Can I use different pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini complements the cheeseburger theme perfectly, regular pasta shapes like penne or rotini work well too. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions and make sure the pasta cooks directly in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.

Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternative, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and ensure your tortellini is vegetarian (many contain cheese that uses animal rennet). The flavor profile will still give you that satisfying cheeseburger experience without the meat.

My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce needs thickening, remove the lid and simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir this into the simmering sauce. Remember that the sauce will also thicken slightly as it cools.

Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it up to the point of adding the tortellini, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce mixture, add the fresh tortellini, and complete the cooking process. Add a little extra broth if needed, as the sauce will thicken when chilled.

One Pot Cheeseburger Tortellini Recipe

Name: One Pot Cheeseburger Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 yellow onion, diced (about 1/2 cup); 2 tablespoons hamburger seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces / 360 g) beef broth; 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream; 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, drained; 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; finely diced dill pickle; freshly diced tomatoes; fresh parsley, chopped

This One Pot Cheeseburger Tortellini combines the beloved flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with pillowy cheese-filled pasta, all in one satisfying skillet meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dish brings comfort food to your weeknight dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of cheesy tortellini, seasoned ground beef, and creamy sauce delivers all the satisfaction of a cheeseburger in fork-twirling form.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this dish – it bridges the gap between sophisticated pasta and familiar cheeseburger flavors.
Weeknight Hero: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe saves your busy evenings without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The foundation of our cheeseburger flavor – provides hearty protein and rich taste. Choose 80/20 for the best flavor balance.
Yellow Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness that complements the beef perfectly. Dice it finely for picky eaters.
Hamburger Seasoning: This spice blend infuses authentic burger flavor throughout. If you don’t have pre-made, a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika works wonderfully.
Salt, Pepper, and Red Pepper Flakes: The essential seasonings that bring everything to life. The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your preference.
Garlic: Brings punchy flavor that makes this dish irresistible. Fresh is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
Beef Broth: Creates the base for our sauce while intensifying the meaty flavor throughout the dish.
Heavy Cream: Transforms the sauce into a rich, velvety delight that coats every bite of pasta.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright bursts of acidity and texture that balance the richness. Make sure to drain them well to prevent a watery sauce.
Cheese Tortellini: The star pasta that brings cheesy goodness in every bite. Refrigerated versions cook quickly and have the best texture.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce for that unmistakable cheeseburger flavor. Grate it yourself for the smoothest melt.
Garnishes: Diced pickles, fresh tomatoes, and parsley bring the authentic cheeseburger experience to life and add fresh contrast.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Bacon Cheeseburger Tortellini

Cook 6-8 strips of bacon until crispy before browning the beef. Remove, crumble, and add back in when stirring in the cheese for a smoky flavor boost.

Mushroom Swiss Version

Replace half the cheddar with Swiss cheese and add 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms when adding the tomatoes for an earthy twist.

Spicy Southwest

Add a diced jalapeño with the onion, use pepper jack instead of cheddar, and stir in ½ cup of corn with the tomatoes. Garnish with avocado and cilantro.

Lighter Option

Use ground turkey instead of beef, half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and whole wheat tortellini for a lighter but still satisfying meal.

How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Tortellini

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, combine the ground beef and diced onion. Break the meat into crumbles as it browns, cooking until no pink remains (about 6-8 minutes). If there’s excess grease, drain it now for a cleaner sauce.

Step 2: Season the Mixture

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the hamburger seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This layering of flavors is crucial for that authentic cheeseburger taste.

Step 3: Add Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it as this can bring bitterness to the dish.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and drained diced tomatoes, stirring everything together. This combination creates the perfect silky sauce that will coat the tortellini.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

Add the cheese tortellini directly to the skillet. Cover and let everything simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The tortellini will cook right in the sauce, absorbing all those amazing flavors.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and incorporated. Top with diced pickles, fresh tomatoes, and chopped parsley for the complete cheeseburger experience.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Prep Before Starting: Measure and prepare all ingredients before turning on the heat – this dish moves quickly!
Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Test it a minute before the suggested cooking time. It should be tender but still have some bite.
Layer Your Cheese: Add half the cheese, stir until melted, then add the remaining cheese for the smoothest incorporation.
Control the Thickness: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
Fresh Cheese Makes a Difference: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Take the extra minute to shred your own for silky perfection.

How to Serve

Main Dish Pairings

Serve this hearty tortellini alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing works wonders.

Bread Options

Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Vegetable Sides

Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus provides a nice contrast in both color and texture, rounding out the meal beautifully.

Presentation

Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic family-style meal, or portion into wide bowls, making sure each serving gets plenty of sauce and garnishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, the texture of the tortellini and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for quick individual meals.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth to revive the sauce. Alternatively, microwave with a damp paper towel covering the dish to prevent drying out.

For best results when reheating, add a small handful of fresh cheese on top to refresh the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini complements the cheeseburger theme perfectly, regular pasta shapes like penne or rotini work well too. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions and make sure the pasta cooks directly in the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternative, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and ensure your tortellini is vegetarian (many contain cheese that uses animal rennet). The flavor profile will still give you that satisfying cheeseburger experience without the meat.
My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it?

If your sauce needs thickening, remove the lid and simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir this into the simmering sauce. Remember that the sauce will also thicken slightly as it cools.
Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it up to the point of adding the tortellini, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce mixture, add the fresh tortellini, and complete the cooking process. Add a little extra broth if needed, as the sauce will thicken when chilled.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cheeseburger Tortellini brings together two comfort food favorites in one irresistible dish. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something substantial yet easy to prepare. The familiar flavors will please even the pickiest eaters, while the one-pot approach makes cleanup a breeze. Give it a try tonight – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

One Pot Cheeseburger Tortellini Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: One Pot & One Pan
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This one pot cheeseburger tortellini combines juicy ground beef, creamy cheese tortellini, sharp cheddar, and seasonings in a rich tomato and cream sauce for a family-friendly main course. Quick, comforting, and finished in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy all-in-one skillet meal with all the flavors of a cheeseburger, perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Brown the Beef & Onion: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef as it browns, until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is softened (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Season: Reduce the heat to medium. Add hamburger seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, stirring to combine with the beef and onions.
Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant.
Combine Liquids & Tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and drained petite diced tomatoes. Stir well to blend everything together.
Cook Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the tortellini is cooked through and tender.
Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the mixture and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with finely diced dill pickles, fresh diced tomatoes, and chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use lean ground beef to avoid excessive grease, or drain thoroughly after browning.
Hamburger seasoning can be replaced with your favorite spice blend for burgers.
Red pepper flakes add mild heat; omit for a milder dish.
Refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly, so avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.