Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a comforting fusion casserole combining Italian cheese tortellini with flavorful Mexican-inspired enchilada beef sauce. Ground beef is cooked with aromatic spices and enchilada sauce, mixed with creamy cheese tortellini, and baked with gooey mozzarella for a rich, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Beef Filling: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking for about one minute until fragrant. Next, add the red enchilada sauce and cream cheese, stirring continuously until smooth. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Cook Tortellini: While the beef mixture simmers, cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked tortellini well but do not rinse, to retain some starch which helps the sauce adhere better.
- Combine and Assemble: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. Then transfer this mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to set. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired, for a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- For extra creaminess, sprinkle additional cream cheese on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Keywords: Beef Enchilada, Tortellini Casserole, Cheesy Beef Bake, Easy Dinner Recipe, Mexican Italian Fusion, Ground Beef Recipes
