Description
A cozy, one-pot Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini recipe that blends Tex-Mex flavors with cheesy pasta comfort. Easy, family-friendly, and ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or Taco Tuesday!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef – lean, for less grease but plenty of flavor
1 small onion, diced – yellow for sweetness, white for sharpness
2 cloves garlic, minced – or ½ tsp garlic powder in a pinch
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp dried cilantro – optional
¼ tsp cayenne pepper – adjust or omit to taste
Salt and black pepper, to taste
19 oz frozen cheese tortellini – no need to thaw
10 oz mild red enchilada sauce – medium if you like more heat
10 oz Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) – or plain diced tomatoes for mild
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese – or cheddar/Colby Jack swap
Sour cream, for serving
Fresh cilantro, optional for garnish
Instructions
In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium-high heat until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess grease.
Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, dried cilantro, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute to release flavors.
Add enchilada sauce and Rotel. Stir to combine.
Stir in frozen tortellini, cover, and simmer 5 minutes, until pasta is tender.
Sprinkle cheese over the top, cover again, and cook 2–3 minutes until melted. (Optional: broil 1–2 minutes for a golden top.)
Serve hot with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
Notes
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
For vegetarian: skip the beef, add black beans and corn.
Leftovers keep 3 days in the fridge; reheat gently with a splash of broth.
Freeze the sauce + beef mixture separately for best texture, then add tortellini fresh.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot / Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about ¼ of recipe)
- Calories: ~540 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: <1 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: cheesy beef enchilada tortellini, beef enchilada pasta, one pot dinner, cheesy pasta skillet, Tex-Mex tortellini recipe, easy weeknight meals