Taco Tortellini Skillet is the perfect blend of comfort food and Tex Mex flair. Packed with cheesy tortellini, seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, sweet corn, and a bold enchilada sauce, this 25-minute dinner is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The rich flavors and ooey-gooey cheese topping make it a family favorite for busy weeknights. Plus, it all comes together in one skillet for easy cleanup. If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful meal that combines pasta night with taco night, Taco Tortellini Skillet is your new go-to dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Taco Tortellini Skillet
This recipe is incredibly simple yet bursting with bold Tex Mex flavors. You’ll love how the cheesy tortellini soaks up the spicy enchilada sauce, creating a delicious fusion of Italian and Mexican cuisines. It’s also super customizable, budget-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for hectic weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish is hearty, satisfying, and a total comfort food win.
Ingredients
- 12 to 16 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, for garnish
- Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step: How to Make Taco Tortellini Skillet
- Cook the Tortellini: Prepare the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef, then stir in beef broth and enchilada sauce until fully combined.
- Add Veggies and Pasta: Stir in black beans, corn, and cooked tortellini until everything is well mixed.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet.
- Broil: Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and top with sour cream, green onions, and cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use refrigerated tortellini for the best texture and quicker cooking.
- Watch the broiler carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
- Make it spicier with a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese before adding the shredded cheddar.
Substitutions And Variations
- Protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
- Cheese: Mix it up with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Tortellini: Use beef or spinach tortellini for a fun twist.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and double up on beans or add diced zucchini and bell peppers.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the tortellini’s delicate texture.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 392 kcal
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Taco Tortellini Skillet with a side of tortilla chips and salsa, a crisp green salad, or Mexican rice. It’s also delicious with avocado slices or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor. For a fun twist, use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or wrap it in a tortilla for a cheesy pasta taco.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Tortellini Skillet
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the skillet up to the point before broiling, refrigerate it, and broil just before serving.
Can I use frozen tortellini? Absolutely, just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? Transfer the mixture to a baking dish before broiling the cheese on top.
Can I freeze Taco Tortellini Skillet? It’s not recommended as the tortellini can become mushy after thawing and reheating.
How can I make it less spicy? Use mild enchilada sauce and skip the taco seasoning or opt for a low-sodium, mild version.
Conclusion
Thank you for stopping by and giving this Taco Tortellini Skillet recipe a try. It truly is one of those magical meals that combines ease, comfort, and bold flavor all in one dish. I personally love how the cheesy tortellini balances the spice of the enchilada sauce and taco seasoning. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this skillet hits the spot. I hope it becomes a regular in your rotation and brings just as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Happy cooking and thank you for being a part of this food-loving community!
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Taco Tortellini Skillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Taco Tortellini Skillet blends Tex Mex flavors and cheesy tortellini in one easy, family-approved skillet dinner. Ready in 25 minutes with ground beef, beans, corn, and enchilada sauce, it’s the ultimate fusion of comfort and flavor.
Ingredients
12 to 16 oz cheese tortellini
1 lb lean ground beef
1 tbsp taco seasoning
1 cup beef broth
2 cups enchilada sauce
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream, for garnish
Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Prepare the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease.
- Season the Beef: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef, then stir in beef broth and enchilada sauce until fully combined.
- Add Veggies and Pasta: Stir in black beans, corn, and cooked tortellini until everything is well mixed.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet.
- Broil: Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and top with sour cream, green onions, and cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use refrigerated tortellini for the best texture and quick prep.
Watch the broiler carefully—cheese melts fast!
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or veggie crumbles for variation.
Make it creamier with a tablespoon or two of cream cheese stirred in.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Skillet, Broiled
- Cuisine: Tex Mex, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (out of 6)
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 23g