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
Scale
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
