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Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe

4.8 from 96 reviews

This Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a delicious one-skillet comfort food recipe that combines cheesy cheese tortellini with bold Tex-Mex flavors. Featuring lean ground beef seasoned with taco spices, simmered in tangy enchilada sauce, and finished with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, this dish is perfect for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that’s creamy, hearty, and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (85-90% lean)
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped

Seasonings and Sauce

  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce

Pasta and Dairy

  • 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil, and sauté the chopped yellow onion until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook while breaking it apart, until browned. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
  3. Season and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning to coat the beef evenly. Pour in the enchilada sauce and let it simmer gently for a few minutes to marry the flavors.
  4. Cook the Tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly to the skillet. Cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and fully heated.
  5. Add Cheese and Sour Cream: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, add sour cream, and gently stir to create a creamy, cheesy sauce coating the tortellini and beef mixture.
  6. Finish with Cilantro: Turn off the heat, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, and serve hot with extra sour cream if desired.

Notes

  • Drain the beef after browning to prevent a greasy sauce, especially if not using lean beef.
  • For extra richness, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese along with the sour cream.
  • If using frozen or dried tortellini, cook separately according to package instructions before adding to the skillet.
  • This dish freezes poorly as tortellini can become mushy; best served fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • To make vegetarian, omit beef and substitute with black beans, lentils, or a meatless crumble.
  • Customize toppings with fresh avocado, sliced jalapeños, green onions, or hot sauce for added flavor.

Keywords: beef enchilada tortellini, Tex-Mex pasta, cheesy beef tortellini, one skillet dinner, easy weeknight meal, creamy enchilada pasta