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

Scale

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