This wasn’t just some random recipe. One night, I was craving enchiladas but also wanted something creamy and comforting. My fridge was staring back at me with beef, cheese, and a package of tortellini. That’s when the idea of Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini hit me like a bolt of lightning. I knew I had to make it happen!
The first bite of my Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini creation was pure bliss. It was like a warm hug in a bowl, but with a spicy kick that kept me coming back for more. This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini became a happy accident turned absolute obsession.
So, get ready to ditch the boring dinners and join me on this delicious adventure. If you’re as excited about this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini as I am, let’s get cooking! I can’t wait to share this incredible recipe with you, my friends!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab most of these during your normal shopping trip. Let’s gather the goods:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (20 ounce) package of frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 (19 ounce) can of enchilada sauce
- 1 (10 ounce) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
- Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
No worries if you don’t have Rotel. I use a can of diced tomatoes and a small can of diced green chilies all the time in my Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. It’s an easy swap!
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini gets its amazing taste from the enchilada sauce and spices. Don’t skimp! I love adding extra chili powder to my Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for that extra kick. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking.
Here’s my Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini secret that takes it from good to incredible: a dollop of sour cream on top! Seriously, it adds the perfect creamy tang to balance the spice.
Storage Tip: If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Let’s Make Some!
Alright, fellow food lovers, let’s get down to the delicious magic of making Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini! Grab your apron, put on some music, and let’s get cooking together!
- First, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. This is where the delicious smells start filling your kitchen. It’s all about building that savory base for our Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini.
- Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Trust me on this one!
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. This step adds a little sweetness and depth of flavor to our Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini.
- Stir in the garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for another minute, until fragrant. This is where the magic starts happening! Your kitchen should smell absolutely incredible right now, a mix of savory beef and warm spices.
- Pour in the enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes and green chilies. Bring to a simmer. Don’t worry if your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini looks a little saucy at this point – the tortellini will soak it all up!
- Add the frozen cheese tortellini to the skillet. Stir to combine. Make sure the tortellini is evenly coated in the sauce. This is my favorite part of making Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini – watch the magic happen!
- Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. In my kitchen, this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini usually takes about 18 minutes.
- Remove the lid and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This is what makes it extra cheesy and delicious!
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Then, cover the skillet again and let it sit for a minute or two, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. While your Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
- Garnish with sour cream and chopped cilantro, if desired. Dig in and enjoy your amazing Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini!
Cooking Discovery: I accidentally added a splash of Worcestershire sauce once and it took the flavor to another level! Give it a try!
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini hits the table with a side of Mexican street corn salad. The sweetness of the corn balances the spice perfectly!
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s also a total crowd-pleaser for game nights or potlucks. I love serving it straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.
Bold Flavor Pairings:
Serve with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips for extra dipping action. A cool, refreshing margarita is the perfect drink to wash it all down!
Creative Leftover Transformations:
Use leftover Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini as a filling for burritos or quesadillas. Trust me, it’s amazing! If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for these Lemon Raspberry Cookies!
Fusion Variations:
I’ve experimented with adding black beans and corn for a Southwestern twist. You could also try using different types of cheese, like Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for added flavor. This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is so versatile and easy to customize, feel free to get creative!
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini?
Absolutely! This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is super easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. Just follow the simple steps, and you’ll be a Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini pro in no time!
What if I mess up my Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Don’t sweat it! The beauty of this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is that it’s pretty forgiving. Even if you overcook the tortellini a little, it’ll still taste amazing. The flavors are so bold and comforting, that it’s hard to go wrong!
How can I prep this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for busy weeknights?
You can totally prep this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini ahead of time! Brown the ground beef and chop the onion in advance. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Then, just follow the remaining steps when you’re ready to make dinner.
Can I use a different type of tortellini?
Definitely! Feel free to use your favorite type of tortellini. I personally love using the cheese tortellini, but you can also use spinach and cheese, or even meat-filled tortellini. Get ready for a unique beef and cheese tortellini enchiladas experience!
Can I make this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini vegetarian?
You bet! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles. It’ll be just as delicious and satisfying. You can even add some extra veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I freeze this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini?
Yes, you can freeze this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for later! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven.
What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
While enchilada sauce is ideal for this cheesy tortellini bake, you can substitute it. A mix of tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper can work in a pinch to give a similar flavor profile. Check out this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini – Cooking in the Midwest for some extra inspiration on other ways to create a similar flavor!
Can I make this in a skillet or casserole dish?
Absolutely! You can cook this as a tortellini enchilada skillet, as outlined above, or bake it as a beef tortellini enchilada casserole. If baking, transfer the mixture to a baking dish after simmering, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Where did this recipe originate?
It’s hard to pinpoint one exact origin, as many variations of beef and cheese tortellini enchiladas exist! It’s a common fusion dish! For example, you can find similar recipes at Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet – Closet Cooking and Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet – In the Kitchen with Momma …. Each version offers slight variations, but the core concept of combining enchilada flavors with cheesy tortellini remains consistent.
CONCLUSION:
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini brings me so much joy because it’s the perfect combination of comfort food and bold flavor. It’s easy to make, it’s always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s just plain delicious. Plus, it reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, my Jalapeno Popper Chicken Wraps!
My Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t be afraid to spice it up! Add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a real kick.
- Use good quality cheese. It makes all the difference in flavor and texture.
- Add a dollop of sour cream. It adds the perfect creamy tang to balance the spice.
Delicious Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Variations I’ve Tested:
- Creamy Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini: Add a can of cream of mushroom soup for extra creaminess. This is perfect for a cozy night in.
- Spicy Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini: Add some chopped jalapenos for a fiery kick. This is great for game night!
- Veggie-Packed Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini: Add some chopped bell peppers, corn, and black beans for a healthier twist.
So, fellow food lovers, trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and have fun! I’m so excited for you to try this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do! If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for these Lemon Raspberry Cookies! Get ready to create some delicious magic! Happy cooking! For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out Grill Drip for plenty of other bold, flavorful options!
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini combines the best of both worlds, featuring tender beef, cheesy enchilada sauce, and delicious cheese-filled tortellini. It’s a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with flavor and sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles (Rotel)
- 1 (19 ounce) package frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, avocado
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Bring to a simmer.
- Add frozen tortellini to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortellini is heated through.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Top with desired toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, or avocado.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.