Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

A weeknight dinner doesn’t get better than this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini. It’s a mouthwatering mash-up that brings together the hearty comfort of cheesy beef enchiladas and the pillowy texture of tortellini pasta. One skillet, minimal prep, and in under 30 minutes you’ve got yourself a savory, saucy, cheesy dream come true.
Each bite wraps you in the bold flavors of taco-seasoned beef, smoky enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all hugging cheesy tortellini. It’s the kind of dish that satisfies every craving and makes second helpings nearly impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for family or a casual dinner party, this is one of those guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
This meal blends the best of two comfort food classics into a single, irresistible skillet. It uses pantry staples, making it budget-friendly, and is ready in under half an hour—perfect for those nights when cooking feels like a chore. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños. Prefer chicken? Swap the beef. It’s versatile, cheesy, and quick.
What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?
Refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini both work beautifully in this dish. Just be sure to cook them slightly under al dente before tossing them into the skillet to finish cooking in that enchilada goodness. If you want to try other fillings like spinach or mushroom, those work too but may shift the flavor balance a bit. Just make sure you use a type that pairs well with the bold, zesty notes of enchilada sauce.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
To make this dish rich, hearty, and flavor-packed, each ingredient plays an important role. The cheese tortellini adds creamy richness, while the ground beef provides a savory base. The enchilada sauce and spices tie everything together into a deeply satisfying skillet meal.
- Cheese tortellini
- Ground beef
- Yellow onion
- Garlic cloves
- Enchilada sauce
- Taco seasoning
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Olive oil
- Fresh cilantro (optional)


How To Make the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it starts to brown. Break it apart with a spatula and stir occasionally.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Once the beef is mostly cooked, add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in Seasoning and Sauce
Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir to combine. Pour in the enchilada sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini directly to the skillet. Stir well and cover. Let everything simmer for about 7-8 minutes, or until the tortellini is fully cooked and tender.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Sour Cream
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with freshly chopped cilantro if using. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
Overcooking the tortellini is one of the most common missteps—you want it tender, not mushy. Also, if your skillet is too small, the tortellini won’t cook evenly or may dry out, so use one big enough to hold everything comfortably. Don’t skip the sour cream at the end; it mellows the spices and creates a luscious sauce.
Serving and Storing Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
This dish serves 4 to 5 people generously, making it a great family-style dinner. Serve it straight from the skillet for a cozy presentation, or pair with a crisp green salad to lighten things up. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to maintain the creaminess.
What to Serve With Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini?
Garlic Bread
A crusty piece of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the cheesy, saucy goodness.
Avocado Lime Salad
Bright and tangy, this salad balances the richness of the dish.
Corn on the Cob
Simple and buttery, corn adds sweetness and crunch to your plate.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
The zesty combo of beans and corn with lime enhances the Tex-Mex flavors.
Mexican Rice
This side brings out the enchilada elements and adds heartiness.
Roasted Bell Peppers
They provide sweetness and a smoky undertone that complements the beef.
Pickled Jalapeños
For those who like heat, these give a nice vinegary kick.
Sour Cream and Scallion Dip
Great as a cool topping or a creamy contrast to the spice.
Want More Pasta Ideas?
If this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini won your heart, you’ll definitely want to try these next:
- Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a bold and garlicky bite.
- Sausage Alfredo Ravioli Lasagna when you’re craving cheesy layers of comfort.
- One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for easy cleanup and big flavors.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts to keep things rich and cozy.
- Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Rigatoni when you’re looking to impress.
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Let me know how your skillet turned out. Did you add green chilies or use spicy enchilada sauce? Maybe you swapped tortellini for ravioli?
I love hearing your kitchen twists and ideas. Drop your comments and questions below so we can keep making dinner magic together.
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Conclusion
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It combines familiar ingredients in a new, exciting way that delivers on flavor and ease. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a cozy dinner in, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table.
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Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–5
Description
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini recipe blends zesty enchilada flavors with cheesy tortellini in one skillet. A quick, comforting pasta dinner packed with ground beef, bold spices, and gooey cheddar. Perfect for family meals or casual nights in.
Ingredients
9 oz cheese tortellini
1 lb ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups enchilada sauce
1 packet taco seasoning
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onion is soft and garlic is fragrant.
3. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture and stir well. Pour in the enchilada sauce and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the cheese tortellini. Cover and simmer for 7-8 minutes until tortellini is tender.
5. Lower the heat and stir in sour cream. Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top, cover again, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Do not overcook the tortellini to avoid mushy texture.
Use a large skillet to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
The sour cream at the end adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg