Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Taco Tortellini combines the creamy comfort of cheese-filled pasta with bold taco flavors in a quick, one-skillet meal. Ground beef and taco seasoning simmer with fresh tortellini in a savory broth, then finish with sour cream and queso for an irresistibly smooth sauce. Perfect for weeknights or family dinners, this dish delivers rich, melty goodness in every bite.
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 sprinkle taco seasoning evenly over the beef and stir well to coat all the meat.
- Step 3: Pour in beef broth and stir in fresh cheese tortellini, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a steady simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and plump.
- Step 5: Lower heat to medium-low and gently fold in sour cream and queso dip, stirring until the sauce is smooth and everything is well combined.
- Step 6: Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and creamy texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra spice, add diced jalapeños during the simmering step or use a hot taco seasoning mix.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Use any fresh filled pasta if cheese tortellini is unavailable.
- Incorporate vegetables like black beans or sautéed bell peppers after browning the meat for added nutrition and color.
- Try different queso varieties—smoky, mild, or spicy—to customize the flavor to your preference.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken after cooling; add a splash of broth or milk when reheating on the stove to restore creaminess. If preparing ahead, make the beef and tortellini mixture but add sour cream and queso 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 of cooking until fully heated and tender.
What type of queso works best?
Mild or medium jarred queso dips melt smoothly, but homemade queso or shredded cheese also blend nicely into the sauce.
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Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheesy Taco Tortellini is a comforting fusion dish that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with seasoned ground beef in a creamy, cheesy taco-flavored sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe features classic taco spices, savory beef broth, and a rich blend of queso and sour cream to create a flavorful, hearty meal that kids and adults alike will love.
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-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until no pink remains and the beef is lightly browned.
- Season Beef: Drain any excess fat if necessary. Sprinkle the taco seasoning packets over the beef and stir well to coat all the meat evenly. Add a splash of broth if the mixture seems dry.
- Deglaze and Add Pasta: Pour the beef broth into the skillet and stir to loosen browned bits from the pan. Add the fresh cheese tortellini, ensuring the pasta is well submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer Tortellini: Increase heat to bring contents to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tortellini is tender and plump but not mushy.
- Incorporate Dairy and Cheese: Lower heat to medium-low. Gently fold in the sour cream and queso dip in increments, stirring until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are fully combined. Let the mixture bubble gently for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Immediately portion into bowls and serve hot. Optionally garnish with extra sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and color.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add diced jalapeños during simmering or use hot taco seasoning.
- Frozen tortellini can be used but may require a few extra minutes of cooking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
- To prepare ahead, leave out sour cream and queso until just before serving after reheating.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative if desired.
- Add vegetables such as black beans or bell peppers after browning the beef for extra nutrition.
- Serve with warm tortillas, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad with lime dressing for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: cheesy taco tortellini, taco pasta, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner, creamy pasta, Mexican-American fusion, one skillet meal, kid friendly, quick dinner
