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- 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!

Beef Enchilada Tortellini Bake

A delicious and hearty bake combining cheese tortellini, ground beef, and enchilada flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

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

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease.
  • To the skillet with the beef, stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the black beans and corn, mixing until well combined.
  • Pour in the enchilada sauce, stirring to coat the beef and bean mixture evenly. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the beef and enchilada mixture, making sure everything is well incorporated.
  • Transfer half of the tortellini-beef mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over this layer. Pour the remaining tortellini-beef mixture on top, followed by the rest of the cheddar cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
  • Once baked, allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls with sour cream or guacamole for extra flavor.
Keyword bake, beef, enchiladas, tortellini