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Taco Tortellini Skillet Dinner

Taco Tortellini Skillet Dinner
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This Taco Tortellini Skillet Dinner is a quick and easy one-pan meal that blends the bold, zesty flavors of tacos with the creamy, cheesy comfort of tortellini. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, it combines ground meat, taco seasoning, tender tortellini, fresh veggies, and melted cheese to deliver a satisfying and flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 package (about 9–12 oz) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey (or plant-based crumbles as a substitute)
  • 1 packet (about 1–2 tbsp) taco seasoning
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 bell peppers, diced
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella)
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup water or broth (for cooking tortellini)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef (or your preferred protein) and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Add Bell Peppers and Seasoning: Mix in diced bell peppers and sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the spices, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  3. Stir in Tomatoes and Cook Tortellini: Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, then add the tortellini directly to the skillet. Pour in about 1/2 cup of water or broth to help cook the pasta. Cover and simmer until the tortellini is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 7-10 minutes.
  4. Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle your shredded cheese over the skillet contents; cover again to let the cheese melt thoroughly. Once bubbly and melted, your Taco Tortellini Skillet Dinner is ready to plate.

Notes

  • Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks to avoid mushiness—al dente is best.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and peppers really elevate the flavor intensity.
  • Layer Your Flavors: Toast the taco seasonings lightly in the pan before adding liquids to unlock their full aroma.
  • Add Protein After Browning: Make sure the meat is well-browned to enhance richness and create a caramelized depth.
  • Customize Cheese Amount: Adjust the cheese topping to your mood, from a light sprinkle to a gooey, cheesy blanket.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco, tortellini, skillet dinner, quick meal, cheesy pasta, ground beef, Tex-Mex, family-friendly

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/taco-tortellini-skillet-dinner/