Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Taco Tortellini combines tender cheese-filled pasta with bold taco-seasoned ground beef in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This one-skillet meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering rich flavors and comforting textures that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 24 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
- 2 packets taco seasoning
- 1 and 3/4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 16 ounces queso dip
Instructions
- Step 1: Add ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink and lightly browned.
- Step 2: Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in the taco seasoning until the beef is evenly coated.
- Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and stir in the fresh cheese tortellini, making sure the pasta is submerged.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a steady simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and plump.
- Step 5: Lower the heat and gently fold in the sour cream and queso dip. Stir until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are fully combined.
- Step 6: Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier dish, use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños when simmering the tortellini.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a different take.
- Use any fresh filled pasta if tortellini is unavailable.
- Swap queso dip with your favorite creamy cheese sauce or homemade queso for varied flavors.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or black beans for extra vegetables and texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken when cooled; add a splash of broth or milk when reheating. Warm gently on the stove to keep the cheese sauce smooth and creamy. For best freshness when preparing ahead, omit the sour cream and queso until ready to reheat and serve.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works fine but may need a few extra minutes of cooking time to become tender and heated through.
What type of queso works best?
Mild or medium jarred queso dip melts smoothly, but homemade queso or shredded cheese can also be used effectively.
Print
Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy Taco Tortellini combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with seasoned ground beef and a rich, creamy queso sauce. Infused with bold taco spices and simmered in savory beef broth, this one-skillet dish delivers comforting Tex-Mex flavors perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or family dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 24 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
- 2 packets taco seasoning
- 1 and 3/4 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 16 ounces queso dip
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink and lightly browned, about 7-8 minutes. Ensure some pieces get nicely browned for extra flavor.
- Season the Beef: Drain excess fat if necessary. Sprinkle the two packets of taco seasoning over the cooked beef, stirring well to evenly coat all meat. If mixture seems dry, add a splash of beef broth. The meat should be fragrant and richly colored.
- Deglaze and Add Pasta: Pour in the beef broth, stirring to scrape up browned bits from the skillet bottom. Add the fresh cheese tortellini and mix to submerge the pasta completely in the liquid.
- Simmer Tortellini: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tortellini are plump and tender but still intact.
- Incorporate Dairy and Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low. Gently fold in the sour cream until melted and combined. Then add the queso dip gradually in spoonfuls, stirring after each addition until the sauce is smooth and creamy, coating the tortellini evenly. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the cheesy taco tortellini into bowls and serve immediately while hot. Optionally, garnish with extra sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Notes
- For spicier flavor, use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños during simmering.
- Frozen tortellini can be used but may require a few extra minutes cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to restore sauce consistency.
- To make ahead, omit sour cream and queso until reheating for best freshness.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat as preferred.
- Add vegetables like sautéed bell peppers or black beans for more nutrition.
- Serve with warm tortillas, tortilla chips, or a fresh side salad to complement the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: cheesy taco tortellini, taco pasta, ground beef pasta, queso tortellini, Tex-Mex pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy pasta recipe, one skillet meal
