Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Beef Enchilada Tortellini blends the comforting richness of cheesy tortellini with the bold, saucy flavors of classic beef enchiladas. It is everything you love about a hearty Tex-Mex casserole but transformed into a quick, irresistible skillet pasta. The dish delivers a satisfying combination of seasoned beef, tender tortellini, and a creamy enchilada-style sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. What makes this recipe especially appealing is how effortlessly it comes together—perfect for busy evenings or casual entertaining. I once tested a lighter version using almond milk in the sauce, and it still turned out creamy and flavorful, just slightly less rich. This skillet meal is filling, customizable, and guaranteed to win over anyone who craves bold, cheesy comfort food. Whether you serve it as a weeknight staple or a fun twist on enchilada night, it consistently delivers warmth, spice, and satisfying depth.
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Beef Enchilada Tortellini: A Bold, Cheesy Fusion Dinner in One Pot
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Garlic Steak Tortellini is a rich and satisfying dish featuring tender seared steak tossed with cheese tortellini in a buttery garlic cream sauce. It’s a quick yet indulgent meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season sliced steak with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preference. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked tortellini and toss to coat.
- Return steak to the skillet and gently mix everything together.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding cream.
- Swap steak for grilled chicken or shrimp if preferred.
- Add spinach or sundried tomatoes for extra color and texture.
- Use fresh refrigerated tortellini for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef
Seasoned ground beef forms the hearty, savory base of the dish and absorbs the enchilada flavors beautifully.
Onion
Diced onion adds aromatic depth and enhances the richness of the beef mixture.
Garlic
Fresh garlic brings warmth and complements the enchilada spices.
Taco Seasoning
A packet or homemade blend of taco seasoning provides classic Tex-Mex flavor with chili, cumin, and paprika.
Enchilada Sauce
Smooth, flavorful enchilada sauce ties the dish together and coats the tortellini with bold, savory heat.
Tomato Sauce
A bit of tomato sauce adds richness and helps build body in the sauce.
Cheese Tortellini
Fresh cheese tortellini offers tender texture and creamy filling, making this fusion dish especially satisfying.
Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar cheese melts into the sauce, adding a rich, gooey finish.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Mild Monterey Jack enhances creaminess and contributes a smooth, melty texture.
Olive Oil
A drizzle of olive oil helps sauté the onions and garlic evenly.
Directions
Begin by heating a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula, cooking until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and stir well to coat. Add the enchilada sauce and tomato sauce, mixing until combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. While the sauce warms, cook the tortellini in a separate pot according to package instructions until just tender. Drain well.
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, stirring gently so each piece becomes coated in the enchilada beef sauce. Reduce heat and add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy. Allow everything to simmer for a few minutes to thicken and meld. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm, optionally garnished with green onions or a dollop of sour cream.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease..
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4–6 servings. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, cooking the beef and sauce requires another 10 minutes, and boiling the tortellini adds roughly 7–8 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works but may thicken the cheese slightly.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Tortellini Enchilada
Use hot enchilada sauce or add jalapeños for extra heat.
Creamier Version
Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream for a richer, silkier sauce.
Veggie-Packed Skillet
Add corn, black beans, or sautéed bell peppers for color and texture.
Chicken Enchilada Tortellini
Replace the ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter alternative.
Smoky Flavor Boost
Add chipotle peppers in adobo for depth and a subtle smoky kick.
Dairy-Free Option
Use dairy-free cheese and almond milk–based sauce for a lighter, dairy-free dish.
Extra-Cheesy Style
Add more cheddar between layers for maximum melt and richness.
Gluten-Free-Friendly
Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure the enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
Taco Tortellini Bake
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbling.
Mild, Kid-Friendly Version
Choose mild enchilada sauce and reduce the taco seasoning.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, cook it according to package directions before adding.
Is red or green enchilada sauce better?
Red is traditional for this fusion, but green works for a tangier twist.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but add extra sauce before reheating to maintain creaminess.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add a splash of broth or milk and stir until smooth.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely—season well to enhance flavor.
How do I prevent the tortellini from breaking?
Stir gently and avoid overcooking the pasta.
Can I bake this dish?
Yes, top with cheese and bake at 350°F until bubbly.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is possible but may slightly change the texture of the tortellini.
What toppings work best?
Green onions, cilantro, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
Do I need both cheeses?
Using both adds depth, but you may use one if preferred.
Conclusion
Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a vibrant, comforting fusion dish that brings cheesy tortellini together with bold enchilada flavors for an easy, satisfying meal. It is quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings. With its rich sauce, tender pasta, and hearty beef, this recipe offers a delicious twist on Tex-Mex comfort food you will want to make again and again.
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