Introduction

Oh, friends, get ready for a one-pan wonder that combines two of the best comfort foods on the planet! This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is everything you love about savory, saucy beef enchiladas, but it’s tossed with cheesy, pillowy tortellini instead of all the work of rolling tortillas. It’s one of those perfect, quick dinner ideas for a busy weeknight, ready in 30 minutes! It strikes that beautiful balance between hearty, cozy comfort and a super easy, family-friendly meal.

Serving Versatility

Honestly, this dish is a total one-bowl hero! It’s one of those amazing pasta dinner recipes that has your protein (beef) and pasta (tortellini) all in one savory, delicious sauce. You just need to scoop it into a bowl and grab a spoon! It’s a complete meal, no extras required.

Full Recipe Section

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Servings: 4-6 Calories: Approximately 580 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (like cheddar jack)
• Optional toppings: Sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, jalapeños

Instructions:

1. Brown Beef: In a large, oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron), brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium-high heat until the beef is cooked through. Add the minced garlic and cook for one minute more until fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
2. Season: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until the beef is well coated.
3. Simmer: Pour in the enchilada sauce, the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles, and the beef broth. Stir everything to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
4. Cook Tortellini: Add the refrigerated tortellini directly to the simmering sauce. Stir gently, then cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
5. Get Cheesy: Uncover and sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly all over the top.
6. Broil: Transfer the entire skillet to the oven and broil on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to brown. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
7. Serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving hot, topped with your favorite garnishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: The entire meal, from browning the beef to simmering the pasta, happens in one skillet. Cleanup is an absolute breeze!
• 30-Minute Meal: This is the definition of a quick dinner, on the table in about 30 minutes.
• The Ultimate Fusion Flavor: You get all the cozy, savory flavor of beef enchiladas with the fun, cheesy bite of tortellini.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: It’s one of those ground beef recipes the whole family will love. Kids love tortellini!
• So Customizable: Toss in a can of black beans or corn, or top with your favorite enchilada fixings.

Cultural or Cooking Technique Note (Optional)

This recipe is a perfect example of modern “fusion” comfort food! It takes the beloved, savory, smoky flavors of Mexican beef enchiladas and marries them with Italy’s favorite stuffed pasta, tortellini. The key technique is simmering the fresh tortellini directly in the enchilada sauce, which not only saves a pot but also infuses the pasta with all that delicious flavor as it cooks.

Serving Suggestions

This is a bowl-only meal, and it’s all about the toppings!

1. Loaded Style: Top with a big dollop of sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt), sliced avocado, and fresh cilantro.
2. Add Crunch: Sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips or Fritos right before serving for a fantastic crunchy texture.
3. A Little Heat: Add sliced fresh jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
4. Simple Side: A crisp, simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette is a perfect fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Tortellini: This recipe works best with the refrigerated (not dry) tortellini. They cook up perfectly tender in just a few minutes in the sauce.
• Oven-Safe Skillet: Make sure you use a skillet that is oven-safe (like a cast iron) so you can pop it right under the broiler to melt the cheese.
• Don’t Overcook: The tortellini will finish cooking under the broiler. Pull it from the heat when it’s just al dente to keep it from getting mushy.
• Drain the Beef: Don’t forget to drain the excess fat from the ground beef before adding your sauce and broth. This keeps the final dish rich, not greasy.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This reheats beautifully! Warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Closing Paragraph

I truly hope this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini makes your weeknight dinner a little easier and a lot cozier! It’s one of my new favorite beef recipes for dinner, and I just know you’ll love it. If you try it, please leave a comment and a rating below. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

🎀 Final Thoughts

This dish is my ultimate “I can’t decide” meal. It’s for those nights when half the family wants Italian and the other half wants Mexican! It’s just so cheesy, savory, and satisfying. It’s pure comfort in a skillet!