Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
Introduction
Cheesy Taco Tortellini is a delightful fusion of creamy, cheese-filled pasta and bold taco-seasoned ground beef, all cooked together in one skillet. This comforting dish combines tender tortellini with a rich, cheesy sauce and savory spices, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
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. Cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink and lightly browned, about 7 to 8 minutes.
- Step 2: Drain excess fat if necessary, then thoroughly mix in the taco seasoning to coat the browned beef evenly.
- Step 3: Pour in beef broth and stir in the fresh cheese tortellini, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a steady 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 and gently fold in the sour cream and queso dip. Stir until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
- Step 6: Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and creamy texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños when simmering the tortellini.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different protein option.
- If fresh cheese tortellini is unavailable, any fresh filled pasta can be used as a substitute.
- Incorporate additional vegetables like sautéed bell peppers or black beans after browning the beef for extra nutrition.
- Try different types of queso—mild, medium, or smoky—to find your preferred flavor profile.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; when reheating, add a splash of beef broth or milk and warm gently on the stove to keep the cheese sauce smooth and creamy. For best results when preparing ahead, omit the sour cream and queso during initial cooking, adding them fresh before serving.
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. You may need to cook it a few minutes longer until it is heated through and tender. Adjust simmering time accordingly.
What type of queso works best for this recipe?
Mild or medium jarred queso dip blends smoothly into the sauce, but homemade queso or shredded cheese can also be used for a delicious, melty texture.
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Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Taco Tortellini is a comforting skillet dish that blends tender cheese-filled tortellini with savory ground beef seasoned with bold taco spices. Simmered in beef broth and finished with creamy sour cream and queso dip, this recipe offers a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings. It’s kid-friendly, easy to prepare, and packs hearty, satisfying flavors with a Tex-Mex twist.
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 use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Brown the beef for 7-8 minutes until no pink remains and pieces are lightly browned, enhancing the flavor.
- Season the Beef: Drain excess fat if necessary. Sprinkle the taco seasoning packets over the browned beef and stir thoroughly to coat the meat evenly. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of beef broth. The seasoned beef should have a fragrant aroma and a deep golden color.
- Deglaze and Add Tortellini: Pour in the beef broth, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the pan bottom. Add the fresh cheese tortellini, stirring well to submerge the pasta evenly in the liquid.
- Simmer Tortellini: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender, plump, and cooked through but still hold their shape.
- Incorporate Dairy and Cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low. Gently fold in the sour cream until melted and fully incorporated. Then, add the queso dip in spoonfuls, stirring after each addition until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and coats all ingredients evenly. Let it simmer gently for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Portion the Cheesy Taco Tortellini immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture. Optionally, garnish with extra sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, use hot taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños during the simmering step.
- Frozen tortellini can be substituted but may require a few additional minutes to cook fully.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to maintain sauce creaminess.
- For freezer meals, omit sour cream and queso until reheating. Thaw and reheat gently, then add dairy before serving.
- Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat for variations.
- Add vegetables like black beans or sautéed bell peppers for extra nutrition and fiber.
- Serve with warm tortillas, tortilla chips, or a fresh salad to complement the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: Cheesy Taco Tortellini, ground beef pasta, taco seasoning recipe, creamy tortellini, quick dinner, weeknight meal, Tex-Mex pasta, one skillet pasta, kid-friendly dinner, easy family recipe
