Cheeseburger Tortellini Skillet Recipe

The Coziest Cheeseburger Tortellini Skillet Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy, hearty comfort food meets weeknight convenience in this mouthwatering cheeseburger tortellini skillet that promises to satisfy every craving.

Packed with bold flavors and rich ingredients, this one-pan wonder delivers an exciting twist on classic burger elements.

Ground beef sizzles alongside tender tortellini, creating a delectable meal that combines two beloved dishes in a single skillet.

Melted cheese blankets each bite, adding a luxurious texture that elevates the entire dining experience.

Sharp cheddar and savory seasonings blend seamlessly, ensuring every forkful bursts with incredible taste.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner solution.

Prepare to be amazed by this irresistible culinary creation that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

What Makes Cheeseburger Tortellini a Hearty Hit

  • Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this delicious meal in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combine the classic cheeseburger taste with comforting tortellini, creating a unique dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar and exciting flavor profile.
  • One-Skillet Dish: Minimize cleanup and maximize convenience by preparing everything in a single oven-safe skillet, making this recipe a dream for home cooks who hate doing dishes.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Adapt this recipe easily by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite toppings, making it a flexible meal that can become a family favorite with personal twists.

What You’ll Need for This Cheesy Pasta Skillet

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Juicy and flavorful meat that forms the foundation of the dish.
  • Cheese Tortellini: Delicate pasta pillows filled with creamy cheese goodness.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Milk: Smooth liquid that helps create a creamy sauce.
  • Condensed Cheddar Soup: Rich and cheesy base for extra flavor.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty and sharp cheese that adds a golden topping.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Garlic: Fragrant ingredients that boost the overall taste profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the meat's flavor.
Sauce and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Rotel Tomatoes: Zesty canned tomatoes with a spicy kick.
  • Ketchup, Yellow Mustard: Classic burger condiments that add tangy depth.

How to Make Cheeseburger Tortellini in One Pan

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in ground beef and diced onions.

Break apart the beef and stir constantly, letting the onions soften and the meat turn a rich golden brown.

Once cooked, drain away any extra grease for a cleaner dish.

Step 2: Awaken the Flavors

Sprinkle in:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Minced garlic

Stir the seasonings into the beef, letting them dance and release their awesome aroma for about a minute.

Step 3: Build the Base

Drop frozen cheese tortellini into the skillet.

Pour in condensed cheddar soup and Rotel tomatoes with their zesty juices.

Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Add:
  • Milk
  • Yellow mustard
  • Ketchup

Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a bubbling boil.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet.

Let the tortellini simmer for 5-6 minutes.

Give it a quick stir halfway through to prevent any pasta from sticking.

Step 6: Cheese Lover’s Finale

Remove the lid and give everything a good stir.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

Pop the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

If you prefer, you can melt the cheese by covering the skillet on the stovetop.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Pull the skillet out and let it rest for a few minutes.

Dish up this cheeseburger-inspired tortellini while it’s hot and enjoy every single bite!

Tips for a Meaty, Cheesy Skillet Dish

  • Remove excess grease completely to prevent a greasy final dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
  • Cook tortellini just until tender to avoid mushy pasta; frozen tortellini works best for maintaining perfect texture and saving preparation time.
  • Use freshly shredded cheddar for maximum meltability and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
  • Swap Rotel with regular diced tomatoes for a milder version or add red pepper flakes to increase spiciness according to personal preference.
  • Replace ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or black beans to create a delicious vegetarian alternative without compromising flavor profile.

How to Store and Reheat Cheeseburger Tortellini

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled tortellini to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
  • Warm refrigerated portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through.
  • Reheat individual servings in microwave-safe dishes, covering with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Pairing Tips for This Tortellini Combo

  • Slice fresh coleslaw with a zippy cabbage and carrot mix to complement the rich, cheesy tortellini.
  • Select a light lager or crisp pilsner that cleanses the palate between bites of the creamy, savory dish
  • Sprinkle finely chopped green onions over the skillet for a fresh, mild onion kick that adds brightness.
  • Prepare a quick side salad with mixed spring greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light herb vinaigrette.

Creative Takes on Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

  • Vegetarian Tortellini Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and substitute condensed soup with a homemade cream sauce made from cornstarch, milk, and cheese.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace tortellini with cauliflower florets to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that keeps the cheeseburger essence intact.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut milk to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals while preserving the rich, creamy texture.

FAQs

  • What ingredients give this tortellini its cheeseburger flavor?

Ketchup, yellow mustard, and Rotel tomatoes create the signature cheeseburger taste, mimicking classic burger condiments and adding zesty, tangy notes to the dish.

  • Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Frozen tortellini works best for this recipe because it holds up better during cooking and absorbs the sauce more effectively. Fresh tortellini might become too soft and lose its texture.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This dish combines kid-favorite flavors like cheese, beef, and pasta into one exciting meal that’s easy to eat and packed with familiar tastes children love.

  • How can I make this dish a bit healthier?

Use lean ground beef, opt for low-fat condensed soup, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value while maintaining the delicious flavor profile.

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Cheeseburger Tortellini Skillet Recipe

Cheeseburger Tortellini Skillet Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty cheeseburger tortellini skillet combines classic burger flavors with pasta comfort, creating a quick and satisfying meal. Rich cheese, ground beef, and tender tortellini meld together for a delicious dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) pepper

Sauces and Liquids:

  • 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (not drained)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) yellow mustard
  • 1/4 cup ketchup

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal cooking environment for ground beef and onions.
  2. Introduce ground beef and diced onions to the hot skillet, breaking down the meat into fine crumbles while allowing onions to soften and become translucent.
  3. Drain any accumulated fat from the browned beef to ensure a clean, rich flavor profile.
  4. Infuse the meat mixture with minced garlic, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute seasonings and awaken aromatic notes.
  5. Gently fold frozen cheese tortellini into the seasoned beef, ensuring each pasta pocket is well-coated.
  6. Pour condensed cheddar soup and Rotel tomatoes directly into the skillet, creating a vibrant, tangy base for the dish.
  7. Stream milk, yellow mustard, and ketchup into the mixture, whisking to create a smooth, creamy sauce that binds all ingredients.
  8. Increase heat momentarily to bring the concoction to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  9. Cover the skillet and allow tortellini to cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
  10. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a molten blanket of cheesy goodness.
  11. Position the skillet under the broiler or cover with a lid to melt cheese until it reaches a golden, bubbling perfection.
  12. Let the dish rest briefly, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken before serving.
  13. Plate the cheeseburger tortellini skillet and savor the rich, comforting fusion of classic burger and pasta elements.

Notes

  • Drain beef thoroughly to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a crisp, clean flavor profile.
  • Select high-quality ground beef with moderate fat content for maximum richness and juiciness.
  • Opt for fresh tortellini instead of frozen for a more authentic, restaurant-style taste experience.
  • Consider using low-sodium versions of canned soup and Rotel to control overall salt levels for health-conscious diners.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 980 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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