Description
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a comforting and flavorful dinner recipe combining seasoned ground beef with creamy enchilada sauce and cheese tortellini. This hearty one-pot dish layers savory Mexican-inspired spices with rich cream cheese and melty mozzarella, creating a satisfying fusion perfect for a family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup diced onion (adds sweetness and depth to the dish)
- 1 clove minced garlic (infuses the dish with rich flavor)
- 1 lb ground beef (can be substituted with ground turkey or shredded chicken)
- 1 tsp salt (enhances all the flavors beautifully)
- ½ tsp pepper (adds a touch of warmth; adjust to your taste)
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 tsp ground cumin (gives an earthy flavor that complements the enchilada sauce)
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce (offers a tangy twist)
- 4 oz cream cheese (cut into chunks)
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (melts beautifully for a scrumptious topping)
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for your dish.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Season the meat: Sprinkle salt, pepper, chili powder, and ground cumin over the beef. Stir to combine and let the spices toast slightly, about 1-2 minutes, to release their full flavor.
- Add enchilada sauce and cream cheese: Pour in the red enchilada sauce and add the chunks of cream cheese. Stir well to combine, allowing the cream cheese to melt and create a creamy sauce. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add mozzarella topping: Once the tortellini is cooked, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under a broiler for 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese slightly.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from heat. Serve hot as a comforting main dish perfect for dinner.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust chili powder to taste for preferred spice level.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce liquid.
- Make sure to stir occasionally when cooking tortellini to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom of the pan.
- Serve with a side of sour cream, chopped cilantro, or avocado for added creaminess and freshness.
