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Taco Tortellini Skillet Dinner

Taco Tortellini Skillet Dinner
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The Taco Tortellini Skillet Dinner is a quick, one-pan meal that combines cheesy tortellini, seasoned taco ground beef, sautéed veggies, and melted cheese for a flavorful southwestern twist on pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a rich, comforting, and family-friendly dinner with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, shredded chicken, or crumbled tofu)
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins and Garnishes

  • 1/2 cup corn, black beans, or zucchini (for veggie boost)
  • 1 diced jalapeño or crushed red pepper flakes (for extra heat)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Sour cream (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, developing sweetness and vibrant colors.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the veggies. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no pink remains and the beef is nicely browned. Drain excess fat if needed to keep the dish lighter.
  3. Season and Combine: Sprinkle taco seasoning over the meat and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, mixing to add moisture and a tangy complement to the spices.
  4. Cook the Tortellini: Add fresh or frozen tortellini directly to the skillet along with a splash (about 1/4 cup) of water or broth. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavors, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Melt the Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover again, remove from heat, and let the residual warmth melt the cheese into a gooey, irresistible topping before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh tortellini for faster cooking and better texture.
  • Add liquids gradually to prevent watery pasta; just enough to cook through.
  • Use a large skillet to avoid overcrowding and steaming instead of sautéing.
  • Increase spice by adding chipotle powder or hot sauce if desired.
  • Try mixing mozzarella with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a richer cheese blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco tortellini skillet, one-pan dinner, quick weeknight meal, southwestern pasta, cheesy tortellini recipe, easy family dinner

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