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

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 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