Beef Enchilada Tortellini

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Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Mexican flavors, this Beef Enchilada Tortellini is not your typical pasta dinner. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings the best of both worlds together — rich ground beef simmered in enchilada sauce, folded into pillowy cheese tortellini, and finished with a melty cheese topping and a dollop of sour cream.

Whether you’re craving comfort food with a twist or looking for a quick weeknight dinner that still feels special, this dish has you covered. The balance of spicy, savory, and creamy makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it all comes together in about 30 minutes. A fusion recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchilada Tortellini

This recipe takes everything you love about a classic beef enchilada and gives it a cozy pasta spin. The tender tortellini adds a rich, cheesy bite that pairs beautifully with the seasoned beef and spicy enchilada sauce. It’s a one-skillet meal that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor — perfect for busy weeknights.

Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable. You can spice it up with jalapeños, add beans or corn for extra texture, or swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken.

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What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini works best for this recipe. It cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce without getting mushy. You can use frozen tortellini in a pinch, just be sure to adjust the cooking time and add a splash of water or broth to help it simmer evenly.

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Ingredients for the Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a flavorful role, bringing depth and balance to the dish:

• Ground beef: A classic base for enchiladas, it adds rich, hearty flavor.
• Yellow onion: Sautéed with the beef, it gives sweetness and depth.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic boosts the overall savory profile.
• Enchilada sauce: This is the heart of the dish—choose a bold, spicy red enchilada sauce for maximum flavor.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Adds texture, acidity, and a touch of heat.
• Cheese tortellini: These little pasta pockets soak up the sauce and add a creamy, cheesy bite.
• Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully on top, adding gooey richness.
• Sour cream: Adds cool creaminess and contrast to the heat.
• Fresh cilantro: A fresh garnish that brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.

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How To Make the Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes with green chilies and stir well.

Step 3: Pour in the Enchilada Sauce

Pour the enchilada sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine all the flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini

Add the cheese tortellini directly into the skillet. Stir gently so they’re coated in the sauce. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top. Cover the skillet again for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into gooey perfection.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat. Top with dollops of sour cream and a generous handful of fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Serving and Storing Your Beef Enchilada Tortellini

This hearty one-skillet meal generously feeds 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or even a casual dinner party. Serve it hot straight from the skillet with a sprinkle of extra cilantro or an extra scoop of sour cream for added indulgence.

If you have leftovers, they store beautifully. Transfer the cooled tortellini to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.

To freeze, let the dish cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

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What to Serve With Beef Enchilada Tortellini?

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

The creamy, spicy flavors of street corn pair perfectly with the richness of this pasta dish.

Guacamole and Chips

A fresh bowl of guacamole with tortilla chips adds a cool, crunchy contrast.

Simple Green Salad

Tossed with lime vinaigrette, this light side balances the hearty pasta.

Black Beans

Serve seasoned black beans on the side for extra protein and a classic Mexican pairing.

Jalapeño Cornbread

Sweet and spicy cornbread brings a fun Southern twist to the table.

Pickled Red Onions

Their tangy bite adds a bright pop that cuts through the creamy pasta.

Mango Salsa

Refreshing and sweet, this fruit salsa brings a tropical flair and a hint of heat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this Beef Enchilada Tortellini can be made a day in advance. Assemble everything and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove or in the oven until hot throughout.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini gives it a rich, creamy bite, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or even ravioli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness will depend on your enchilada sauce and tomatoes with chilies. For a milder version, use mild sauce and plain diced tomatoes. Add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce if desired.

What protein alternatives can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless crumble work well in this dish. Just be sure to season accordingly to keep those bold enchilada flavors alive.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a spicy enchilada sauce or mild? Did you go big on toppings?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook better and bolder.

👉 Follow me on Pinterest for more recipes like this! — Meals We Share By Sally

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Conclusion

Beef Enchilada Tortellini is the ultimate comfort dish that marries the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the cozy satisfaction of pasta. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and makes dinner time feel exciting again. Whether you’re feeding your family or just want to switch up your pasta night, this skillet meal brings big flavor without a lot of fuss.

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