini cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual!
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the enchilada sauce you use. If you prefer a milder version, choose a mild sauce, or if you’re feeling adventurous, go for a hot one! You can also add jalapeños to kick up the heat!
For more information on the health benefits of incorporating more vegetables into your meals, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on how to make homemade enchilada sauce, visit this Simply Recipes guide.
If you’re interested in more delicious pasta recipes, check out this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta.
Print
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini: 7 Comforting Flavors
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheesy beef enchilada tortellini is a hearty pasta dish with a flavorful blend of ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package cheese tortellini (9 ounces)
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, and sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the enchilada sauce and cooked tortellini.
- Top with shredded cheese and cover until cheese melts.
- Garnish with cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cheesy beef enchilada tortellini, beef tortellini, enchilada pasta
