Introduction
Ready to transform humble pasta into a fiesta in your mouth? This Beef Enchilada Tortellini bake takes familiar flavors and gives them a fun, cheesy twist. It’s the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight, guaranteed to please the whole family! Forget takeout – this recipe is quicker, cheaper, and way more delicious.
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it cleverly combines the convenience of frozen tortellini with the vibrant taste of enchiladas. The creamy cheese sauce brings everything together, creating a satisfyingly rich and comforting dish. It’s easy to make, uses pantry staples, and is endlessly customizable!
Key Ingredients
- 🧀 1 (25 ounce) package cheese tortellini
- 🥩 1 pound ground beef
- 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
- 🌶️ 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 🫘 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 🥫 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🧀 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 🧀 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 🌿 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 🌿 1 teaspoon cumin
- 🌿 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 🌿 Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
3️⃣ Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Stir in the Rotel, kidney beans, tomato soup, milk, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
5️⃣ Reduce heat to low and stir in half of the cheddar cheese and half of the Monterey Jack cheese until melted and creamy.
6️⃣ Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and gently stir to combine.
7️⃣ Pour the tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8️⃣ Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
9️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
🔟 Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté some chopped bell peppers or jalapeños with the onion.
- If you don’t have Rotel, you can use a can of diced tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes instead.
- Feel free to use any type of shredded cheese you like. A Mexican cheese blend would also be delicious!
Heat Control
The oven temperature of 375°F (190°C) is perfect for melting the cheese and heating the tortellini through without drying out the sauce. If your oven runs hot, you might want to check it after 20 minutes and reduce the baking time if needed.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe is primarily focused on creamy, cheesy goodness, you can add a bit of crunch by topping it with crushed tortilla chips or chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked tortellini. Just add it to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole to each serving for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This dish is perfect for potlucks or taking to a friend’s house. You could package individual portions in disposable aluminum containers or a pretty casserole dish covered with foil. A handwritten recipe card would be a lovely touch!
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for some extra heat.
🌟 Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese along with the other cheeses for an extra rich and decadent flavor.
🌟 Veggie Boost: Add some chopped spinach, mushrooms, or corn to the sauce for a heartier meal.
🌟 BBQ Twist: Substitute BBQ sauce for the tomato soup for a smoky, sweet, and savory twist.
Troubleshooting
- Tortellini is too dry: Add a little more milk or broth to the sauce to adjust the consistency.
- Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes uncovered to reduce the liquid.
- Cheese isn’t melting: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and that the cheese is evenly distributed over the top.
FAQ
- Can I use different types of tortellini? Absolutely! Meat, spinach, or even cheese ravioli would work well.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
- Can I freeze this recipe? It’s best to freeze the unbaked components separately and assemble and bake fresh.
- What kind of tortillas are best to serve alongside? Soft flour or corn tortillas are wonderful with this dish.
- How many servings does this recipe make? This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Conclusion
This Beef Enchilada Tortellini bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s so easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let us know what you think! Don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #CookAndRateBeefEnchiladaTortellini. Enjoy!