Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

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If you’re craving cozy comfort food with a spicy kick, this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini will quickly become a weeknight favorite. It’s the kind of one-pan dinner that feels indulgent but is secretly simple—perfect for when you want bold flavor without a long prep. Tender cheese-filled tortellini are smothered in a rich enchilada-style beef sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, and finished with a dollop of sour cream. Every bite is the perfect mix of zesty, creamy, and satisfying.

This recipe brilliantly fuses Tex-Mex flavors with hearty pasta comfort. Think of it as a twist on classic enchiladas—only you’re skipping the tortillas and diving straight into cheesy pasta heaven. With just a few pantry staples and less than 30 minutes, you can whip up this dish that’s family-approved and freezer-friendly too.

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What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Refrigerated cheese tortellini work best here—they cook quickly and soak up all that saucy, beefy flavor beautifully. You can also use frozen tortellini, just adjust the cooking time slightly. Avoid dry shelf-stable tortellini, as they don’t deliver the same creamy bite in this recipe.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Ground Beef: Adds richness and protein. Choose lean or 80/20 depending on how juicy you want it.

Cheese Tortellini: The star of the dish—its cheesy center pairs perfectly with the spiced sauce.

Red Enchilada Sauce: Brings bold, smoky heat. Choose your preferred spice level.

Tomato Paste: Deepens the flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.

Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic to season the beef.

Shredded Cheese: Melty and gooey—Mexican blend or cheddar both work great.

Sour Cream: Adds a creamy, cooling contrast to the spice.

Fresh Cilantro: Optional but brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.

Olive Oil & Onion: Builds the savory base for the beef and sauce.

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How To Make the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent and softened, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Add Flavor Layers

Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato paste. Cook for 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to bloom.

Step 4: Pour in the Enchilada Sauce

Add red enchilada sauce to the skillet, stirring to combine everything into a rich, thick sauce.

Step 5: Add the Tortellini

Toss in the cheese tortellini (uncooked if using refrigerated). Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and has absorbed some of the sauce.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Cover and let it melt for 2–3 minutes until gooey and irresistible.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with a generous spoonful of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving.

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How to Serve and Store Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

This dish is incredibly versatile! Serve it hot straight from the skillet with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies on the side. It’s equally at home in a bowl with tortilla chips for scooping or a wedge of warm garlic bread.

To store leftovers, let the tortellini cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. This recipe also freezes well—just skip the sour cream garnish and add it fresh when serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground or shredded chicken works wonderfully with the same seasoning and sauce.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on the enchilada sauce and taco seasoning you use. Mild versions keep it family-friendly, but you can spice it up with hot sauce or jalapeños.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef for black beans or a meatless ground alternative, and use vegetable-based enchilada sauce.

Do I have to cook the tortellini first?

No need to pre-cook if you’re using fresh or refrigerated tortellini. It will cook in the sauce as it simmers.

What cheese works best?

Mexican cheese blend, sharp cheddar, or even pepper jack all melt beautifully and taste great here.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just use a larger skillet or pot, and you might need to add a few extra minutes of simmer time to ensure the tortellini cooks evenly.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this cheesy beef enchilada twist, you’ll be obsessed with these other creamy, savory pasta dishes too:

• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta – a bold yet simple dinner with rich garlic notes.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce – comforting and kid-approved.
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine – a citrusy balance to the creamy goodness.
• Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage – slow-cooked perfection with tortellini.
• One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner – your busy weeknight savior.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food or weeknight dinners board so you can revisit it anytime: Life with Nina Pinterest Recipes

Tried this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Did you go spicy or mild? Did you add extra toppings like avocado or jalapeños?

I love hearing how you make each dish your own. And if you have questions or tips, drop them below—we’re all in this delicious journey together.

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