Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
- 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
If you’re out of cheese tortellini, any stuffed pasta will do in a pinch. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with black beans or your favorite plant-based meat alternative.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the cooking process, which is as enjoyable as the final dish itself:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
- Pour in the enchilada sauce, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the beef and enchilada sauce mixture, folding gently to coat the pasta.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
This dish is a testament to the beauty of fusion cooking, where each step brings a crescendo of flavors and memories, much like the lively meals of my childhood.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International