Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Taco Tortellini combines the comforting creaminess of cheese-filled pasta with the bold, savory flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef. This one-skillet dish is quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and flavorful. A rich queso and sour cream sauce brings it all together for an irresistible meal.
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 with a spoon, until no longer pink and lightly browned.
- Step 2: Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in the taco seasoning thoroughly to coat the browned beef evenly.
- Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and stir in the fresh cheese tortellini, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a steady simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and plump.
- Step 5: Lower the heat to medium-low. Gently fold in the sour cream and queso dip, stirring until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Step 6: Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños during cooking for extra spice.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative to suit your preference.
- Replace fresh tortellini with other cheese-filled pasta if unavailable.
- Mix in black beans or sautéed bell peppers after browning the meat for added texture and nutrition.
- Top with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or extra sour cream for a fresh finish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to restore creaminess. Warm gently on the stove to keep the cheese sauce smooth. For best results when making ahead, prepare up to step 4, then add sour cream and queso right before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used but may require a few extra minutes of cooking until tender and heated through.
What type of queso works best?
Mild or medium jarred queso dip blends smoothly, but homemade queso or shredded cheese melted slowly into the dish works just as well.
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Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Taco Tortellini combines creamy, cheese-filled tortellini with seasoned ground beef and taco spices in a rich, savory skillet dish. Simmered in beef broth and finished with sour cream and queso dip, this recipe delivers a comforting fusion of Italian pasta and Mexican flavors perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals.
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 Beef: Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 7-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink, developing a nice sear on some pieces for flavor.
- Add and Mix Taco Seasoning: Drain excess fat if necessary. Sprinkle the two packets of taco seasoning over the beef and stir well, coating it thoroughly. If mixture seems dry, add a splash of broth to help blend the spices evenly.
- Add Broth and Tortellini: Pour in the beef broth and stir to loosen any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Add the fresh cheese tortellini, ensuring the pasta is submerged evenly.
- Simmer Tortellini: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tortellini are tender and plump but remain intact.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Queso: Lower the heat to medium-low. Gently fold in the sour cream until melted and combined. Add the queso dip spoonful by spoonful, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and coats the tortellini and beef evenly.
- Serve Hot: Portion the cheesy taco tortellini immediately into bowls and serve while hot. Optionally, top with extra sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños while simmering the tortellini.
- Use low sodium taco seasoning and beef broth to better control salt content.
- Frozen tortellini can be used but may require additional cooking time.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with added broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
- To freeze, omit sour cream and queso until ready to serve; thaw and add these ingredients when reheating.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat if desired.
- Add vegetables like black beans or sautéed peppers to increase nutrition and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: tortellini, taco, ground beef, cheesy, quick dinner, one pot, family meal, Mexican-American, comfort food
