Description
A quick and flavorful Taco Tortellini Skillet Dinner that fuses Italian cheese tortellini with bold taco seasonings, ground beef or turkey, and fresh vegetables. This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes, and loved by the whole family for its comforting texture and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 9 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
Seasonings & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup mild salsa or enchilada sauce
- 1/4 cup water or broth (optional, for cooking tortellini)
Cheese & Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef or turkey. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink. Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened.
- Add Bell Peppers and Taco Seasoning: Add chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and mix well, allowing the spices to coat the meat and vegetables while softening the peppers slightly.
- Stir in Tortellini and Sauces: Add the cheese tortellini, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa or enchilada sauce. Pour in a splash of water or broth if needed to help the tortellini cook and absorb flavors.
- Simmer Until Tortellini is Tender: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Let everything simmer, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is cooked through and tender, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh tortellini for faster cooking and better texture.
- Cook meat in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and promote browning.
- Add broth or water if the skillet mixture seems dry while simmering to prevent sticking.
- Layer taco seasoning in multiple stages for deeper flavor.
- Top with fresh cilantro and lime to brighten each bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Italian-Mexican)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: taco tortellini, skillet dinner, quick meal, taco recipe, Italian fusion, ground beef dinner, easy weeknight dinner, family meal