Description
Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Tortellini is a flavorful fusion dish combining the rich, spiced essence of traditional enchiladas with tender cheese-filled tortellini. Ground beef is simmered with classic Mexican spices and enchilada sauce, then mixed with creamy sour cream and cooked tortellini, topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This comforting, easy-to-make meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when craving cheesy Mexican-inspired flavors with a pasta twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns to achieve an even, browned texture.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, continuing to sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add spices: Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and salt to evenly coat the beef mixture and build a rich flavor foundation.
- Simmer with sauce: Pour in the red enchilada sauce and drained diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare tortellini: While the beef simmers, cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to package instructions until tender, then drain thoroughly.
- Combine sour cream and pasta: Stir the sour cream into the beef and enchilada sauce mixture for creaminess. Carefully fold in the cooked tortellini to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top of the skillet mixture.
- Melt cheese: Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese melts completely and becomes gooey.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve warm for a delicious, cheesy meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a chopped jalapeño along with the onion or opt for a spicy enchilada sauce.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated; add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens during storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
