Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a tasty mix of juicy ground beef and cheesy tortellini, all simmered together in a rich enchilada sauce. It’s easy to make and sure to be a hit at your family dinner table. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any night of the week!

A plate of cheesy  Beef Enchilada Tortellini dish, sitting on a red and white striped cloth.
Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

Why you will love making Beef Enchilada Tortellini

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and easy to make, Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a perfect choice. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your recipe rotation:

  • Quick Prep: From start to finish, you can have this meal ready in about 20 minutes.
  • Family Favorite: Both kids and adults love the cheesy goodness and tender tortellini.
  • Versatile: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to match your family’s tastes or what you have on hand.
  • All-in-One Meal: It’s a complete dish with protein, vegetables, and grains all in one skillet.
  • Great for Leftovers: It reheats well, so it’s great for lunch the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.

Ingredients laid out on a white background include ground beef, enchilada sauce, black beans, sour cream, corn, pepper jack cheese, taco seasoning, and cheese tortellini for a delicious Beef Enchilada Tortellini dish.
Beef Enchilada Tortellini Ingredients. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

How to make Beef Enchilada Tortellini with Step-By-Step Instructions

A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.

Creating this dish is a breeze and perfect for a busy weeknight. Let’s walk through the steps to get this meal on your table.

Prepare the Tortellini

Start by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside once cooked.

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s brown and crumbly. Remember to drain any excess grease after browning to keep your dish not too oily.

A skillet contains cooked ground beef, yellow corn, black beans, and a heap of spices, prepared for mixing into a Beef Enchilada-inspired dish.
Add taco seasoning, water, enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn to the beef in the skillet, and stir until well combined.

Combine Ingredients

To the skillet with the beef, add a packet of taco seasoning, a cup of water, and red enchilada sauce. Stir well. Next, add the drained and rinsed black beans and canned corn. Continue to stir until everything is well combined.

Add Cheese and Tortellini

Mix the cooked tortellini into the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything. Top the mixture with shredded pepper jacks cheese. If you have an oven-safe skillet, you can broil it for about 3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Alternatively, cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt over low heat.

A skillet holds a savory blend of ground meat, black beans, corn, and tomato sauce on one side, reminiscent of beef enchilada flavors, while uncooked yellow tortellini pasta awaits its turn on the other side.
Add the tortellini to the skillet.
A skillet containing Beef Enchilada Tortellini, with ground meat, corn, and black beans in a tomato-based sauce.
Gently stir to combine.
A baked dish filled with beef enchilada tortellini, melted cheese, and browned toppings in a round white pan on a wooden surface.
Top mixture with cheese and broil for approx.3 mins until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Final Touches

Once the cheese is melted, your Beef Enchilada Tortellini is almost ready. Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped scallions if desired. Enjoy your meal!

A plate of Beef Enchilada Tortellini mixed with cheesy tortellini pasta, ground meat, black beans, corn, and green onions, served on a red and white striped cloth next to several green onions and a wooden spoon.
Top with sour cream and scallions. Serve hot.

Recipe Notes and Expert Tips

To make your dish even better, here are a few tips and tweaks you can try:

  • Ground Beef: While ground beef is traditional, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option.
  • Cheese: While pepper jack adds a nice kick, you can use Colby jack or Monterey jack for a milder taste or a mix of cheeses for more complexity.
  • Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers or onions with the beef for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the taco seasoning to suit your taste. Use mild for less heat or a spicier blend if you like it hot.
  • Tomatoes: Adding a can of diced tomatoes can introduce a nice texture and freshness to the dish.
  • Sour Cream: If you’re not a fan of sour cream, try full-fat Greek yogurt instead.

How to Store Leftover Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Storing leftovers properly means you can enjoy this meal again, even on a busy night. Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty:

  • Cool and Airtight: Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature, and use airtight containers to store the tortellini in the fridge.
  • Refrigerate: Stored properly, the leftovers will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat the tortellini gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water if needed to keep it moist and ensure it heats evenly.
A plate of Beef Enchilada Tortellini topped with ground meat, black beans, corn, and chopped green onions, set on a red and white striped cloth with a wooden spoon and small potted plant in the background.
Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe

Saving money while cooking delicious meals like Beef Enchilada Tortellini is easier than you might think. Here are some tips to keep your budget in check:

  1. Generic Brands: Opt for store-brand versions of black beans, corn, and taco seasoning.
  2. Less Meat, More Beans: Use less beef and add more black beans to extend the dish economically.
  3. Leftover Lunch: Pack leftovers for lunch instead of buying lunch out.

You could also use the beef to make other delicious recipes, like this Ninja Foodi beef chili.

What to Serve with Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a standout dish on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can really enhance your dinner. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Rice

Adding a side of Spanish rice provides a delightful texture contrast and absorbs the rich flavors of the enchilada sauce beautifully. For another rice option, cilantro lime rice is refreshing and zesty, offering a vibrant addition that enhances the overall flavor profile of your meal.

Corn on the Cob

Grilled or boiled corn on the cob offers a sweet crunch that contrasts nicely with the savory tortellini. Brush the corn with a bit of butter and sprinkle some chili powder or lime zest for an extra pop of flavor.

Guacamole

A bowl of freshly made guacamole can add a cool, creamy texture and rich, tangy flavors that balance the spicy notes of your main dish.

A plate of Beef Enchilada Tortellini topped with ground meat, cheese, black beans, corn, and green onions sits on a red and white striped cloth next to wooden spoons. Green onions and a glass jar are in the background.
Beef Enchilada Tortellini. Photo Credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes

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A plate of cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini dish, sitting on a red and white striped cloth.

Spicy Beef Enchilada Tortellini

Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a tasty mix of juicy ground beef and cheesy tortellini, all simmered together in a rich enchilada sauce. It's easy to make and sure to be a hit at your family dinner table. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal any night of the week!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mexican
Keyword: beef enchilada tortellini
Servings: 6
Calories: 730kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces cheese tortellini
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce
  • 15 ounces can of black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 ½ cups canned corn
  • 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • Sour cream for topping
  • Chopped scallions for topping optional

Instructions

  • In a large pot cook the tortellini according to package.
    16 ounces cheese tortellini
  • While the tortellini is cooking, begin browning the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain any grease once done cooking.
    1 pound ground beef
  • Add taco seasoning, water, enchilada sauce, beans, and corn, and stir until everything is mixed.
    1 ounce packet taco seasoning, 1 cup water, 2 cups enchilada sauce, 15 ounces can of black beans, 1 ½ cups canned corn
  • Add in the tortellini and stir once more. Top with the shredded cheese and if using an oven-safe skillet broil for 3 minutes or until the cheese has melted. (You can just put a lid on the pan and cook over medium to low heat to melt the cheese.)
    2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • Top with sour cream and scallions and enjoy!
    Chopped scallions for topping, Sour cream for topping

Notes

  • Ground Beef: While ground beef is traditional, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option.
  • Cheese: While pepper jack adds a nice kick, you can use Colby jack or Monterey jack for a milder taste or a mix of cheeses for more complexity.
  • Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers or onions with the beef for added flavor and nutrition.
  • Spice Level: Adjust the taco seasoning to suit your taste. Use mild for less heat or a spicier blend if you like it hot.
  • Tomatoes: Adding a can of diced tomatoes can introduce a nice texture and freshness to the dish.
  • Sour Cream: If you’re not a fan of sour cream, try full-fat Greek yogurt instead.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Cool and Airtight: Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature, and use airtight containers to store the tortellini in the fridge.
  • Refrigerate: Stored properly, the leftovers will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat the tortellini gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water if needed to keep it moist and ensure it heats evenly.

Nutrition

Calories: 730kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 42g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 116mg | Sodium: 1743mg | Potassium: 530mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1271IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 423mg | Iron: 6mg
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5 from 2 votes

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Recipe Rating




4 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Made this last night. It was phenomenal. Used a little less water and added a little bit of chopped jalapeño. Will definitely be making this again. Thank you for sharing this recipe. PS: husband and I will probably be fighting over who gets to eat the leftovers LOL