Introduction
Transform humble tortellini into a fiesta in your mouth with this Beef Enchilada Tortellini bake! This recipe takes the convenience of frozen tortellini and kicks it up a notch with bold Mexican flavors. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with beefy goodness, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s ready in under an hour. Get ready for a family-friendly feast that everyone will adore!
Why This Works
This recipe is a winner because it’s a delicious shortcut to a restaurant-quality meal. Pre-cooked tortellini cuts down on prep time significantly, while the vibrant enchilada sauce and melty cheese create a flavor explosion that’s irresistible. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a casual get-together.
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 enchilada sauce
- 🧀 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🌿 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 🌿 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 🌿 1/4 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 Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 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, enchilada sauce, 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 the tortellini. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6️⃣ Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
7️⃣ Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
8️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, use a combination of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack.
- If you don’t have Rotel, you can substitute with a can of diced tomatoes and a few chopped jalapeños.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the sauce.
Heat Control
The oven temperature of 375°F (190°C) is perfect for melting the cheese and heating the tortellini through without burning it. Keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Crunch Factor
This recipe is all about creamy, cheesy comfort. For a little added crunch, consider topping with some crushed tortilla chips or fried onions just before serving.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a quicker meal, use leftover cooked beef or rotisserie chicken instead of browning ground beef from scratch.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top before serving for extra creaminess.
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.
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 for a more festive touch, use a pretty casserole dish and cover it with foil.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
🌟 Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a half cup of sour cream or cream cheese along with the milk for an even richer, creamier sauce.
🌟 Black Bean Boost: Add a can of drained and rinsed black beans to the sauce for extra protein and flavor.
🌟 Vegetarian Twist: Omit the ground beef and increase the amount of vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and corn for a delicious vegetarian option.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Tortellini: If the tortellini seem dry, add a little more milk or broth to the sauce.
- Burnt Cheese: If the cheese is browning too quickly, loosely tent the baking dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
FAQ
- Can I use different tortellini? Absolutely! Spinach and cheese, or even meat tortellini 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? Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Conclusion
This Beef Enchilada Tortellini bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Share this recipe with your friends and family and enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness! Happy cooking!
Beefy Enchilada Pasta Bake: Family Fun Fiesta!
A delicious and hearty pasta bake combining the flavors of enchiladas with the comforting texture of pasta, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350u00b0F.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeu00f1os to the beef mixture.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.