Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy Taco Tortellini is a delightful fusion of Italian and Mexican flavors, combining tender cheese tortellini with seasoned ground beef and a creamy queso sauce. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful 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

1. 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.
2. Step 2: Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in taco seasoning thoroughly to coat the browned meat.
3. Step 3: Pour in beef broth and stir in fresh cheese tortellini, mixing well to submerge the pasta evenly.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a steady simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and plump.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat and gently fold in sour cream and queso dip, stirring until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are fully combined.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately while hot for optimal flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños when mixing in the queso dip.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Stir in some chopped fresh cilantro or green onions before serving for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen pasta may take a bit longer to cook through during the simmering step.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms to keep it vegetarian while maintaining great flavor.

Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 124 reviews

Cheesy Taco Tortellini is a rich and hearty one-pan dish that combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef with tender cheese-filled tortellini, all enveloped in a creamy queso and sour cream sauce. This quick and easy skillet meal is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner with a Tex-Mex twist.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Protein

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta

• 24 ounces fresh cheese tortellini

Seasonings & Broth

• 2 packets taco seasoning
• 1 and 3/4 cups beef broth

Dairy

• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 16 ounces queso dip

Instructions

1. Brown Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, and cook while breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula until it loses its pink color and becomes lightly browned.
2. Season Beef: Drain any excess fat from the skillet if needed, then sprinkle in the two packets of taco seasoning. Stir thoroughly to coat the browned beef evenly with the seasoning blend.
3. Deglaze and Add Pasta: Pour in 1 and 3/4 cups of beef broth to the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add the fresh cheese tortellini and stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged evenly in the liquid.
4. Simmer Tortellini: Bring the mixture to a steady simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the tortellini to cook through and absorb the seasoned broth, becoming tender and plump.
5. Incorporate Dairy and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gently fold in the sour cream and queso dip, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, fully integrating all ingredients into a luscious cheesy coating.
6. Serve: Serve the cheesy taco tortellini hot directly from the skillet for the best flavor and texture. Portion onto plates and enjoy immediately.

Notes

• For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
• Use mild or spicy queso dip based on your heat preference.
• Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen; adjust simmer time if needed.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top for extra freshness.

Keywords: Cheesy taco tortellini, taco pasta skillet, ground beef tortellini, queso pasta, quick taco dinner