Description
Beef Enchilada Tortellini is a flavorful fusion dish combining seasoned ground beef simmered in red enchilada sauce with cheesy tortellini pasta. This hearty and comforting skillet meal comes together quickly and is finished with a creamy touch of sour cream and fresh herbs, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
- 1 can (15 ounces) red enchilada sauce
Pasta
- 1 package (9–12 ounces) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent, developing a flavorful base for the dish.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish lean.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle in the packet of taco seasoning and stir to combine thoroughly with the beef. Cook for an additional minute to let the flavors meld.
- Simmer with Enchilada Sauce: Pour in the can of red enchilada sauce and stir into the beef mixture evenly. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken and intensify the flavor.
- Incorporate Tortellini: Gently add cheese tortellini to the skillet. If using fresh tortellini, let it simmer in the sauce for 4–5 minutes until tender. If using frozen tortellini, cook it separately according to package instructions before adding it to the skillet.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream until fully incorporated, creating a creamy and rich sauce coating the tortellini and beef.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or parsley over the dish if desired, and serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and keep the dish healthier.
- If using frozen tortellini, cooking it separately per package instructions prevents the sauce from becoming too starchy.
- Fresh herbs add a nice bright finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes with the taco seasoning.
- This dish can be paired with a green salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
