Taco Tortellini
Feb 23, 2026
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My taco tortellini is a simple, quick recipe that is an easy dinner idea your family is sure to enjoy. This recipe can be made with a pack of ground beef, refrigerated tortellini and a few other simple ingredients.

I like using refrigerated tortellini to help make dinner time fast and easy. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be used in many ways like this taco tortellini recipe.
This dish is a twist on a classic tortellini with meat sauce. Instead of Italian seasoning, I am using taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with green chiles to add delicious flavor that feels like taco night in pasta form.
When I need something hearty for dinner but something a little different than the usual, I often make this tortellini recipe.
Have more tortellini in the refrigerator, try this chicken tortellini casserole, marry me tortellini, and Greek tortellini pasta salad.
Why you should make this recipe
- Family friendly. Even my kids love this dinner.
- Quick dinner recipe. This can be made in about 30 minutes.
- One pot. You can make this dinner in one large skillet or pot making for easy clean up.
- Makes great leftovers. Warms up fast and easy.
Ingredients
Taco tortellini ingredients are simple and convenient but pack a flavor punch.

- Tortellini: I like using refrigerated cheese tortellini for this recipe.
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef works well with this recipe but you can substitute with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Onion: Diced onion adds flavor.
- Taco seasoning: Use your favorite taco seasoning to add flavor to the beef.
- Tomato sauce: This adds depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Beef broth: Helps the tortellini cook.
- Rotel: Adds moisture and flavor.
- Cheese: Shredded cheese is sprinkled on top of the tortellini.
How to make taco tortellini
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain off any excess grease once it’s browned. Stir in the diced onion and cook 2-3 minutes.
- Add the taco seasonings. Stir to combine.


- Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and Rotel.
- Mix in the tortellini. Stir it to combine.


- Place on lid on the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove the lid and add shredded cheese. Place the lid back on. Cook until the cheese melts.

- Add any toppings and serve warm.
Heather’s recipe tips
This taco tortellini is super simple to make. Here are a few tips to make sure it turns out perfect every time.
- Brown the beef and and drain any excess grease.
- Don’t over cook the tortellini.
- If possible, use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Variations
- Vegetables: Stir in vegetables like corn or diced bell peppers.
- Meatless: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or pinto beans.
- Pasta: Substitute the tortellini with small raviolis or elbow macaroni.
- Baked: Spread the mixture out in a casserole dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake until the cheesy is melted and bubbly.
What toppings for taco tortellini
This dish is great on it’s own but you can add additional toppings like diced green onions, sour cream, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, even crushed tortilla chips.
Storage
Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze this meal but the tortellini might have a slightly different texture once thawed. Freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months.
You can also make this recipe ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to eat.

Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. You will need to cook them a little longer.
Yes, you can make this ahead of time. Store in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Reheat on the stove. You might need to add a splash of beef broth.
More easy pasta recipe

Taco Tortellini
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 1 (1 ounce) taco seasoning packet
- 1 (10 ounce) canned tomatoes with green chiles I use Rotel. Do NOT drain.
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasonings. Add in the beef broth, tomato sauce, and ROTEL tomatoes.
- Stir in the refrigerated tortellini. Make sure to stir it into the sauce.
- Place a lid on the skillet and cook for 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the tortellini. Place the lid back on the skillet.
- Cook until the cheese melts.
- Add any of your favorite toppings and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.














