Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet Recipe

There's something magical about the sizzle of ground beef in a hot skillet, especially when you know a cheesy, comforting meal is only minutes away. This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet delivers all the bold flavors of your favorite Mexican dish, combined with the pillowy goodness of cheese-filled tortellini.

this Recipe

I first whipped up this recipe on a whim, combining my kids' love for cheesy pasta with my craving for hearty enchiladas. The result? A one-pan wonder that quickly became a staple in our weekly rotation.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite one-skillet dinner. This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet offers the perfect blend of flavors, textures, and convenience.

First, let’s talk about how quick and easy it is. You only need about 30 minutes from start to finish. Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means fewer dishes to wash—a true lifesaver on busy weeknights.

It’s also wonderfully budget-friendly. With simple pantry staples like ground beef, canned enchilada sauce, and frozen tortellini, you can easily feed your whole family without breaking the bank.

The flavors are simply irresistible. You get the rich, savory taste of beef, the smoky spice of enchilada sauce, and the creamy, gooey goodness of melted cheese, all balanced by the tender bite of cheese tortellini.

And don’t forget how versatile it is. You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it perfect for picky eaters or those last-minute dinner decisions.

With all these benefits, this dish is sure to earn a permanent spot in your meal plan.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet lies in its simple, approachable ingredients that work together to create maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ground beef forms the hearty foundation of this dish. I recommend using 85/15 lean ground beef—it has just enough fat to keep things juicy without making the skillet greasy. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option.

Enchilada sauce brings that signature smoky, spicy kick. I typically use a mild red enchilada sauce to keep it family-friendly, but feel free to go for medium or hot if your household loves a bit more heat. Homemade enchilada sauce also works wonderfully if you have some on hand.

Cheese tortellini is the unexpected star that ties everything together. I prefer refrigerated tortellini for its fresher taste and faster cooking time, but frozen works in a pinch—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Shredded cheese is essential for that gooey, melty finish. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack creates the perfect creamy, tangy balance. Don’t be shy with the cheese—it’s what makes this dish extra indulgent!

For this recipe, you’ll only need basic kitchen tools: a large skillet with a lid, a wooden spoon for stirring, and a cheese grater if you're shredding your own cheese.

How To Make This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet

Creating this cheesy, comforting skillet meal is wonderfully simple. Let me guide you through each step.

Start by heating a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then toss in your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it browns, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until it's fully cooked and no longer pink.

Once your beef is browned, drain any excess grease from the pan. This helps keep your sauce from becoming too oily and ensures a nice, smooth consistency later on.

Lower the heat slightly and stir in your enchilada sauce, making sure the beef is fully coated. The sauce will immediately start to bubble and thicken slightly, filling your kitchen with that irresistible enchilada aroma.

Next, gently fold in the cheese tortellini, ensuring each piece is coated in the sauce. If you’re using refrigerated tortellini, it will only need about 5-6 minutes to cook through. Cover the skillet during this stage to let the steam help soften the pasta while the flavors meld together.

Once the tortellini is tender, sprinkle your shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely into a bubbly, gooey layer.

The entire process takes roughly 30 minutes from start to finish, making this an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying in a hurry.

Storage Options

Leftovers of this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet store beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

For refrigerator storage, transfer the cooled skillet contents into an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

If you’d like to freeze portions for later, allow the dish to cool completely first. Spoon the contents into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. The frozen skillet meal can last up to 2 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat refrigerated portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

The flexibility of this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet is one of its biggest strengths. There are so many ways to customize it to your taste and pantry.

If you're looking to lighten things up, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You’ll still get plenty of savory flavor with a leaner protein.

For a vegetarian version, skip the meat entirely and add black beans, corn, or sautéed bell peppers instead. The enchilada sauce and cheese do plenty of heavy lifting in the flavor department.

If you want to add some heat, stir in diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper when adding the enchilada sauce. You can also top the finished dish with sliced jalapeños.

Switch up your pasta by using spinach and cheese tortellini or even regular pasta shells if tortellini isn’t available.

For an extra creamy version, stir in a couple of tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese right before adding the shredded cheese topping. It adds a luscious, velvety texture that’s hard to resist.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. With just a few simple tweaks, you can tailor it to suit any craving or occasion.

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