Beef Enchilada Tortellini Bake Flavorful Dinner Idea

Name: Beef Enchilada Tortellini Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen); 1 lb ground beef; 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; to taste salt and pepper; to garnish fresh cilantro, chopped

October 13, 2025January 24, 2025 by Stella

Looking for a fun and new dinner idea? Try my Beef Enchilada Tortellini Bake! It combines cheesy tortellini, seasoned ground beef, and zesty enchilada sauce for a meal that is easy and delicious. This dish will delight your family, and it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Ready to impress everyone at your table? Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Fusion: This recipe combines the heartiness of enchiladas with the comforting texture of tortellini, making it a unique and satisfying dish.
Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 50 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add your favorite toppings, such as jalapeños or different types of cheese, to suit your taste.
Family-Friendly: With its cheesy goodness and flavorful ingredients, this dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

– 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

– 1 lb ground beef

– 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce

– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

– 1 tsp ground cumin

– 1 tsp chili powder

– 1/2 tsp garlic powder

– 1/2 tsp onion powder

– Salt and pepper, to taste

– Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Gathering the right ingredients is key for this dish. First, you need cheese tortellini. I prefer fresh, but frozen works fine too. Next, get some ground beef. It adds a nice, hearty flavor. The enchilada sauce brings a spicy kick.

Black beans are a must for added protein and texture. Corn kernels add sweetness and color. For cheese lovers, use shredded cheddar cheese. The spices like cumin and chili powder create depth. Garlic and onion powders give more flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning. Finally, fresh cilantro adds a lovely touch on top.

These ingredients come together to create a filling and tasty meal. You can find them at any grocery store, making this recipe easy to prepare.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking.

Cook the Tortellini

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 12 oz of cheese tortellini. Cook it until al dente, as per the package. Drain the tortellini and set it aside.

Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook it over medium heat. Break the meat apart with a spatula. Cook until it is browned and fully done. Drain any extra grease.

Add Seasoning and Beans

Stir in the spices: 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in 1 can of rinsed black beans and 1 cup of corn. Make sure everything is well combined.

Combine with Enchilada Sauce

Pour in 1 can of enchilada sauce. Stir until the beef and beans are well coated. Let it simmer for around 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely.

Combine Tortellini and Beef Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked tortellini. Then, add the beef and enchilada mixture. Mix everything well so it’s combined thoroughly.

Layer in Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the tortellini-beef mixture in it. Sprinkle half of the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add the remaining tortellini-beef mixture and top it with the rest of the cheese.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Garnish and Serve

Let the dish cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish it with chopped cilantro. Enjoy your meal!

Cooking Time and Servings

Prep Time

The prep time for this dish is 15 minutes. This includes gathering ingredients and getting everything ready to cook.

Total Time

The total cooking time is 50 minutes. This allows for prep, cooking the beef, and baking.

Servings

This recipe serves 6 people. It is perfect for a family meal or a small gathering.

Pro Tips

Tip Title: Cook Tortellini Al Dente: Make sure to cook the tortellini just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and could become mushy if overcooked.
Tip Title: Customize Your Beans: Feel free to substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans, depending on your preference for texture and flavor.
Tip Title: Extra Cheese, Extra Flavor: For an even cheesier bake, mix in some cream cheese or pepper jack cheese with the cheddar for added creaminess and a hint of spice.
Tip Title: Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the cilantro garnish! It adds a fresh and vibrant flavor that complements the richness of the dish beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

How to Avoid Soggy Tortellini

To keep your tortellini firm, cook them just until al dente. Follow the package time closely. Drain them well and do not let them sit in water. If you mix them with the sauce quickly, they’ll stay nice and firm.

Best Cheeses to Use

Cheddar cheese brings great flavor, but you can mix it up! Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick. These cheeses melt well and add a creamy texture. You can even blend in some mozzarella for extra stretch.

Spices to Enhance Flavor

The spices in this dish make it pop! Use ground cumin for a warm taste. Chili powder adds a nice heat. Garlic and onion powders boost the flavor too. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Experimenting with smoked paprika or cayenne could spice things up even more.

Presentation Tips

Make your dish look great for serving! Use individual bowls for a fun touch. Top each serving with fresh cilantro for color. Adding a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side will give it a tasty twist. Enjoy this dish as a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds!

Variations

Vegetarian Option

You can easily turn this dish into a vegetarian delight. Swap the ground beef for a mix of vegetables. Try using mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can add extra black beans for protein. This keeps the dish hearty and filling without meat. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for extra flavor if needed.

Spicy Kick

If you enjoy heat, add some spice! Mix in diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the enchilada sauce. This will give your dish a warm, spicy flavor. Serve with a side of sour cream to cool down the heat.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free tortellini. Many stores offer great options now. Check the labels to make sure they are certified gluten-free. You can also use corn tortillas cut into strips instead of tortellini. This keeps the dish tasty while making it suitable for those avoiding gluten.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just cook it according to the package. Frozen tortellini works well in this dish. It saves time and still tastes great.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. You want to enjoy those flavors again!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day ahead. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. This saves time on busy days.

What can I serve with beef enchilada tortellini bake?

Serve with a fresh salad or tortilla chips. You can add sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor. A side of rice also pairs well with this dish.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make it healthier, use lean ground beef or turkey. Swap the cheese for a lower-fat option. Add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also use whole wheat tortellini.

This dish combines rich flavor and easy prep. You saw the key ingredients and steps to make it great. Tips for avoiding soggy tortellini and variations keep it fun. With a few tweaks, it suits your diet and taste. Whether you cook for friends or family, this recipe shines. Enjoy your tasty beef enchilada tortellini bak

$- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 lb ground beef - 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tsp ground cumin - 1 tsp chili powder - 1/2 tsp garlic powder - 1/2 tsp onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key for this dish. First, you need cheese tortellini. I prefer fresh, but frozen works fine too. Next, get some ground beef. It adds a nice, hearty flavor. The enchilada sauce brings a spicy kick. Black beans are a must for added protein and texture. Corn kernels add sweetness and color. For cheese lovers, use shredded cheddar cheese. The spices like cumin and chili powder create depth. Garlic and onion powders give more flavor. Don’t forget salt and pepper for seasoning. Finally, fresh cilantro adds a lovely touch on top. These ingredients come together to create a filling and tasty meal. You can find them at any grocery store, making this recipe easy to prepare. {{ingredient_image_1}} Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add 12 oz of cheese tortellini. Cook it until al dente, as per the package. Drain the tortellini and set it aside. In a large skillet, add 1 lb of ground beef. Cook it over medium heat. Break the meat apart with a spatula. Cook until it is browned and fully done. Drain any extra grease. Stir in the spices: 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix in 1 can of rinsed black beans and 1 cup of corn. Make sure everything is well combined. Pour in 1 can of enchilada sauce. Stir until the beef and beans are well coated. Let it simmer for around 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked tortellini. Then, add the beef and enchilada mixture. Mix everything well so it’s combined thoroughly. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the tortellini-beef mixture in it. Sprinkle half of the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add the remaining tortellini-beef mixture and top it with the rest of the cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let the dish cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish it with chopped cilantro. Enjoy your meal! The prep time for this dish is 15 minutes. This includes gathering ingredients and getting everything ready to cook. The total cooking time is 50 minutes. This allows for prep, cooking the beef, and baking. This recipe serves 6 people. It is perfect for a family meal or a small gathering. Pro Tips Tip Title: Cook Tortellini Al Dente: Make sure to cook the tortellini just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven and could become mushy if overcooked. Tip Title: Customize Your Beans: Feel free to substitute black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans, depending on your preference for texture and flavor. Tip Title: Extra Cheese, Extra Flavor: For an even cheesier bake, mix in some cream cheese or pepper jack cheese with the cheddar for added creaminess and a hint of spice. Tip Title: Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the cilantro garnish! It adds a fresh and vibrant flavor that complements the richness of the dish beautifully. {{image_2}} To keep your tortellini firm, cook them just until al dente. Follow the package time closely. Drain them well and do not let them sit in water. If you mix them with the sauce quickly, they'll stay nice and firm. Cheddar cheese brings great flavor, but you can mix it up! Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick. These cheeses melt well and add a creamy texture. You can even blend in some mozzarella for extra stretch. The spices in this dish make it pop! Use ground cumin for a warm taste. Chili powder adds a nice heat. Garlic and onion powders boost the flavor too. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. Experimenting with smoked paprika or cayenne could spice things up even more. Make your dish look great for serving! Use individual bowls for a fun touch. Top each serving with fresh cilantro for color. Adding a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side will give it a tasty twist. Enjoy this dish as a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds! You can easily turn this dish into a vegetarian delight. Swap the ground beef for a mix of vegetables. Try using mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can add extra black beans for protein. This keeps the dish hearty and filling without meat. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for extra flavor if needed. If you enjoy heat, add some spice! Mix in diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the beef mixture. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the enchilada sauce. This will give your dish a warm, spicy flavor. Serve with a side of sour cream to cool down the heat. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free tortellini. Many stores offer great options now. Check the labels to make sure they are certified gluten-free. You can also use corn tortillas cut into strips instead of tortellini. This keeps the dish tasty while making it suitable for those avoiding gluten. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just cook it according to the package. Frozen tortellini works well in this dish. It saves time and still tastes great. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. You want to enjoy those flavors again! Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day ahead. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. This saves time on busy days. Serve with a fresh salad or tortilla chips. You can add sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor. A side of rice also pairs well with this dish. To make it healthier, use lean ground beef or turkey. Swap the cheese for a lower-fat option. Add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also use whole wheat tortellini. This dish combines rich flavor and easy prep. You saw the key ingredients and steps to make it great. Tips for avoiding soggy tortellini and variations keep it fun. With a few tweaks, it suits your diet and taste. Whether you cook for friends or family, this recipe shines. Enjoy your tasty beef enchilada tortellini bake!$