Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Bake Recipe
If you love the comforting warmth of enchiladas but crave a fun, cheesy twist, then the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Bake Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten up your dinner table. This dish brings together the hearty flavors of seasoned ground beef, creamy black beans, and spicy tomatoes tucked inside tender cheese tortellini, all smothered with rich cheddar and enchilada sauce. It’s like your favorite Mexican-inspired feast met an Italian favorite and they instantly clicked. The result? A bubbling, cheesy bake that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or cozying up with family on any night. Get ready for a mouthwatering meal that hits all the right notes in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the savory ground beef to the creamy sour cream and the vibrant green cilantro, these ingredients come together effortlessly to create something truly special.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and prevents sticking while sautéing the beef and onions.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base that brings a meaty, satisfying flavor to the dish.
- Medium onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth, balancing the spice with its mellow bite.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Offers aromatic warmth that lifts the whole filling.
- Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): Adds creaminess, fiber, and a lovely texture contrast.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, undrained): Introduces a zesty kick and juicy brightness.
- Taco seasoning (1 tablespoon): Blends spices to seamlessly tie all the filling flavors together.
- Enchilada sauce (1 cup, divided): Infuses the bake with smoky, tangy notes and keeps it moist.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds a luscious creaminess that softens the heat and enriches the mixture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every ingredient’s true taste.
- Cheese tortellini (1 package, 9 oz): The delightful pasta parcels stuffed with cheese, forming the hearty carb foundation.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey, golden layers that make the dish irresistibly cheesy.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (1/4 cup, optional): Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbaceous pop that’s a stylish finishing touch.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Beef Filling
Begin by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Brown the ground beef by breaking it apart with a spoon until fully cooked, then drain the excess fat for a leaner texture. Add diced onions and cook until they soften and turn translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning, letting the spices bloom for about a minute. Next, mix in the drained black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and half of the enchilada sauce. Let this simmer gently for 10-15 minutes so all those flavors can meld beautifully. Finish by stirring in the sour cream and seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
Step 2: Cook Tortellini
While the filling simmers, prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package directions, cooking it until al dente—just firm enough to hold up in the bake. Drain it thoroughly, making sure not to rinse, so the cheesy sauce clings perfectly to every bite.
Step 3: Assemble Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour 1/4 cup of the remaining enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom; this helps prevent sticking and infuses the base with flavor. Carefully lay half of your cooked tortellini in a layer over the sauce. Spoon half of the savory beef filling on top, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat these layers by adding the rest of the tortellini followed by the remaining beef mixture.
Step 4: Top and Bake Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Bake Recipe
Pour the last 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the assembled casserole, then generously cover with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling, melted, and just beginning to turn golden brown and inviting.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. Just before digging in, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a lovely herbaceous contrast if you like. Serve it warm and enjoy the crowd-pleasing flavors of this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Bake Recipe.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh toppings can elevate this bake to the next level. Try spooning on a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado to add creaminess. Bright lime wedges on the side allow everyone to add a splash of citrus tang. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or sliced jalapeños can add a fresh crunch or an extra kick for spice lovers.
Side Dishes
This bake stands tall on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Mexican street corn or charred veggies add color and smoky flavor, making the meal feel like a festive celebration. For a more indulgent combo, warm freshly made tortillas to scoop up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests or family, serve this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Bake Recipe straight from the cast iron skillet or a rustic serving dish for a cozy, homey feel. Individual ramekins can make for elegant presentation when portioned out, perfect for dinner parties or a comforting meal for two. Garnish each serving with a small wedge of lime and a little extra sprinkle of cheese for that irresistible look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen over time, making leftovers just as tasty—if not more so—than the first serving.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Assemble the entire bake, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra time and keeping it covered initially to prevent drying out. Properly frozen, it stays delicious for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For reheating, bake leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil to maintain moisture, until heated through (usually about 20 minutes). Alternatively, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave, though the oven method helps keep that perfect cheese melt and texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of cheese tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini pairs wonderfully here, spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini can also add unique flavors and textures to the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, swapping out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans and veggies makes this a delicious vegetarian option without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the filling and cook the tortellini a day ahead, then assemble and bake when ready to enjoy. This saves time on a busy day while keeping the dish fresh.
What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
If enchilada sauce isn’t available, you can substitute with salsa or a mixture of tomato sauce with chili powder and cumin for a homemade version that still gives great flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on your enchilada sauce and green chilies in the tomatoes. You can adjust spice by choosing mild or hot varieties or adding fresh jalapeños if you prefer more kick.
Final Thoughts
One of the best things about the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Bake Recipe is how it brings together the beloved flavors of two culinary favorites into one unforgettable, cozy meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something indulgently cheesy and comforting, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy every time. So go ahead, give it a try—and prepare to have a new favorite on repeat!
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Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This hearty and comforting Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Tortellini casserole combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, and cheese tortellini with rich enchilada sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish is baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro for a flavorful Tex-Mex twist.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup enchilada sauce, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tortellini & Topping
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, then drain excess fat. Add diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and 1/2 cup enchilada sauce. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat, stir in sour cream, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook Tortellini: While the beef filling simmers, cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and do not rinse.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread 1/4 cup enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom. Layer half the cooked tortellini evenly over the sauce, spoon half the beef filling on top, then sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat layers with remaining tortellini and beef filling.
- Top and Bake: Pour remaining 1/4 cup enchilada sauce over the casserole, then sprinkle with the last 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove casserole from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not rinse cooked tortellini to keep the sauce adhering better.
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce as preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and increase black beans and veggies.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
