Taco Tortellini
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Taco night meets pasta night with this Taco Tortellini recipe! This easy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish is a fun twist on classic tacos, combining beefy taco flavors with cheesy tortellini in a one-pot slow cooker meal. When I made this up for the first time, I wasn’t sure how the flavors would blend, but let me tell you—this was an instant hit!
The combination of salsa, black beans, and taco-seasoned beef makes it feel like a hearty Tex-Mex dish, while the cheese tortellini brings a fun pasta twist. Best of all, it’s a slow cooker recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights without standing over the stove.
I love this Taco Tortellini recipe because it’s a true one-pot meal, which means everything cooks together for easy cleanup—no extra dishes piling up!
The bold taco flavors make it such a fun twist on classic tacos, and honestly, I think this is super family-friendly because it combines two things most kids love: pasta and tacos. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, so it’s a pretty simple prep dinner.
Slow Cooker Taco Tortellini Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 (1 oz) package taco seasoning
- 1 (24 oz) jar of salsa
- 1 (15.25 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (18 oz) package frozen cheese tortellini (keep frozen)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite!)
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
How to Make Taco Tortellini
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, stirring frequently until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and return the meat to the pan. Add taco seasoning and water according to the package instructions, stirring to coat the beef. Transfer the seasoned beef to a large slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
Pour the salsa, drained corn, black beans, and beef broth into the slow cooker with the seasoned beef. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and stir everything together.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 2 ½ hours, stirring once every hour.
Step 4: Add the Cheese & Serve
When ready to serve, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and cover for 5 minutes until melted. Spoon into bowls and top with sour cream and fresh cilantro.
Taco Tortellini Variations & Add-Ins
As with almost any recipe, you can make this your own by adding toppings or ingredients that suit your tastebuds. Mexican is probably one of the easiest to do that with, but here are a few suggestions that work for our family.
- Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamier Texture – Stir in 4 oz. of melted cream cheese before serving.
- Extra Veggies – Bell peppers or sliced black olives add more flavor and texture.
- Protein Swap – Try ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef. You can also change the cheesy tortellini types to chicken or beef itself.
Perfect Side Dishes for Taco Tortellini
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want a side dish, we suggest you round it out with:
- Tortilla Chips
- Charred Corn
- Black Bean and Corn Salsa (also makes a great topping)
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this without a slow cooker? Absolutely! Simmer everything in a large pot on the stovetop over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tortellini is tender.
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen? Yes! If using fresh tortellini, reduce the slow cooker time to 1–1 ½ hours to prevent overcooking.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen it up.
More Tortellini Recipes for Dinner
This Slow Cooker Taco Tortellini is the perfect mix of comforting pasta and bold taco flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a casual get-together, this easy tortellini recipe is sure to be a hit.
If you want to continue making more tortellini recipes for your family, try one of our other favorites!
- This is my Favorite Tortellini Recipe.
- Cheesy filling Beef Tortellini.
- Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty winter recipe.
- Or if you just want to keep enjoying pasta without the tortellini, try this viral Lasagna Soup!
Slow Cooker Taco Tortellini
Equipment
- Slow Cooker 6 quart
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 24 oz jar salsa
- 15.25 oz can corn drained
- 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 18 oz frozen cheese tortellini keep frozen
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend
- Sour cream for serving
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, stirring frequently until fully browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add taco seasoning and water according to the package instructions. Stir until the beef is evenly coated. Transfer to a large slow cooker.
- Pour in the salsa, corn, black beans, and beef broth. Stir in the frozen cheese tortellini until everything is well combined.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 2 ½ hours, stirring once every hour.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for about 5 minutes.
- Serve warm, topped with sour cream and fresh cilantro. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
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