Taco Tortellini Skillet Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your skillet all over again! This Taco Tortellini Skillet pulls together everything you crave—hearty pasta, zesty taco flavors, and cheesy goodness—in a one-pan dinner that’s both quick and deeply satisfying. You won’t believe how easy it is to transform everyday ingredients into a fiesta the whole family will ask for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Taco Tortellini Skillet is that you don’t need anything fancy, just a few grocery staples that come together for maximum impact. Each ingredient offers something crucial, from the toothsome bite of tortellini to the rich enchilada sauce and the irresistible–and oh-so melty–cheese on top.

• Tortellini (12-16 oz): Refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini work best for lush texture; spinach or other fillings add variety.
• Lean ground beef (1 lb): Provides richness and heartiness; you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter touch.
• Taco seasoning (1 tbsp): The shortcut to instant Tex-Mex flavor—use homemade or your favorite packet.
• Beef broth (1 cup): Adds savory depth and helps create a saucy, comforting base.
• Enchilada sauce (2 cups): Brings classic taco chili warmth; red sauce keeps it traditional but green enchilada sauce is a fun twist.
• Black beans (1 15 oz can, drained & rinsed): Adds protein, fiber, and a creamy texture that soaks up those delicious spices. Sub with kidney or pinto beans if you like.
• Corn kernels (1 15 oz can, drained): Sweet pops of flavor and color in every bite—frozen corn works just as well here.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): For that gooey, golden topping that ties everything together.
• Sour cream: A dollop on top brings creamy, tangy balance to all the warm spices.
• Green onions & fresh cilantro: These garnishes add a burst of freshness and color just before serving.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Taco Tortellini Skillet is its crowd-pleasing flexibility. Don’t be afraid to riff on the recipe—it’s easy to tweak for dietary needs, your pantry stash, or pure creative fun.

• Change the Protein: Ground turkey or rotisserie chicken work perfectly in place of beef—or skip the meat for a totally veggie version with extra beans.
• Mix Up the Fillings: Try spinach or mushroom-stuffed tortellini for a boost of veggies and extra color.
• Switch the Sauce: Green enchilada sauce brings a tangy, vibrant twist, or mix in some salsa for even more personality.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based cheese and dairy-free sour cream for a comforting vegan version—it’s just as crave-worthy!

How to Make Taco Tortellini Skillet

Step 1: Boil the Tortellini

Start by cooking your tortellini according to the package directions, just until al dente. You want them plump, tender, and ready to soak up all that flavorful sauce—make sure to drain them well to avoid a watery skillet later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the tortellini boils, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and brown your ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks so you get those perfect crumbles in every bite. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

Sprinkle taco seasoning over the cooked beef, then pour in the beef broth and enchilada sauce. Stir everything together and make sure the spices are dissolved and beautifully worked into the sauce—smells amazing already, right?

Step 4: Add Beans, Corn & Tortellini

Now it’s time for the good stuff! Add the drained black beans, sweet corn, and your cooked tortellini right into the skillet. Gently stir so everything is coated and evenly distributed—be generous!

Step 5: Simmer & Get Cheesy

Let the skillet bubble gently for a minute or two, just so everything heats through and the sauce thickens a bit. Scatter shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then pop the skillet under the broiler. Watch closely until the cheese is golden and melty—it only takes a minute or so to achieve ooey-gooey perfection!

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and load it up with dollops of sour cream, fresh green onions, and cilantro. Serve the Taco Tortellini Skillet straight out of the pan—dinner is ready and every bite is a fiesta!

How to Serve Taco Tortellini Skillet

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you get to infuse a little extra love into your Taco Tortellini Skillet. A big swoop of sour cream mellows the heat, while bright green onions and cilantro add herbal freshness and color. Try some finely diced jalapeño, chopped tomatoes, or even sliced avocado if you want to take things to the next level.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty on its own, but a crisp, simple salad or a batch of warm tortilla chips on the side make things extra festive. For added crunch, consider serving with a jicama slaw or grilled veggies—both are perfect for scooping up extra sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

You can spoon the Taco Tortellini Skillet directly into shallow bowls or, for parties, set up a “skillet bar” with bowls of garnishes so guests can create their own masterpiece. For a playful twist, stuff servings into halved bell peppers and bake for a few extra minutes—great for entertaining or meal prep lunches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (good luck!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors have time to mingle and deepen, so it’ll taste even better for lunch or a next-day snack.

Freezing

Taco Tortellini Skillet can be frozen, but for best results, do so before you add the cheese on top—assemble, cool, then freeze in a baking dish. When ready, thaw gently and finish with fresh cheese and garnish when you reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm the skillet gently on the stovetop. Stir in a splash of broth or water if the sauce needs loosening up—the flavors and texture come right back to their original glory!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that breaks you out of a routine rut and brings some genuine excitement to the table, give this Taco Tortellini Skillet a try. You’ll love how easy, customizable, and tasty it is—even better when you share it with family and friends. Let me know how you top yours!

Print