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This creamy One Pot Cheesy Enchilada Tortellini with Beef brings together pillowy cheese tortellini and rich beef in a sauce that tastes like your favorite cheesy enchiladas. It is a true weeknight hero when you crave comfort but do not want a sink full of dishes
The first time I made this my husband declared it his new favorite pasta. We now keep tortellini and enchilada sauce on standby for easy last minute dinners
Ingredients
- Ground beef: adds hearty protein and depth of flavor Look for 80% to 85% lean for best balance of taste and juiciness
- Cheese tortellini: brings melty pockets of richness Choose fresh or frozen for quickest results
- Red enchilada sauce: provides smoky spicy notes I love using a medium heat version for extra flavor
- Shredded cheddar jack cheese blend: makes the sauce extra creamy Hand shred for best melt
- Sour cream: makes the final sauce velvety Pick a thick full fat version for creamy texture
- Olive oil: for sautéing and subtle richness Choose a robust extra virgin oil for best flavor
- Yellow onion: sweetens and rounds out all the spices Go for firm onions without soft spots
- Garlic powder: enhances savory flavors Opt for fresh powder for strongest taste
- Smoked paprika: adds a gentle smokiness Spanish varieties bring more complexity
- Cumin: brings a warm earthy base Always check your cumin is fresh for aroma
- Chili powder: boosts heat and depth A good quality chili powder is worth hunting down
- Oregano: lends herbal freshness Choose dried leaves that still have green color
- Salt and black pepper: to balance all the flavors
- Minced fresh garlic: gives punchy flavor Use plump fresh cloves
- Beef broth: deepens the sauce with meaty flavor Unsalted lets you control seasoning
- Fire roasted diced tomatoes: provide acidity and subtle smokiness Try to find tomatoes without added sugar
- Fresh chopped cilantro: finishes the dish with brightness Only chop just before serving for max freshness
Step by Step Instructions
- Brown the beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium high Cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled This step builds the savory foundation for the dish
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Stir in the diced onion and cook five minutes until everything is soft and golden The gentle heat draws out their sweetness
- Season and add garlic:
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder smoked paprika cumin chili powder oregano salt and black pepper Add the fresh garlic and cook for about one minute stirring to bloom all the spices You should smell a wave of savory warmth
- Build the sauce:
- Pour in the beef broth fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices and enchilada sauce Stir well making sure to scrape any flavorful bits from the pan bottom
- Simmer with tortellini:
- Add the cheese tortellini straight to the skillet Bring everything to a gentle simmer then cover Let cook for seven to ten minutes stirring now and then until the tortellini are tender and the sauce thickens
- Melt the cheese:
- Uncover and add all the shredded cheddar jack cheese Stir until everything is gooey and the cheese has melted right into the sauce
- Finish with sour cream:
- Turn off the stovetop Stir in the sour cream to make the sauce rich and velvety smooth
- Top and serve:
- Spoon into bowls and scatter with chopped fresh cilantro at the very end for a fresh note
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I love using fire roasted tomatoes here They add a unique smoky tang that balances all that melted cheese My kids fight over the cheesiest scoop every time and it always makes me smile
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for three days The sauce may thicken after chilling so I add a splash of broth when reheating for best texture The tortellini continue to absorb flavors and get even tastier the next day
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey or chicken can easily step in for beef If you are out of enchilada sauce a can of tomato sauce plus one extra teaspoon chili powder does the trick Fresh spinach ravioli is a good swap for tortellini if needed
Serving Suggestions
We love this with a simple green salad and crisp tortilla chips for scooping For even more color scatter extra chopped tomato or avocado on top at serving A little squeeze of lime perks up the flavors beautifully
Cultural Context
This dish takes the spirit of classic Tex Mex enchiladas and transforms it into cozy pasta comfort It brings together the beloved flavors of cumin chili cheese and tomatoes in a new weeknight friendly way
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, both fresh and frozen tortellini work well. Simply adjust cook time if using frozen to ensure they're fully tender.
- → How spicy is the dish?
The enchilada sauce, chili powder, and smoked paprika provide mild heat. Adjust chili powder for more or less spice.
- → Is it possible to substitute ground turkey for beef?
Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or even chicken to lighten the flavor while maintaining the delicious sauce and texture.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Additional veggies like bell peppers or corn can be stirred in with the onion, adding color and crunch to the dish.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Let the dish cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
- → What cheese blends work best?
Cheddar-jack is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella also melt well and complement the enchilada flavors.