Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Taco Tortellini combines the creamy comfort of cheese-filled pasta with the bold, spicy flavors of taco seasoning and ground beef. This one-skillet meal is quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The rich queso and sour cream sauce makes every bite warm and satisfying.
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 it is no longer pink and lightly browned.
- Step 2: Drain excess fat if necessary, then thoroughly mix in the taco seasoning to coat the browned beef evenly.
- Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and stir in the fresh cheese tortellini, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged.
- Step 4: Bring to a steady simmer and 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 well combined.
- Step 6: Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños or use hot taco seasoning.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a different protein option.
- Use any fresh filled pasta if cheese tortellini is unavailable.
- Try adding sautéed bell peppers or black beans for extra vegetables and texture.
- Experiment with different types of queso for varying flavors—smoky, spicy, or mild.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken after sitting; add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to restore creaminess. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the cheese smooth. For make-ahead meals, omit sour cream and queso until just 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. They may require a few extra minutes of cooking until tender and heated through.
What type of queso works best?
Mild or medium jarred queso blends smoothly, but homemade queso or a melty shredded cheese also work well to create a creamy sauce.
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Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Taco Tortellini combines tender fresh cheese-filled tortellini with savory ground beef seasoned with bold taco spices. Simmered together in rich beef broth and finished with creamy sour cream and queso dip, this one-skillet meal offers a perfect fusion of Tex-Mex flavors and Italian comfort. Quick to prepare and kid-friendly, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings craving creamy, cheesy, and hearty pasta with a spicy twist.
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 deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains and the meat is lightly browned, about 7-8 minutes. Browning some pieces well adds rich flavor.
- Season the Beef: Drain excess fat if necessary. Sprinkle both packets of taco seasoning evenly over the browned beef. Stir thoroughly to coat all meat with the seasoning. Add a splash of beef broth if the mixture seems dry to help the spices bloom.
- Deglaze and Add Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Add the fresh cheese tortellini, stirring gently to submerge the pasta evenly into the liquid.
- Simmer Tortellini: Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender, plump, and cooked through but not mushy.
- Incorporate Sour Cream and Queso: Lower the heat to medium-low. Gently fold in sour cream, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Add the queso dip in spoonfuls, stirring after each addition until the sauce is creamy and the dish is evenly coated.
- Serve Immediately: Portion the cheesy taco tortellini hot into bowls for optimal flavor and texture. Optionally, garnish with extra sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for added freshness and heat.
Notes
- For spicier heat, use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños while simmering the tortellini.
- Frozen tortellini can be used but may require a few extra minutes of cooking time.
- Choose mild or medium queso for smooth melting; homemade queso or shredded cheese also works.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- To make ahead, prepare through simmering pasta, then add sour cream and queso just before serving.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat if desired.
- Add drained black beans or sautéed bell peppers for extra veggies and nutrition.
- Serve with warm tortillas, tortilla chips, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: cheesy taco tortellini, easy dinner, one skillet meal, taco pasta, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, quick weeknight dinner, comfort food, Tex-Mex pasta, tortellini recipe
