If you love bold Mexican-inspired flavors and comforting pasta dishes, this Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Tortellini is about to become a new household favorite. It combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with seasoned ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, and a blanket of melted cheese for a quick, easy family dinner that feels both cozy and exciting. This easy homemade recipe uses simple ingredients, comes together fast, and delivers big flavor in every bite — perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or make-ahead meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy, beginner-friendly dinner recipe
- One-pan beef mixture with minimal cleanup
- Budget-friendly ingredients you already know
- Family-approved comfort food
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for pasta lovers
This is a no-fail recipe that delivers comfort, flavor, and convenience all in one dish.
About the Ingredients
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Tortellini plays an important role in creating its rich, satisfying flavor and texture.
- Ground Beef – Adds hearty protein and savory depth
- Cheese Tortellini – Soft, cheesy pasta that absorbs the enchilada sauce beautifully
- Enchilada Sauce – Brings smoky, bold Mexican-inspired flavor
- Shredded Cheese – Melts into a golden, bubbly topping
- Onion – Adds sweetness and aromatic depth
- Olive Oil – Helps sauté onions and beef evenly
- Garlic Powder & Cumin – Essential spices for warm, bold flavor
- Salt & Pepper – Balance and enhance all ingredients
These simple, affordable ingredients come together to create a rich, comforting baked pasta dish.
Tips & Tricks
- Drain excess grease from the beef to avoid a greasy casserole
- Cook tortellini just until al dente so it doesn’t overcook while baking
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting
- Let the dish rest before serving to help it set
These easy kitchen hacks ensure consistent, delicious results.
Pro Tips
- Use red enchilada sauce for deeper flavor, green for a tangy twist
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra warmth
- Mix half the cheese into the pasta and reserve half for topping
- Cover with foil for the first 10 minutes if your oven runs hot
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for brightness
These expert tips elevate this easy family dinner recipe to restaurant-quality comfort food.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté diced onion until soft and translucent.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in enchilada sauce, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Cook tortellini according to package directions; drain well.
- Combine cooked tortellini with beef mixture in a large bowl.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This easy step-by-step recipe guarantees a perfect result every time.
Variations
Customize your Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Tortellini with these simple twists:
- Chicken Version – Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or hot enchilada sauce
- Vegetarian Option – Use black beans and sautéed peppers instead of beef
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free tortellini
- Creamy Style – Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
These recipe variations make this dish flexible for any preference.
How to Store Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Tortellini
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe dish
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through
- Microwave individual portions with a splash of water
This dish is perfect for make-ahead dinners and meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Tortellini ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for easy future meals.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack all melt beautifully.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes, use hot enchilada sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes.
Can I use fresh tortellini?
Yes, just reduce cooking time slightly before baking.
Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Tortellini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the enchilada sauce, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to package instructions; drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the beef mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
