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Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender ground beef, cheesy tortellini, and enchilada-inspired spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a perfect fusion of Italian and Mexican flavors that’s hearty, cheesy, and kid-friendly, ideal for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated preferred)
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced green onions
  • Dollop of sour cream

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef and aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, stirring and breaking it apart until browned. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Season and simmer: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt over the beef and onions. Stir well to coat evenly. Pour in the enchilada sauce and mix everything together. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  3. Cook the tortellini: Add cheese tortellini directly into the skillet with the beef mixture along with a splash of water or broth. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and have absorbed the sauce, about 7-10 minutes.
  4. Melt the cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top. Cover the skillet again and let the cheese melt and bubble, creating a creamy, gooey topping.
  5. Garnish and serve: Finish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a bright, fresh contrast. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Choose fresh or refrigerated tortellini for faster cooking and lighter texture.
  • Don’t skip the simmer step to deepen the overall flavor.
  • Cover the skillet while cooking tortellini to ensure even cooking and prevent drying.
  • If enchilada sauce is too thick, add a little broth or water to adjust the sauce consistency.
  • Try mixing different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for varied flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy beef, skillet meal, enchilada, tortellini, quick dinner, family-friendly, one-pan recipe