Chipotle Cheese Ground Beef Tortellini Bake

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned; drain if necessary.
3. 3 Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. 4 Meanwhile, cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain.
5. 5 In a bowl, mix sour cream and milk until smooth.
6. 6 Combine cooked tortellini with beef mixture in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. 7 Pour sour cream mixture over the top and sprinkle with cheeses.
8. 8 Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and slightly golden.
9. 9 Garnish with cilantro before serving, if desired.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl

Variations

• Add black beans or corn for extra texture.
• Use turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter option.

Substitutions

• Substitute Monterey Jack cheese with pepper jack for more heat.
• If chipotle peppers are too spicy, use mild green chilies.

Pairings

• Mexican rice
• Refried beans

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra spice, add an additional chipotle pepper.
• This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake covered with foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh green salad and warm dinner rolls.
• Pairs well with a side of guacamole or salsa.

FAQ