This easy Taco Tortellini takes all the flavors of ground beef tacos and turns them into a delicious and cheesy pasta the whole family will love. It’s a great way to use up leftover taco meat too!
This creamy taco tortellini recipe is a simple pasta dish that everyone will love! It is quick, easy, and only uses one pot! A great last minute dinner option and the perfect way to use up leftovers or extra ingredients lying around your pantry. Feel free to add in any vegetables, sauces, or any other taco seasonings you enjoy!
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out some of our other favorite tortellini recipes! Some of my tops picks are our bbq chicken tortellini and our chicken bacon ranch tortellini. Tortellini is the perfect multi-use pasta, and once you try these recipes it will become your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 6 ingredient dinner recipe – uses only one pot!
- A fun mashup of flavors – great for all ages!
- Customize with your favorite taco ingredients – add fun taco toppings like cilantro, tomatoes, hot sauce, jalapeños, etc.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef – While beef is my preferred taco meat, feel free to try chicken with this recipe as well!
- Tortellini (fresh) – This has become my favorite and most used pasta shape–the perfect go-to.
- Taco seasoning – This will initiate the flavor that gives this dish a spiced spin.
- Beef broth – Same with the meat, feel free to try chicken if that is what you prefer.
- Sour cream – The perfect addition of creaminess while keeping it lightweight.
- Queso – The best ingredient, adds a cheesy, creamy, delicious touch to this pasta dish.
How To Make Taco Tortellini:
- Brown the ground beef
- Remove a little fat if desired.
- Add taco seasoning
4. Pour in beef broth and tortellini.
5. Bring to a simmer and allow to cook around 10 min until tortellini is plump.
6. Once tortellini is plump, add sour cream and queso.
7. Stir until well combined. Enjoy!
Expert Tips:
- Don’t over cook the tortellini or else it will be too soft.
- Stir in the sour cream at the end — this is to prevent it from breaking in the sauce.
- Feel free to swap the beef for ground chicken or turkey too for a leaner option.
- This is a great recipe to use up leftover taco meat if you make tacos the night before!
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions:
This dish can be stored in the fridge for around 5-7 days, as long as it is kept at a consistent cold temperature in an airtight container. We do not recommend freezing, and reheating can be as simple as microwaving; or even place into a pot over the stove and stir over medium until reheated!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the best sauce to eat with tortellini?
Depending on the filling, savory broth, creamy Alfredo, or a simple garlic and butter sauce are the most popular sauces.
What’s the difference between a tortellini and a tortelloni?
Tortellini: small, ring-shaped, traditionally filled with meat. Tortelloni: larger, usually filled with vegetarian options like ricotta and spinach.
What is tortellini traditionally served with?
A rich meat or capon broth is the traditional sauce to serve with tortellini.
More Easy Tortellini Recipes To Try:
- Shrimp Scampi Tortellini Bake
- Slow Cooker Tortellini and Cheese
- Lemon Pepper Chicken Tortellini
- Chicken Tortellini Pesto Bake
Taco Tortellini
Video
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz tortellini(fresh)
- 2 packets taco seasoning
- 1.75 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 16 oz queso
Instructions
- Brown ground beef...
- Remove a little fat if desired. Add taco seasoning
- Pour in beef broth and tortellini.
- Bring to a simmer and allow to cook around 10 min until tortellini is plump.
- Once tortellini is plump, add sour cream and queso. Stir until well combined. Enjoy!
This looks soooo good.
I’m going to make it tomorrow night.
Thank you
The whole family loved it!! I only used 1 packet of taco seasoning because I only had a 16 oz bag of tortellini and I didn’t want it to be too salty. Very good! Adding this to my supper rotation!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Delicious and so easy!
What kind of tortellini did you use?
24oz container from Sam’s or Costco, fresh.
Cheese tortellini or plain?
I always use the cheese but whatever you prefer.
Made this. Couldn’t find the taco seasoning you used, so I did what I could and added ranch seasoning in it.
Made this for my family a few weeks ago and everyone loved it so much we are making it again tonight!!!!
I made this a few weeks ago and my son and his friend each had 3 servings of this. It is so good! Glad I doubled the recipe.
This is super delicious 😋, my grandkids loved it too!
I made this tonight, and it was a hit. I only used one packet of seasoning, but that was enough.
Made this. Only used one packet of taco seasoning and added fire roasted diced tomatoes. So good!
I still want to make this soon, but there’s only two of us so I thought of cutting it at half. Can I freeze half of the queso sauce
Yes, you can def freeze it! I keep several containers in the freezer and thaw as needed.
Made this last night, but added a can of rotel. AMAZING!
My husband saw this recipe on Facebook and wanted me to make it. Our local grocery store and Walmart didn’t have the ranch taco, so I’ll be using regular Taco Bell seasoning. They also didn’t have fresh tortellini, so I had buy frozen.
I’m making this tomorrow. Should I cook the frozen tortellini halfway before adding it to the meat, or cook it in the meat? I’m also adding fire roasted green chilies like I do with regular taco meat. Any suggestions for the frozen tortellini?
You don’t have to precook them but they may take a few extra min to cook through.
I made this and it was so yummy!! I added a can of roasted chilies at the beginning and I used half hamburger and half ground pork. We’re a fan of 6 (14,16,20,21 kids and me and my husband) so I doubled the recipe. Near the end I drained half of the broth. Then I added the queso and sour cream. When everything was mixed up, I added some shredded mozzarella. It was a HUGE hit with our family. Each of our kids loved it (14 yr old daughter had 2 bowls and 20 yr old ate 3!!). It was so easy to make, quick, and one of those meals that makes you sleepy afterwards. We loved it and I definitely recommend making this!!
Made this a couple of times. Family loved it. Have tried some of your other recipes. Great.