If you love the bold flavors of beef enchiladas and the creamy indulgence of cheesy pasta, this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is the best of both worlds. It combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with a rich, beefy enchilada sauce that brings comfort food to an entirely new level. Every bite bursts with melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and the perfect touch of spice.
This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours cooking. It uses simple, accessible ingredients and comes together quickly, yet feels like a warm, satisfying Tex-Mex pasta bake. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for leftovers to love, this recipe is one to keep in rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
This recipe is loaded with cheesy comfort, full of flavor, and easy to make. It’s one of those dishes that hits the spot when you’re craving something rich and delicious. The tortellini adds an unexpected twist, and the enchilada sauce pulls everything together into a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal. It’s also a great way to switch up taco night or to use up leftover ground beef in a fun and creative way.
What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?
Refrigerated cheese tortellini works beautifully in this recipe because it cooks quickly and holds up well with the hearty beef sauce. You can also use frozen tortellini, just be sure to boil it first until al dente. If you’re feeling adventurous, spinach or mushroom stuffed tortellini can add an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
This dish relies on a short list of key ingredients that come together for maximum flavor. Each component adds richness, texture, or that essential enchilada-style spice.
- Ground beef – the hearty base of this recipe, adding savory depth.
- Cheese tortellini – brings a cheesy, pillowy texture that complements the beef.
- Red enchilada sauce – infuses the dish with smoky, spicy flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – melts into the sauce for that perfect gooey finish.
- Chopped onions – sautéed for sweetness and extra flavor.
- Olive oil – helps the onions cook down and adds a smooth mouthfeel.
- Taco seasoning – enhances the beef with classic Tex-Mex spice.
- Fresh cilantro – adds brightness and a pop of color at the end.


How To Make the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onions and cook until they begin to soften. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, and sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
Step 2: Add the Sauce
Pour the red enchilada sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
Meanwhile, boil the cheese tortellini in a large pot of salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large baking dish, gently combine the beef sauce and cooked tortellini. Top everything with shredded cheddar cheese and bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top before serving. Enjoy hot and cheesy!
How to Serve and Store Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
This dish is generous enough to serve four to six people, making it a great choice for family dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it fresh from the oven while it’s hot and gooey. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, you can assemble everything in the baking dish, refrigerate it, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Leftovers are just as delightful the next day. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze it in portions—just thaw overnight and bake until bubbly.
What to Serve With Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini?
Fresh Avocado Salad
The creamy richness of avocado pairs beautifully with the spicy kick of the enchilada sauce. Toss together avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Skillet Cornbread
A slice of warm cornbread makes a perfect partner for this Tex-Mex pasta. Try it with honey butter or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
Charred corn slathered in mayo, chili powder, lime, and cheese adds vibrant flavor and texture contrast.
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
This refreshing side dish adds a little crunch and sweetness, balancing the cheesy main course.
Spicy Pickled Jalapeños
Add these on the side or scatter on top for those who love heat.
Chips and Guacamole
You can’t go wrong with crispy tortilla chips and a bowl of fresh guac to kick off your meal.
Citrus Fruit Salad
Bright and tangy citrus helps cut through the richness of the dish and refreshes your palate.
Iced Horchata or Agua Fresca
Serve this comforting meal with a traditional Mexican drink for a sweet and cooling finish.
Want More Tex-Mex Pasta Ideas?
If this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini hit the spot, you’re going to love these other flavorful favorites:
• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a comforting classic with a twist.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a quick and hearty one-pan dinner.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you love bold, creamy indulgence.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta with a garlicky, cheesy finish.
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for a hearty baked version that’s pure comfort.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra heat? Maybe a scoop of sour cream on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better.
Explore beautifully curated Tex-Mex comfort dishes and weeknight pasta bakes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to dinner favorites!
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Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a comforting Tex-Mex pasta bake made with ground beef, cheese tortellini, enchilada sauce, and melted cheddar. Perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals, this easy recipe brings bold flavor and creamy texture together in one hearty dish.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
20 ounces cheese tortellini
2 cups red enchilada sauce
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup chopped onions
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 packet taco seasoning
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add chopped onions and cook until softened.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break apart while browning and stir in taco seasoning. Cook until fully browned.
3. Pour in the red enchilada sauce and stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Boil the cheese tortellini in salted water according to package directions until just tender. Drain well.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine cooked tortellini and beef sauce in a large baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
Use refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini, but make sure to boil before baking.
You can assemble this dish ahead and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Add sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado as toppings for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg