If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the comfort of cheesy pasta with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine, you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that packs juicy ground beef, tender cheese tortellini, and rich enchilada sauce all baked to bubbly, golden perfection with ooey-gooey mozzarella on top. Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this casserole hits every note—warm, hearty, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe lies in how simple yet thoughtfully chosen the ingredients are. Each one plays a key part in creating a balanced dish—with textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly.
- 16 ounces cheese tortellini: The star pasta here, its pillowy texture and cheesy filling make every bite delightful.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds savory richness without overwhelming fat, ensuring a hearty base.
- 16 ounces enchilada sauce: Brings that signature tangy, spicy kick that gives this casserole its zing.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, irresistible topping and internal layers.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh, bright garnish that adds a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Tortellini
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you assemble everything. Meanwhile, boil the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente—soft but with a slight bite. Drain them well and set aside; this tender pasta will soak up the delicious sauce during baking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This step builds rich flavor as the beef caramelizes slightly. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily and ensure a clean, hearty taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a 9×13 inch oven-safe dish and combine the cooked tortellini, browned beef, and enchilada sauce together. Add one cup of the shredded mozzarella right into the mix—this layers cheesy goodness throughout. Give everything a gentle toss to coat the pasta and meat evenly with the sauce and cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the casserole. This creates a bubbly, golden crust that’s absolutely irresistible. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until you see the cheese melting and turning golden brown. The aroma alone will have everyone eagerly waiting!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top. Not only does it add a lovely color contrast, but the hint of herbal freshness cuts through the richness perfectly. Serve the casserole warm and watch it disappear fast.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic finishing touch here, but you can also add a dollop of sour cream for creamy tang or some sliced jalapeños for extra heat. A squeeze of lime over the top adds a bright zing that lightens each cheesy bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a one-dish wonder but pairing it with something green like a crisp salad or steamed veggies provides a lovely contrast in texture and freshness. Mexican street corn or a simple avocado salad also complement these flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Layer the ingredients in a glass dish so the vibrant layers are visible, adding visual appeal that matches this dish’s incredible taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers (and you might not be!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep fresh for about 3 to 4 days and are perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a fantastic meal prep option. After baking, let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. For a quicker option, use the microwave, but keep in mind the casserole won’t be quite as crisp on top.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook the tortellini according to the package directions before adding it to the casserole for perfect texture.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or a meat substitute to keep it hearty and delicious without meat.
Can I use different types of cheese in the casserole?
Definitely—feel free to mix mozzarella with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend to tweak the flavor to your liking.
How spicy is the enchilada sauce?
Most store-bought enchilada sauces have mild to medium heat, but you can find hotter versions or add chili powder to adjust the spice level to your taste.
Can this casserole be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish or two standard 9×13 pans. Just keep baking times similar, monitoring for that bubbly cheese top.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe truly brings together the best of comfort food and bold flavors in one easy, impressive dish. It’s guaranteed to become one of your favorites for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Give it a try and prepare to receive plenty of compliments around the dinner table—you’ll be making it again in no time!
Print
Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Description
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish combining tender cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, and zesty enchilada sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole brings a fusion twist with Mexican flavors baked into an Italian pasta favorite.
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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set aside.
- Brown Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef and cook until it is browned and fully cooked through. Be sure to break the meat into crumbles as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Assemble and Bake: In a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish, combine the cooked tortellini, browned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss the mixture gently to ensure everything is well coated with the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella evenly over the top. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm for a hearty and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or chili powder to the beef while browning.
- You can substitute enchilada sauce with homemade sauce or a mild salsa verde for a different flavor.
- To make it vegetarian, swap the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
