Name: Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef (85-90% lean); 1 small yellow onion, chopped; 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning; 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce; 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

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Introduction

This Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a delicious one-skillet comfort food mash-up that combines cheesy tortellini with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, enchilada sauce, melty cheddar, and a swirl of sour cream, it’s perfect for a cozy and easy weeknight dinner.

A white pan is filled with a rich, dark red beef enchilada sauce base, topped with evenly scattered yellow tortellini showing their soft, smooth, and slightly shiny texture. At the center, there is a dollop of creamy white sour cream sprinkled with green chopped herbs, adding a fresh look. The browned ground beef is mixed throughout the sauce, giving a chunky texture and dark brown color contrast against the sauce and pasta. More green herbs are sprinkled lightly over the entire dish, adding small hints of color on top. The dish looks hot, hearty, and well layered with three main layers: the sauce base, beef mixed into it, and tortellini on top, finished with sour cream and herbs in the middle. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Drizzle of oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil and the chopped yellow onion. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning to evenly coat the beef. Pour in the enchilada sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Add the sour cream and gently stir to create a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Step 6: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the dish. Serve hot with extra sour cream if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use lean ground beef (85-90%) to reduce excess grease and keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
For extra richness, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese along with the sour cream.
If using frozen or dried tortellini, cook them separately before adding to the skillet to ensure perfect texture.
Swap the beef for black beans, lentils, or meatless crumble for a vegetarian version.
Add toppings like fresh avocado, sliced jalapeños, green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Storage

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or enchilada sauce to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing, as the tortellini can become mushy when thawed.

How to Serve

This dish is a deep pan filled with multiple layers starting with a rich, dark red beef enchilada sauce as the base, topped with a generous amount of cooked ground beef mixed into the sauce. Scattered evenly around the pan are golden yellow tortellini pasta, each piece distinctly folded and slightly glossy. In the center sits a smooth, white dollop of sour cream, garnished with finely chopped green herbs that add a fresh pop of color. The beef mixture is thick and hearty, with small bits of tomato and spices visible, while the tortellini pieces appear soft and tender. The whole dish is served in a white pan, placed on a white marbled surface under warm natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What type of beef works best?

Lean ground beef (85-90%) works best, as it adds flavor without too much excess fat. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative.

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Yes, but cheese tortellini gives this dish its creamy, cheesy character. If swapping, choose pasta shapes like rotini or penne that hold sauce well.