Description
This Easy Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Tortellini recipe combines seasoned ground beef with melty plant-based cheese and tender cheese-filled tortellini pasta, all coated in a vibrant tomato sauce with a touch of natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. This comforting, flavorful dish blends Mexican-inspired spices with Italian pasta traditions, making it perfect for a quick dinner or a special weekend treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz cheese-filled tortellini (plant-based)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (natural)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cheese-filled tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Filling: Add the cooked tortellini to the beef mixture in the pan. Fold in half of the plant-based cheese gently so it begins to melt and the ingredients combine well.
- Prepare the Sauce and Assemble: Pour tomato sauce (natural) evenly over the tortellini and beef mixture. Mix gently to coat. Transfer everything to a baking dish and sprinkle the remaining plant-based cheese on top.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 15 minutes until cheese topping is melted and bubbly. For a browned top, broil for the last 2 minutes as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Taste the beef filling before combining the pasta to adjust seasoning as needed.
- Use room temperature plant-based cheese for faster and more even melting.
- Cook tortellini slightly under package time if planning to bake, to avoid mushiness.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of vegetable broth or coconut cream before baking.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking to let flavors set and make serving easier.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: beef enchiladas, tortellini, cheesy tortellini, plant-based cheese, Mexican fusion pasta, quick dinner, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), gluten free pasta