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

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.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main 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

Garnishes (Optional)

finely diced dill pickle
freshly diced tomatoes
fresh parsley, chopped

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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.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 610
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 1120 mg
Fat: 36 g
Saturated Fat: 17 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg