Irresistible Beef Enchilada Tortellini Recipe Delight Recipe
This Irresistible Beef Enchilada Tortellini recipe combines the hearty flavors of seasoned ground beef and cheesy tortellini with vibrant bell peppers and a rich enchilada sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying skillet meal perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, featuring easy-to-find ingredients and a delightful Mexican-inspired twist.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (varied colors)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and chopped bell peppers, cooking until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to reduce greasiness.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toss in tortellini: Add the fresh or frozen cheese tortellini along with the enchilada sauce to the skillet. Gently mix everything together to ensure the tortellini is fully coated with sauce and combined evenly with the beef mixture.
- Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 3-5 minutes, until bubbly and gooey.
- Serve hot: Remove the lid and give the mixture a gentle stir to blend the melted cheese throughout. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños along with the spices.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
- Use a low-sodium enchilada sauce to control salt levels.
- If using frozen tortellini, no need to thaw before adding to the skillet; just increase cooking time slightly to ensure thorough heating.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
Keywords: beef enchilada tortellini, skillet recipe, quick dinner, cheesy pasta, Mexican-inspired pasta