Description
Get ready for a weeknight superstar with this Cheesy Taco Tortellini Bake! This dish perfectly marries the bold flavors of tacos with the creamy goodness of Italian tortellini.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (lean, 85-90%)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat)
- 1 package cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend or sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Chop one medium onion finely and mince a couple of cloves of garlic. Get your ground beef out, your tortellini unwrapped, and your cheeses shredded. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil (if the beef isn't very lean) and crumble in the ground beef. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for another 3-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build the Flavorful Sauce: Stir in the taco seasoning, then pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Melt in the Creaminess: Reduce heat to low and add the block of cream cheese, cut into smaller pieces. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Add the Tortellini: Carefully add the uncooked tortellini directly into the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir to coat every piece with the sauce.
- Assemble and Top: Pour the entire contents of the skillet into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let the Cheesy Taco Tortellini Bake rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Customize your spice level by adjusting the taco seasoning and adding jalapeños if desired. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.