If you are looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner that combines comfort with a cheesy twist, the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet Recipe is here to save your evening. This dish brings together savory ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and pillowy cheese tortellini all in one skillet, making it a perfect one-pan meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want an easy dinner to please guests, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich, melty cheese and bold Southwest-inspired spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dinner ideas that feels like a warm, delicious hug at the end of a busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From savory ground beef to cheesy tortellini, every component is essential for creating this satisfying skillet meal.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that adds richness and a satisfying savory flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides a sweet and aromatic depth to balance the spices.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that elevates the dish’s overall savoriness.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Adds earthy, warm notes that are signature to enchilada flavor.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Delivers a mild heat that brightens the beef mixture.
- ½ tsp paprika: Gives a subtle smoky undertone and vibrant color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all other flavors.
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce: The zesty tomato-based sauce that ties the dish together with bold flavor.
- ½ cup beef broth: Adds moistness and helps cook the tortellini perfectly.
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini: The tender pasta pillows stuffed with cheese that soak up all the saucy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and vibrant color in every cheesy bite.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for a creamy, gooey texture.
- Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional garnish): Adds a burst of freshness and a pop of green to brighten the dish.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook Beef & Onion
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef together with the diced onion. Stir and crumble the beef until it’s nicely browned and the onion is softened, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy while maintaining rich flavor.
Step 2: Add Garlic & Spices
Next, toss in the minced garlic along with the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for just about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. This quick step to toast the spices unlocks amazing depth and an irresistible aroma that hints at the bold flavors coming your way.
Step 3: Pour in Sauce & Broth
Pour the can of red enchilada sauce and beef broth right into the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine all those meaty, spicy flavors and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This simmering step melds all the ingredients together, creating a luscious base for your tortellini.
Step 4: Add Tortellini
Stir in your refrigerated cheese tortellini, making sure each piece gets coated with that rich sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The tortellini will cook right in the sauce, becoming tender and soaking up all the vibrant enchilada flavors.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
When the tortellini is just right, sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the top. Cover the skillet once more and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese has melted into a bubbly, gooey blanket of cheesy goodness. This is when the dish really shines and becomes irresistibly rich and creamy.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or sliced green onions on top if you like to add a fresh, bright contrast to all that cheesy richness. Serve the skillet hot, scooping generous portions straight from the pan for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like cilantro or green onions are perfect because they bring a vibrant, herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich, cheesy beef mixture. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime can also add a cool, tangy element that lifts the dish even more.
Side Dishes
For sides, keep things simple to complement the bold skillet flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables would add crunch and freshness. If you’re in the mood for extra indulgence, a warm crusty bread or tortilla chips are fantastic for scooping up every last cheesy bit.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz things up for guests, serve the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet Recipe in a cast iron skillet right at the table for an eye-catching presentation. You can also layer it with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even avocado to create a vibrant, Tex-Mex inspired tortilla bake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow and blend beautifully overnight, making the dish even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This skillet meal freezes well for up to 2 months. Just transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty resealable bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent the cheese from sticking or burning. You can also reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to keep the pasta moist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute with other stuffed pastas or even regular pasta like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta cooks through in the sauce.
Is ground turkey or chicken a good substitute for ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works fine if you want a lighter version. Just keep in mind the flavor will be a bit milder, so consider boosting the spices slightly to maintain that enchilada punch.
Can I make this vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, use plant-based ground meat alternatives or sauté a medley of mushrooms and bell peppers instead of beef. Use vegetable broth and enchilada sauce without meat to keep the flavors authentic.
How spicy is this skillet dish?
This recipe offers a mild to moderate level of spice thanks to the chili powder and paprika. You can customize the heat by adding extra chili powder, cayenne, or fresh jalapeños if you like it spicier.
What kind of cheese melts best for this recipe?
The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack offers a nice balance of sharpness and creaminess that melts beautifully. You could also try mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend for slightly different flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
There is something so satisfying about a skillet dinner that brings together bold flavors, cheesy goodness, and comforting pasta all in one easy recipe. The Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet Recipe is exactly that — a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Warm, hearty, and loaded with flavor, this dish hits all the right notes and is guaranteed to make your taste buds do a happy dance. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a fast favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet is a delicious and easy one-pan meal combining flavorful ground beef, aromatic spices, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich enchilada sauce. Topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, it’s a comforting dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners that brings together the best of Tex-Mex and Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
Pasta & Cheese
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions
Instructions
- Cook Beef & Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Garlic & Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until the spices are fragrant and well incorporated into the beef mixture.
- Pour in Sauce & Broth: Add the red enchilada sauce and beef broth to the skillet. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors and heat through.
- Add Tortellini: Stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the skillet. Cover again and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh tortellini where possible for better texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortellini and check that the enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
