One-Pot Cheesy Enchilada Tortellini with Beef
Okay, get ready because this dish is about to become your weeknight go-to. One-Pot Cheesy Enchilada Tortellini with Beef is the ultimate comfort food mashup: rich, savory beef, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a bold enchilada sauce all wrapped up in melty, gooey cheese. It’s like Mexican night and Italian night had the most delicious baby. And did I mention it’s all made in just one pot? Less mess, more flavor yes, please. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a party.
Why You’ll Love One-Pot Cheesy Enchilada Tortellini with Beef
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Great for dinner any night of the week and impressive enough for guests.
Budget-Friendly: Hearty, filling, and made with affordable ingredients you likely already have.
Quick and Easy: One pot. No draining. No hassle. Everything cooks together in about 30 minutes.
Customizable: Add veggies, swap the beef for chicken or beans, or spice it up to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in One-Pot Cheesy Enchilada Tortellini with Beef
Here’s the magic of this one-pot wonder every ingredient brings richness and flavor to the table, and the best part? You don’t need a mountain of dishes to make it happen.
Ground Beef: Juicy and flavorful, it brings hearty richness to the dish. You can also use ground turkey or chicken.
Cheese Tortellini: Soft, pillowy pasta filled with cheesy goodness pure comfort in every bite.
Enchilada Sauce: Bold, zesty, and just the right amount of spicy. It’s the flavor backbone of the recipe.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture and freshness to balance out the richness of the sauce and beef.
Onion: A flavor base that adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
Garlic: Because every good savory dish starts with garlic. It gives a warm, aromatic kick.
Shredded Cheese: Melts into the sauce and gives that irresistible cheesy finish. Cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack all work great.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the aromatics and giving a silky base to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances every element in the pot.
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, avocado whatever your heart desires!

Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
No need to preheat an oven just grab your favorite large skillet or Dutch oven and place it over medium heat to get things going.
Combine Ingredients
Start by adding a splash of olive oil to your pot. Sauté the chopped onions until soft, then stir in the garlic until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
If there’s excess grease after cooking the beef, go ahead and drain it. Then return everything to the same pot no need for extra dishes!
Assemble the Dish
Pour in the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), and tortellini. Stir to combine, making sure the tortellini is mostly submerged in sauce.
Cook to Perfection
Cover and let everything simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Finishing Touches
Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded cheese over the top, then cover again for a few minutes until melted. You can even broil the top for a few minutes if you like a bubbly, golden cheese crust.
Serve and Enjoy
Top with your favorite fixings sour cream, sliced green onions, avocado, or a few crushed tortilla chips and serve warm. The comfort level is off the charts.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 430
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Enchilada Tortellini with Beef
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Serve with a side salad for freshness, some warm tortillas or garlic bread to scoop up the saucy goodness, or even a dollop of guacamole on the side. It also makes a killer next-day lunch just reheat and enjoy.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Want extra veggies? Stir in corn, bell peppers, or black beans with the tomatoes.
- Use mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce depending on your spice preference.
- Swap tortellini for ravioli or even penne in a pinch.
- Add a splash of cream or sour cream to the sauce for an ultra-creamy twist.
- To save time, use frozen chopped onions and garlic paste.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving it thickens beautifully.
- Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds a bright, herby finish.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Want to make it vegetarian? Use plant-based crumbles and veggie tortellini.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Make it ahead and reheat when ready to serve. It holds up great and gets even more flavorful.
2. Can I freeze this dish?
You can! Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
3. What type of tortellini should I use?
Cheese tortellini works best, but feel free to experiment with spinach or meat-filled ones.
4. Is this recipe spicy?
It depends on your enchilada sauce. Use mild for less heat, or add jalapeños for more kick.
5. Can I add beans or corn?
Absolutely black beans, kidney beans, or corn all taste amazing in this dish.
6. Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
Definitely! It’ll take the flavor up a notch if you have the time.
7. How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and double-check the enchilada sauce for any hidden gluten.
8. What’s the best cheese to use on top?
Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt beautifully.
9. How do I prevent the tortellini from overcooking?
Keep an eye on it and stir gently. Tortellini cooks quickly, so start checking around the 10-minute mark.
10. Can I make this in the slow cooker?
You can brown the beef first, then add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours.
Conclusion
One-Pot Cheesy Enchilada Tortellini with Beef is what happens when you combine flavor, convenience, and cheesy comfort all in one dish. It’s rich, it’s satisfying, and it’s got that “can’t-stop-eating-it” vibe that makes it a true dinnertime hero. Plus, with just one pot to clean, it’s a win for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike. So grab that spoon and dive into the saucy, cheesy, beefy goodness you’re going to love every single bite.
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One-Pot Cheesy Enchilada Tortellini with Beef
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Halal
Description
One-Pot Cheesy Enchilada Tortellini with Beef is a comforting fusion dish that combines the bold flavors of cheesy beef enchiladas with the hearty texture of cheese-stuffed tortellini. Made in just one pot, it’s a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the tortellini and stir to coat evenly. Cover and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Remove lid and sprinkle both cheeses over the top. Cover again and let sit for 2–3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and gooey.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use spicy enchilada sauce for added heat.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat if preferred.
- Refrigerated tortellini works best, but frozen can be used with extra cook time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: enchilada tortellini, one pot dinner, cheesy beef pasta, tex-mex pasta, easy family meal