IRRESISTIBLE CHEESY BEEF ENCHILADA TORTELLINI

Imagine the comforting warmth of cheesy enchiladas colliding head-on with the delightful chewiness of tortellini; that’s exactly what you get with this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini! It’s a fusion flavor party that’s surprisingly simple to throw together, promising a weeknight dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. I promise, this will become a family favorite!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients!

For the Beefy Enchilada Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tortellini:

• 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

For the Cheesy Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite Mexican cheese blend)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
• Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for serving)

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Recipe

This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience! As far as pasta dinner recipes go, this one is a total winner. We’re talking about combining the heartiness of ground beef recipes for dinner with the satisfying comfort of tortellini. It’s the kind of beef dinner that satisfies every craving. Think about it: the rich, savory flavors of enchiladas, but with the added fun and texture of cheese tortellini. You can easily customize it, too! Swap out the beef for ground turkey, add some black beans or corn for extra veggies, or use a spicier enchilada sauce to kick up the heat. And the best part? It’s FAST. Weeknights can be crazy, and this recipe comes together in under an hour. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters will happily gobble this up. What’s not to love? You get all the deliciousness of Ground Beef Enchiladas, but in a fraction of the time and with a fun twist!

Essential Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy enchilada tortellini!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Build the Enchilada Sauce

1. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens! Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Feel free to add a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic for your liking.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions. Be careful not to overcook them; you want them to be al dente. Overcooked tortellini can get mushy in the oven.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

1. Drain the cooked tortellini and add them to the skillet with the beefy enchilada sauce. Gently stir to combine, ensuring that the tortellini are evenly coated.
2. Pour the tortellini mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend) evenly over the top.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Let the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini cool slightly before serving. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and fresh chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Tortellini Perfection

• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: I cannot stress this enough! Soggy tortellini is nobody’s friend. Cook them just until they’re tender.
• Spice It Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of chili powder and taco seasoning to suit your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Add Veggies: Sneak in some extra veggies like diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans for added nutrition and flavor.
• Cheese, Please!: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a combination of cheeses would all be delicious.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the tortellini casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Freezer Friendly: Leftovers (if you have any!) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

• Chicken Enchilada Tortellini: Substitute ground chicken for the ground beef.
• Vegetarian Enchilada Tortellini: Use plant-based ground meat or add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use a can of black beans.
• Creamy Enchilada Tortellini: Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup for an extra creamy sauce.
• Spicy Enchilada Tortellini: Add a can of diced green chilies or a few tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.

If you are looking for another ground beef option, try this Cheesy Ground Beef Melt. Alternatively, you might enjoy Cheesy Hamburger Casserole or Cheesy Hamburger Casserole, both great beef recipes for dinner. Craving more cozy soup recipes? You could try this Autumn Tortellini Soup or Chicken Tortellini Soup.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
• Protein: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g
• Fat: 20-30g

*Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Cheesy Creation!

There you have it – a wonderfully easy and flavorful Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to spice up your weekly beef dinner routine and explore new tortellini recipes. This recipe brings together two amazing cuisines, is easily customizable and is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. I hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as I do! Happy cooking, friend!