Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet Recipe

There's something utterly magical about the combination of cheesy pasta and bold Mexican flavors sizzling in a skillet. This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet is one of those comfort meals that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your table with happy faces.

I first made this dish on a chilly Friday night when we were all craving something hearty but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. It quickly became a weeknight staple thanks to its ooey-gooey cheese pull, beefy richness, and a slight kick of spice that keeps you coming back for more.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet

Get ready to fall head over heels for this one-pan wonder. Cheesy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this dish checks all the boxes for an easy, crave-worthy dinner.

First off, it's incredibly quick and easy. With just a few ingredients and one skillet, you'll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

It's also budget-friendly. Ground beef, store-bought tortellini, and canned enchilada sauce keep costs low while still delivering big on taste. You probably have most of the ingredients already in your pantry.

This recipe is family-approved. The cheesy, saucy combination is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. You can easily tone down or amp up the spice to suit your crew.

And let's not forget how versatile it is. Swap the protein, add beans or veggies, or even make it vegetarian—the possibilities are endless.

If you're looking for a new addition to your dinner rotation that everyone will devour, this skillet is calling your name.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet lies in its combination of humble ingredients that come together to make something truly irresistible.

Tortellini is the heart of this dish. I like using refrigerated cheese tortellini because it cooks quickly and adds another layer of creamy, cheesy goodness. You can find it in the deli or dairy section of most grocery stores.

Ground beef brings a savory, meaty depth that makes this meal incredibly satisfying. I usually go for 85/15 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness, but you can use leaner options if you prefer.

Enchilada sauce is where all the bold flavor comes from. I use a mild red enchilada sauce for a family-friendly dish, but feel free to grab medium or hot if you want more heat. A good-quality canned version works beautifully, or you can use homemade.

Shredded cheese melts into gooey perfection and ties everything together. I love a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for their meltability and flavor, but use what you have—even a Mexican cheese blend works great.

You'll also need a large oven-safe skillet for this recipe, preferably cast iron or a heavy nonstick pan. It goes from stovetop to oven beautifully and helps get those delicious browned edges around the pasta.

How To Make This Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet

Making this Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini Skillet is easier than you'd think, and the reward is a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece ready in no time.

Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it's browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there's excess grease, drain it off carefully.

Once your beef is ready, stir in the enchilada sauce and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The aroma at this point is mouthwatering. Let it bubble for a minute or two so the beef soaks up all those bold flavors.

Now add the cheese tortellini straight into the skillet. Stir everything together so the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the tortellini is fresh, it'll cook right in the sauce—just cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 5-6 minutes until the pasta is tender.

Sprinkle your shredded cheese generously over the top of the skillet. Cover it again just until the cheese melts into a glorious blanket of gooey goodness. You can even pop it under the broiler for a minute or two for golden, bubbly perfection.

In total, this dish takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. The end result is a skillet full of cheesy, saucy tortellini with savory beef tucked into every bite—pure comfort in a bowl.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though we rarely do!), this dish stores beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

You can also freeze it, though keep in mind the texture of the tortellini may soften slightly upon reheating. Use a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to keep it moist.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand. There are endless ways to switch things up while keeping it just as delicious.

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative.

If you're not a fan of red enchilada sauce, try using green enchilada sauce or even a creamy salsa verde for a fresh twist.

Add in some veggies for extra nutrition and flavor. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, corn, or even spinach would be delicious stirred in with the sauce.

Switch up the pasta if needed. While cheese tortellini adds extra richness, you could use plain tortellini or even small pasta shapes like rotini or penne in a pinch.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make this skillet your own. With a dish this flexible and tasty, it's hard to go wrong!

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