Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Taco Tortellini combines the bold flavors of taco seasoning with creamy cheese tortellini for a comforting and easy weeknight meal. It’s a delicious twist on traditional pasta that brings a spicy, cheesy kick to your dinner table.
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 and cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink and lightly browned.
- Step 2: Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in the taco seasoning until the browned meat is thoroughly coated.
- Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and add the fresh cheese tortellini, mixing well to submerge the pasta evenly.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a steady simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and plump.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat and gently fold in the sour cream and queso dip, stirring until the sauce is smooth and everything is fully combined.
- Step 6: Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce when folding in the sour cream and queso.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add diced bell peppers or onions when browning the meat for extra flavor and texture.
- Use gluten-free tortellini to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms and still enjoy a flavorful meal.
Is fresh tortellini necessary, or can I use frozen?
Both fresh and frozen tortellini work well. Adjust the cooking time slightly for frozen tortellini, usually a couple of minutes longer, until they are tender.
Print
Cheesy Taco Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, cheesy taco tortellini dish combining seasoned ground beef with tender cheese tortellini simmered in beef broth and finished with queso dip and sour cream for a rich, comforting meal perfect for taco lovers seeking a hearty pasta twist.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 packets taco seasoning
Pasta and Broth
- 24 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
- 1 and 3/4 cups beef broth
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 16 ounces queso dip
Instructions
- Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook, breaking up the meat, until it is no longer pink and lightly browned.
- Season Beef: Drain any excess fat if necessary, then thoroughly incorporate the taco seasoning into the browned meat to evenly coat it with flavor.
- Deglaze and Add Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and stir in the fresh cheese tortellini, ensuring the pasta is evenly submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Simmer Tortellini: Bring the mixture to a steady simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are tender and have plumped up.
- Incorporate Dairy and Cheese: Lower the heat and gently fold in the sour cream and queso dip, stirring until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are fully combined.
- Serve: Portion the dish immediately while hot to enjoy optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Drain excess fat from the cooked beef if you prefer a leaner dish.
- Use fresh cheese tortellini for the best texture and creaminess.
- Adjust taco seasoning amount to your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Keywords: taco tortellini, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, quick skillet dinner, creamy tortellini, taco seasoning pasta
