If you’re craving something that hits all the right comfort food notes, you’re going to adore this Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe. It beautifully blends tender cheese tortellini with hearty ground beef and rich enchilada sauce, all topped with a gooey blanket of melted mozzarella. This dish is a fantastic twist on traditional enchiladas and pasta casseroles, delivering bold, cheesy flavors in every bite. Perfect for family dinners or bringing to gatherings, it’s as simple to prepare as it is satisfying to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients makes this dish a breeze to assemble, while each component brings something unique to the mix—whether it’s texture, flavor, or a pop of color for your plate.
- 16 ounces cheese tortellini: Use fresh or frozen for tender, cheesy pillows that are the star of the casserole.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Adds savory richness and a meaty depth that balances the cheeses perfectly.
- 16 ounces enchilada sauce: This sauce infuses the dish with a vibrant, tangy flavor that ties everything together.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that irresistible gooey topping you can’t resist.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A sprinkle on top adds freshness and a touch of color to finish the look.
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) so it’s ready for baking later. Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until just al dente. This ensures they’ll maintain their shape and texture after baking. Drain them thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the tortellini cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until it’s thoroughly browned with no pink remaining. Be sure to break it apart as it cooks for even browning. Once done, drain any excess grease so your casserole won’t turn oily but stays perfectly moist.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In a 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish, combine the cooked tortellini, browned beef, and all of the enchilada sauce. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure everything is evenly coated and well mixed. This layering lets the flavors soak in beautifully during baking.
Step 4: Top and Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole’s top. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden at the edges—pure cheesy bliss.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with a handful of fresh chopped parsley if you like, adding a lovely freshness and color contrast to the rich, cheesy surface.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the casserole is delicious on its own, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream or guacamole can brighten up each plate and add a fresh counterpoint to the rich flavors. For a little heat, sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce pairs beautifully as well.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, Mexican street corn, or a light avocado and tomato salsa. These can bring balance and texture, cutting through the richness and making your meal well-rounded and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the casserole in mini ramekins for individual portions or layer it in clear glass casserole dishes so everyone can admire the beautiful colorful strata of tortellini, beef, sauce, and gooey cheese. It also makes a fabulous potluck centerpiece, earning rave reviews every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe keeps delightfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and prevent the tortillas from drying out.
Freezing
This casserole freezes perfectly for longer storage. Portion it out into airtight, freezer-safe dishes or freeze the whole casserole wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will keep well for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy it whenever you need a quick, comforting meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, usually about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a speedier option, though the oven method helps keep the cheese nice and melty throughout.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is ideal for its creamy center and shape, you can substitute with ravioli, penne, or any bite-sized pasta you like. Just be sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe?
Yes! You can swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, black beans, or a combination of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. The enchilada sauce and cheese will still deliver that classic comforting flavor.
What enchilada sauce works best?
Red enchilada sauce is traditional and offers a nice balance of heat and tang for this casserole. You can choose mild or spicy depending on your tolerance, or even try green enchilada sauce for a fresh twist.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
How can I make this recipe lower in calories?
Choose lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, use part-skim mozzarella cheese, and opt for a reduced-sodium enchilada sauce. Incorporating more vegetables into the mix also boosts nutrients while keeping it satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that brings together the best of Italian and Mexican-inspired flavors with ease. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a trusted favorite in your weeknight rotation or whenever you need a cozy meal to uplift your day. So go ahead, dive into this cheesy, hearty goodness—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Description
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Enchilada Casserole is a delicious fusion dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef and enchilada sauce with tender cheese tortellini and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection, this hearty casserole is perfect for a comforting dinner that serves eight.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 16 ounces enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming, cook the cheese tortellini in boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the tortellini thoroughly and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Brown Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even texture. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the beef to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Assemble and Bake: 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 gently to coat the tortellini and beef evenly in the sauce and cheese. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden brown.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for a comforting and cheesy meal.
Notes
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef while browning.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free tortellini to adapt to dietary needs.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice burst of color and freshness to the dish.
