If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal, the Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe is going to be your new go-to. This dish combines the best of Italian and Mexican flavors with tender cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, and rich enchilada sauce all baked together under a gooey blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that cooks up in less than 40 minutes and delivers big on flavor and comfort. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it will have a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a harmony of textures and tastes. Each element plays a key role, from the pillowy tortellini to the robust enchilada sauce that ties it all together with a little kick.
- 16 ounces cheese tortellini: The star pasta that brings cheesy pockets of deliciousness throughout the dish.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds a hearty, savory component with just the right amount of richness.
- 16 ounces enchilada sauce: Infuses the casserole with savory, smoky Mexican flavor and moisture.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that irresistible cheesy meltiness that everyone loves on a casserole.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note as a garnish.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Cook Tortellini
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—this will give the casserole enough time to bake evenly once assembled. Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions just until al dente. It’s important not to overcook here because the tortellini will continue to soften in the oven. Drain them well and set aside so they don’t get soggy.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, take a large skillet and brown your lean ground beef over medium heat. Breaking it apart as it cooks ensures even browning and a crumbly texture, perfect for mixing throughout the tortellini later. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from getting too oily, then set the beef aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Grab a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish and start layering. Combine the cooked tortellini, browned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese in the dish. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the rich sauce and cheese. This step ensures each bite will be bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Goldeny
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of your casserole. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden at the edges. This baking time melds the flavors together and creates that classic cheesy crust.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your casserole sit for a few minutes to set. Then, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top if you like a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve warm and get ready to dig into the ultimate comfort food experience.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice here—it brightens the rich casserole with a touch of herbal freshness and adds a lovely green pop of color. You can also try a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime juice for an extra layer of creaminess and tang that works beautifully with the enchilada sauce.
Side Dishes
Because this Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe is so hearty, light sides work best. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans balance the richness of the dish. For a more indulgent meal, serve with warm garlic bread or cornbread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Make this casserole feel festive by serving it in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes. Layering with sliced avocado or topping with pickled jalapeños before serving gives a fresh kick and added texture. For a casual party, set up a toppings bar with sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce so guests can personalize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, usually about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but reheating in the oven maintains the perfect cheesy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cheese tortellini works just as well—just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions before assembling the casserole.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, beans, or a plant-based meat substitute. The enchilada sauce and cheese provide plenty of flavor and moisture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Mozzarella is ideal for melt and stretch, but you can mix in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a bit of extra flavor and creaminess.
How spicy is this casserole?
The spice level depends on the enchilada sauce you choose. If you like it mild, go with a mild sauce. For some heat, pick a medium or hot version or add your own chopped jalapeños.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time and bake later?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe is a wonderful fusion of comfort and flavor that you can make anytime you crave something both easy and satisfying. Its simplicity belies the richness and warmth it brings to the table, perfect for weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
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Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole combines tender cheese tortellini with savory ground beef and rich enchilada sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a comforting and easy weeknight meal, it’s baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces cheese tortellini
Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Other
- 16 ounces enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Tortellini: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet before proceeding.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish, combine the cooked tortellini, browned ground beef, enchilada sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Toss everything together gently until the tortellini are evenly coated with the sauce and beef.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy, comforting beef tortellini enchilada casserole.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease.
- You can substitute enchilada sauce with your favorite salsa or tomato sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Feel free to add diced onions, bell peppers, or jalapeños to the beef while browning for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This casserole can be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
