Taco Tortellini Skillet Recipe

If you crave comfort food with a twist, you’ll fall head-over-heels for this Taco Tortellini Skillet! Bursting with zesty taco flavors, gooey cheese, and pillowy pasta, it brings together the best of Italian and Tex-Mex cooking—all in just one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Taco Tortellini Skillet is in its simple, vibrant ingredients—each one adding something special, from texture to color to bold, craveable flavor. These aren’t just pantry staples, they’re building blocks of a fabulous comfort meal!

• 12–16 oz tortellini: Choose cheese-stuffed fresh or frozen tortellini for pillowy, soft bites that soak up the bold sauce. Avoid dried—they just don’t deliver the same creamy texture!
• 1 lb lean ground beef: Gives the dish hearty protein; I love using lean so the skillet stays rich but not greasy.
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning: This little spoonful brings big flavor—use your favorite blend or homemade for extra personality.
• 1 cup beef broth: Adds savory depth and helps create a silky, cohesive sauce.
• 2 cups enchilada sauce: Red or green works! Red gives traditional warmth, while green sauce adds a tart, tangy twist.
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed: Beans add protein, fiber, and heartiness—swap for pinto or kidney if you like.
• 1 (15 oz) can corn kernels, drained: Sweet, juicy corn pops in every bite and gives gorgeous golden color.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the top, adding that creamy, gooey finish everyone craves.
• Sour cream, for garnish: Cool and tangy, it balances the zesty filling perfectly.
• Green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish: A pop of color, crunch, and mild oniony bite.
• Fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped, for garnish: An optional but bright and fresh finishing touch!

Variations

The best part? Taco Tortellini Skillet is endlessly riffable! Feel free to swap ingredients, bump up the spice, or tweak it to fit your cravings or dietary needs—it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of dinner.

• Go Vegetarian: Skip the beef and double up on beans, or try crumbled tofu or meatless ground for a plant-based version.
• Spice Lovers’ Edition: Add a diced jalapeño, a splash of hot sauce, or spicy enchilada sauce for extra heat.
• Switch Up the Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for delicious melty variety.
• Different Tortellini Fillings: Spinach-ricotta or mushroom stuffed tortellini bring bonus flavor—and sneak in some greens!
• Change the Beans: Pinto or kidney beans work just as well if black beans aren’t your thing.

How to Make Taco Tortellini Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by boiling your tortellini according to the package instructions—al dente is best, since it’ll soak up the flavorful sauce later. Drain well and set aside; you want the noodles ready and waiting when it’s skillet time!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the pasta cooks, brown your ground beef in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spatula or spoon for even crumbles, then drain off any excess grease for a lighter (but still hearty) base.

Step 3: Season and Add Sauces

Sprinkle taco seasoning all over that sizzling beef, then pour in the beef broth and enchilada sauce. Stir calmly and thoroughly so the seasoning dissolves and melds into a smooth, fragrant sauce—it should smell irresistible already!

Step 4: Fold In the Beans, Corn & Tortellini

Gently mix in the drained black beans, corn, and your cooked tortellini. Everything should be evenly combined, bathing in the flavorful sauce but not drowning—aim for a harmonious skillet full of color and texture.

Step 5: Simmer, Melt, and Broil

Let the skillet bubble away over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens a bit. Scatter shredded cheddar across the top, then pop the whole skillet under the broiler just long enough to melt the cheese—watch closely, as this part happens fast!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish your Taco Tortellini Skillet with generous dollops of sour cream, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, and a shower of chopped cilantro. Serve it straight from the skillet while everything is piping hot and extra cheesy!

How to Serve Taco Tortellini Skillet

Garnishes

Garnishes are the finishing flourish for your Taco Tortellini Skillet! A generous swirl of sour cream adds cool softness, green onions bring fresh crunch, and chopped cilantro will give everything a garden-bright lift. If you want a hit of heat, a scattering of sliced jalapeños is always welcome, too.

Side Dishes

This skillet supper is hearty on its own but shines even brighter alongside a simple green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette or a refreshing bowl of sliced watermelon. If you’re feeding a crowd, set out tortilla chips and some guacamole for extra dipping fun!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve straight from your cast-iron skillet for rustic charm or scoop portions into taco bowls for a playful presentation. For a party, set the skillet on a trivet with small bowls of toppings so everyone builds their own masterpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Taco Tortellini Skillet cool to room temperature, then tuck leftovers into an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, and flavors just keep getting richer as they meld together.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion individual servings into freezer-safe containers. The cheese may lose some stretch factor after thawing, but the saucy, hearty filling still satisfies! Freeze for up to two months, and thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it looks too thick. The microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until everything’s hot and gooey again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for an easy weeknight win, give Taco Tortellini Skillet a go! The first bite always brings smiles and satisfied sighs, and it’s so flexible you can truly make it your own. Gather your favorite garnishes, invite someone you love, and dig in—it might just become your new comfort classic!

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