Brace yourself for a flavor explosion because this Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe is about to become your family’s new favorite comfort food! Imagine the ultimate marriage of pasta night and taco Tuesday—tender cheese tortellini, hearty ground beef, and a blanket of zesty enchilada sauce all baked with melty Mexican cheese until bubbly and golden. Every bite is loaded with southwestern flair, thanks to the pops of sweet corn and hearty black beans, brought together in a ridiculously simple weeknight casserole you’ll crave on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its unfussy, pantry-friendly ingredients—each one adding something special. From creamy tortellini to a bold spice blend, every component in this casserole enhances its irresistible taste, texture, or color.
- Ground Beef: Adds a rich, savory foundation with just enough heartiness to make this a true main course.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: Provides pillowy, cheesy goodness that soaks up every bit of sauce and spice.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: Drizzles the whole bake in smoky, tangy flavor and keeps everything delightfully moist.
- Black Beans: Bring extra body, protein, and a creamy contrast to the bold beef.
- Frozen Corn: Adds sweetness and little bursts of juicy crunch throughout the casserole.
- Salsa: Offers a pop of freshness and just the right tang to balance that beefy, cheesy richness.
- Chili Powder: Infuses warmth and gentle heat, channeling those classic enchilada flavors.
- Cumin: Lends a subtle earthiness that ties all the Southwestern vibes together.
- Garlic Powder: Rounds out the flavor with an extra dose of savory depth.
- Salt: Heightens every single flavor—don’t skip it!
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: Blankets everything in melty, gooey glory and gets irresistibly golden in the oven.
- Chopped Cilantro and Sliced Green Onions (optional): For that finishing burst of freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Tortellini
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions—it usually takes just a few minutes! Drain them well and set aside. The goal is tender, not mushy, tortellini since they’ll absorb more flavor as they bake.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown your ground beef. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. As the meat sizzles, break it up finely so it doesn’t overwhelm the delicate tortellini, and make sure to drain off any excess grease for a lighter, more flavorful casserole.
Step 3: Build the Bold Sauce
Pour in the tangy red enchilada sauce, then add the black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Give everything a thorough stir, letting it simmer for 5 minutes. This ensures all those southwestern seasonings infuse every bite—and your kitchen will smell incredible!
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Stir in the cooked tortellini and about half of your shredded Mexican cheese (that’s 1 cup). Gently mix until the pasta is totally coated with that zesty, cheesy sauce. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, smoothing everything into an even layer for ultra-satisfying scoops later.
Step 5: Add the Cheesy Topper
Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese evenly over the casserole. This step is essential for achieving that bubbly, golden blanket of melted cheese that makes every serving utterly irresistible!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and everything is deliciously bubbly around the edges. Serve it hot and garnish with cilantro and green onions if you’re feeling fancy or just want an extra splash of flavor and color.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and a handful of sliced green onions make this Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe look just as tempting as it tastes. If you want to turn up the fiesta vibes, add diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a showstopper, but it gets even better paired with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some warm, soft flour tortillas for scooping. Mexican rice or even a big bowl of tortilla chips are perfect partners to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Offer single-serve ramekins for a fun dinner party touch or plate over a bed of crisp romaine for an enchilada salad twist. Hosting game night? Spoon the casserole onto tortilla chips for epic nachos or scoop into bell pepper halves for a colorful, veggie-forward presentation. This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe truly shines no matter how you serve it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch extra special!
Freezing
Want to bank a batch for a busy night? You can assemble the entire casserole up to the point of baking, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed. If baking straight from frozen, add an extra 15 to 20 minutes and cover with foil until bubbling.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes (longer if reheating from frozen), or until hot all the way through. Individual portions can also be microwaved for 1-2 minutes, making this a fantastic grab-and-go lunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are both fantastic swaps for a lighter twist, and they soak up the enchilada sauce and seasonings beautifully. Just make sure to season well and follow all the same steps.
Is it okay to use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen cheese tortellini. Just cook it according to package directions, add an extra minute if needed, and drain thoroughly before adding to the beef mixture.
How spicy is this Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe?
It’s family-friendly and mildly spicy as written, but you can easily turn up the heat! Swap in a hot enchilada sauce, add extra chili powder, or toss in diced jalapeños if you like it fiery.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Just omit the ground beef and add extra black beans, corn, or even some sautéed bell peppers and onions for a hearty, flavorful vegetarian meal.
What other cheese could I use?
If you don’t have Mexican blend, feel free to use cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper Jack for a little extra kick. Choose whatever melty cheese you love!
Final Thoughts
Once you dig into this Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe, don’t be surprised if it instantly earns a top spot in your regular dinner lineup. It’s pure comfort in every cheesy, saucy forkful—so fire up your oven, call your favorite people to the table, and enjoy the magic. Happy baking!
Print
Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole is a delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors, featuring cheesy tortellini, seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and salsa, all baked to perfection with a topping of gooey melted cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
- 1 pound
Cheese Tortellini:
- 1 (19-ounce) package
Red Enchilada Sauce:
- 1 (10-ounce) can
Black Beans:
- 1 (15-ounce) can, drained and rinsed
Frozen Corn:
- 1 cup
Salsa:
- 1 cup
Chili Powder:
- 1 teaspoon
Cumin:
- 1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder:
- ½ teaspoon
Salt:
- ½ teaspoon
Mexican Blend Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded
Garnish:
- Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook Tortellini: Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add cooked tortellini and 1 cup of cheese, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with cilantro and green onions, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or hot enchilada sauce.
- This dish freezes well—assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous scoop
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
