Description
Cheesy Taco Tortellini is a delicious fusion dish combining tender cheese tortellini with seasoned ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and melted Mexican cheese. This quick and hearty meal is infused with zesty taco flavors and finished with a splash of fresh lime juice and herbs, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 1/2 cups Cheese tortellini
Meat & Seasoning
- 1 lb Lean ground beef
- 1 package Taco seasoning
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 29 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic (2 cans, 14.5 ounces each)
- Splash of lime juice
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Cheese
- 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the tortellini and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the taco seasoning and the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, including the juices. Mix well, then bring to a gentle simmer to combine flavors.
- Combine Tortellini with Meat Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the meat and tomato mixture. Gently stir to coat the pasta in the sauce.
- Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the tortellini mixture. Add a splash of lime juice on top, then cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer until the cheese melts completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the lid, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve hot. Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful taco tortellini!
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor boost.
- For a spicier dish, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Cilantro or parsley can be used interchangeably as a garnish based on preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Lean ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American fusion
