Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Taco Tortellini is a delightful fusion of creamy cheese-filled pasta and bold taco flavors. This one-skillet meal combines seasoned ground beef, savory beef broth, and tender tortellini, all brought together with sour cream and queso for a rich, comforting dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.
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: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink and lightly browned.
- Step 2: Drain excess fat if needed, then sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef. Stir well to coat the meat evenly.
- Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and stir to loosen any browned bits on the pan bottom. Add the fresh cheese tortellini, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Step 4: Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and plump.
- Step 5: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the sour cream until melted and incorporated. Add the queso in spoonfuls, stirring after each addition until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Let the mixture bubble gently for 2 minutes. Then, serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños while simmering the tortellini.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a different protein.
- If fresh tortellini isn’t available, frozen tortellini works as well but may require a few extra minutes to cook.
- Try swapping queso dip with a homemade or store-bought melty cheese sauce.
- Add vegetables like sautéed bell peppers or black beans after browning the meat for extra nutrition.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken upon storage, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating. Warm gently on the stove to keep the cheese sauce smooth and creamy. If making ahead, stop before adding the sour cream and queso, then add them fresh when reheating for best results.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used but will need a few extra minutes of cooking time until tender and heated through.
What type of queso works best?
Mild or medium jarred queso blends smoothly, but homemade queso or shredded cheese also melts well and can be used according to your preference.
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Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Taco Tortellini is a comforting and flavorful one-skillet meal that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini pasta with seasoned ground beef cooked in rich beef broth. Infused with bold taco spices and finished with creamy sour cream and queso dip, this dish offers a perfect blend of Tex-Mex and Italian-inspired flavors. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners, it delivers a hearty, cheesy, and spicy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Main Components
- 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 use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Cook until no pink remains and the beef is lightly browned, about 7-8 minutes. Browning some pieces deeply 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 the meat. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of beef broth. The aroma will become fragrant and the color a rich golden.
- Deglaze and Add Pasta: Pour in the beef broth, stirring well to loosen any browned bits at the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the fresh cheese tortellini making sure the pasta is submerged evenly in the liquid.
- Simmer the Tortellini: Increase heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The tortellini should become tender, puffed, and plump but not mushy.
- Incorporate Dairy and Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low. Gently fold in the sour cream and queso dip in spoonfuls, stirring after each addition. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and all ingredients are well combined. Let it bubble gently for a couple of minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Immediately portion the cheesy taco tortellini into bowls while hot for the best flavor and texture. Optionally, top with extra sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for added freshness and heat.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños during simmering.
- Frozen tortellini can be used but may require an extra few minutes to cook fully.
- Use mild or medium queso for a smooth melt; homemade or shredded cheese can be substituted.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat if preferred.
- Add black beans or sautéed bell peppers after browning beef for more veggies.
- To freeze, omit sour cream and queso; add them fresh when reheating.
- Serve with warm tortillas, tortilla chips, or a 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, taco pasta, cheesy pasta skillet, ground beef pasta, quick dinner, one-pan meal, Tex-Mex pasta, creamy queso pasta
