Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a delightful fusion dish combining hearty ground beef cooked in flavorful enchilada sauce with creamy cheeses and tender tortellini pasta. Baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole offers a comforting blend of Mexican-inspired spices and Italian pasta, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- ½ cup cream cheese
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Beef Filling: In a large skillet, brown ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking for about one minute until fragrant. Add the enchilada sauce and cream cheese, stirring until the mixture is smooth. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook Tortellini: While the beef mixture simmers, cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini thoroughly but do not rinse, to preserve surface starches that help the sauce adhere.
- Combine and Assemble: Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Transfer the entire mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini and beef mixture. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the casserole for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Serve: Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the dish set slightly for easier plating. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired for a fresh, herbal note.
Notes
- Do not rinse the tortellini after cooking to ensure the sauce clings well to the pasta.
- Drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can substitute the cream cheese with sour cream for a tangier flavor.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier dish.
- For a make-ahead option, assemble the dish but delay baking; cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Keywords: beef casserole, enchilada sauce, cheese tortellini, baked pasta, Mexican-Italian fusion, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy bake
