If you love the comfort of cheesy pasta combined with the bold flavors of Mexican-inspired dishes, you’re going to swoon over this Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion that brings together tender cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, and zesty enchilada sauce all wrapped in a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy weeknights, this casserole is both hearty and irresistibly cheesy, offering layers of flavor and textures that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an explosion of taste and comfort in every bite. Each component plays a crucial role, contributing to the rich, cheesy texture, the savory depth, and the colorful appeal of the casserole.
- 16 ounces cheese tortellini: The star pasta providing pillowy pockets of creamy cheese that melt beautifully into the sauce.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds a hearty, savory base that balances the richness of the cheese.
- 16 ounces enchilada sauce: Brings a tangy, slightly spicy kick that elevates the whole casserole to flavor heaven.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, creating that irresistible cheesy crust and gooey layers.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Tortellini
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting you up perfectly for the baking stage. Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This ensures the pasta stays tender but with a satisfying bite under all that cheesy goodness. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set them aside to cool slightly while you prepare the beef.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook it thoroughly until no pink remains, breaking it apart to create nice, crumbly pieces. Don’t rush this step—browning the beef properly develops flavor and adds a savory richness that shines through in the final dish. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming oily.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish, combine the cooked tortellini, browned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, so every bit of pasta and meat is coated in that vibrant enchilada sauce. This blend is what makes the Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe so uniquely delicious.
Step 4: Top and Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese evenly across the top. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. What you want to see is the cheese melted into a bubbling, golden blanket that beckons you to dive in. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is nothing short of mouthwatering.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm
Once baked, take the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, if you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to add a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve this piping-hot casserole immediately and watch how fast it disappears from plates.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but wonderful garnish that brightens the rich casserole. You could also add a dollop of sour cream, a squeeze of lime, or some sliced black olives for extra flavor contrast and color. These little touches make the dish feel a bit more special without overpowering its core flavors.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness. Cornbread or warm, crusty bread works wonders too, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini casserole dishes or use colorful serving bowls for a family-style dinner. Adding a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips on top right before serving can add an exciting crunch that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your second helping just as good—if not better—than the first.
Freezing
If you want to save this casserole for later, it freezes wonderfully. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months, giving you a quick and comforting meal whenever you need one.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through and the cheese is once more bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, though the oven method preserves the dish’s wonderful texture better.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini adds a special creamy bite to this casserole, you can swap it with other filled pastas or even use penne or rigatoni for a different texture. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, simply replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini, and use a vegetarian enchilada sauce. This keeps the dish hearty and flavorful without meat.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Adding diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or choosing a spicy enchilada sauce will give the dish a nice kick. Just tailor it to your heat preference.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole fully, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This saves time on busy days and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
What’s the best cheese to use if I don’t have mozzarella?
Mozzarella is great for meltiness, but you can also use Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend cheese for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can add extra depth as well.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe is a joyous blend of comfort and bold flavor that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how easy it is to bring such a deliciously unique dish to your table!
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Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole combines tender cheese tortellini with savory ground beef and rich enchilada sauce, all baked under a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, offering a fusion twist between Italian pasta and Mexican flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 16 ounces enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Tortellini: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef and cook it thoroughly, stirring occasionally until no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish, combine the cooked tortellini, browned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix everything well so the tortellini and beef are evenly coated with enchilada sauce.
- Add Topping Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted completely and is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm and enjoy a delicious, cheesy, flavorful meal.
Notes
- You can use frozen tortellini; just be sure to cook it according to package guidelines before assembling.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the enchilada sauce before mixing.
- For a lower fat version, choose reduced-fat mozzarella and lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
