Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Taco Tortellini combines the comforting creaminess of cheese-filled tortellini with the bold, savory flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef. This one-skillet dish simmers tender pasta in a rich broth and finishes with a luscious blend of sour cream and queso dip. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
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 and cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink and lightly browned.
- Step 2: Drain excess fat if necessary, then add the taco seasoning. Stir thoroughly to coat the browned meat evenly.
- Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and stir in fresh cheese tortellini, making sure the pasta is submerged evenly.
- Step 4: Bring the skillet 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 fully combined.
- Step 6: Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños while simmering the tortellini.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different protein option.
- Use any fresh cheese-filled pasta if tortellini is unavailable.
- Add drained black beans or sautéed bell peppers after browning the beef for added veggies and texture.
- Try different queso varieties—smoky, mild, or spicy—to find your family’s favorite flavor combination.
Storage
Store leftover Cheesy Taco Tortellini 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. Warm gently on the stovetop, stirring to maintain creamy consistency. If preparing in advance, wait to add sour cream and queso until just before serving for the freshest taste.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well but may require a few extra minutes to cook until heated through and tender.
What type of queso works best?
Mild or medium jarred queso blends smoothly and is convenient, but homemade queso or shredded cheese can be used for a customized flavor.
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Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Taco Tortellini combines tender, cheese-filled tortellini pasta with seasoned ground beef and rich taco flavors, all simmered together in a creamy queso sauce. This skillet dish is a quick, comforting fusion of Tex-Mex and Italian-inspired flavors, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or family gathering.
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 Ground Beef: Heat a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Brown the beef for 7-8 minutes until no pink remains and the meat is lightly browned, ensuring some pieces have nice browning for flavor.
- Season Beef: Drain any excess fat if necessary. Sprinkle both packets of taco seasoning over the browned beef. Stir thoroughly to coat all the meat evenly with the seasoning. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of beef broth. The mixture should smell fragrant and have a deep golden color.
- Add Broth and Tortellini: Pour in 1 and 3/4 cups of beef broth and stir to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the fresh cheese tortellini and mix well to ensure the pasta is submerged evenly.
- Simmer Tortellini: Increase heat to bring the contents to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking. The tortellini should puff up, become tender, and fully cooked but not mushy.
- Add Sour Cream and Queso: Reduce heat to medium-low. Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of sour cream until melted and combined. Then add 16 ounces of queso dip in spoonfuls, stirring after each addition until the sauce is smooth and creamy, coating the pasta and beef evenly. Let it bubble gently for 2 minutes for flavor melding.
- Serve: Portion the cheesy taco tortellini immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture. Optionally garnish with extra sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for added freshness and spice.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños during the simmering step.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for variation.
- Use any fresh filled pasta if fresh tortellini is unavailable.
- Try different queso types (smoky, spicy) to customize flavor.
- This dish pairs well with warm tortillas, tortilla chips, or a fresh side salad with lime dressing.
- Freeze before adding sour cream and queso for meal prep; add them when reheating for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: taco tortellini, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, Tex-Mex pasta, quick weeknight dinner, creamy tortellini
