Cheeseburger Tortellini A One-Pot Dinner Recipe
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Cheeseburger Tortellini A One-Pot Dinner Recipe
Craving Comfort Food? Meet Your New Favorite One-Pot Wonder!
Are you constantly on the lookout for quick, family-friendly weeknight dinners that don’t skimp on flavor? If the thought of a juicy cheeseburger makes your mouth water but you’re short on time for grilling and fussing with multiple components, we’ve got the ultimate solution. This Cheeseburger Tortellini Skillet transforms all those beloved cheeseburger flavors – savory beef, gooey cheese, and a hint of tangy ketchup and mustard – into a comforting, creamy, and incredibly easy one-pot pasta dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for even the busiest evenings.
Deconstructed Cheeseburger, Reimagined: The Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using pantry staples and fresh ingredients to evoke the classic cheeseburger experience. We’ve gathered everything you need:
For the Savory Base:
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The hearty, meaty foundation that mimics the burger patty. (Substitution: Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just enough to get things started with a glorious sizzle.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: The essential flavor booster that wakes up the palate.
For the Creamy Cheeseburger Sauce:
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed tomato soup: The surprising secret to a rich, tomatoey base. (Substitution: Use 1.5 cups of your favorite marinara sauce for a more traditional Italian twist, though the condensed soup adds a unique creaminess.)
- 1 cup beef broth: Adds liquid for simmering and a boost of savory flavor. (Substitution: Vegetable broth or chicken broth work well too.)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%): For that essential creamy texture that coats the tortellini beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons ketchup: Brings a touch of sweetness and classic burger tang.
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Offers a subtle, zesty kick that cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a layer of umami complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: A Mediterranean whisper to complement the savory notes.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: The essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
The Cheesy Pasta Perfection:
- 1 (19 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: Your quick-cooking pasta vehicle for all that delicious sauce. (Substitution: Use dried tortellini, but cook according to package directions first and add it in the last few minutes of simmering to warm through.)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The undeniable star for that gooey, melted cheeseburger experience. (Substitution: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a good quality American cheese for ultimate meltability.)
For Garnishing (Optional but Recommended!):
- Diced dill pickles: For that essential tangy crunch!
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of freshness and color.
- Sesame seed bun croutons: A fun, textural nod to the burger bun.
Speedy & Satisfying: The Timing Breakdown
This Cheeseburger Tortellini recipe is designed for efficiency. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of about 20 minutes, you’re looking at a total of 30 minutes from start to finish. This is significantly faster than your average cheeseburger preparation, which often involves grilling, toasting buns, and assembling multiple components. It’s also quicker than many traditional pasta dishes that require boiling pasta separately, draining, and then combining with sauce.
Let’s Cook! Step-by-Step to One-Pot Bliss
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Grab a large skillet or Dutch oven (one that can hold at least 5-quart capacity) and place it over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease, leaving a little for flavor.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion has softened and become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Now for the magic! Pour in the condensed tomato soup, beef broth, milk, ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the simmering sauce. Stir gently to ensure all the tortellini are submerged. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the tortellini are cooked, remove the lid. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the pan for another minute or two, or until the cheese is completely melted and gloriously gooey. Give everything a final gentle stir. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot, garnished with diced dill pickles, fresh parsley, or sesame seed bun croutons if desired. Enjoy your incredible one-pot cheeseburger pasta!
Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate Per Serving)
A single serving (assuming 6 servings without optional garnishes) of this Cheeseburger Tortellini typically offers:
- Calories: 450-550 kcal
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-28g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Fiber: 2-4g
- Sodium: Varies greatly based on condensed soup and broth used.
*Please note: These are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Lighter Bites: Healthier Alternatives
Looking to make this already weeknight-friendly meal even lighter without sacrificing flavor? Try these swaps:
- Leaner Protein: Opt for 93% lean ground turkey or chicken, or use a plant-based ground substitute.
- Whole Wheat Tortellini: If available, whole wheat tortellini will add fiber and nutrients.
- Reduced-Fat Cheese: Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese, but be aware it might melt slightly differently.
- Homemade Sauce Base: Instead of condensed soup, sauté mirepoix (celery, carrots, onion), add crushed tomatoes, broth, and seasonings for a lighter, fresher sauce. You might need to simmer longer to thicken.
- Veggies: Stir in some chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach during the last 5 minutes of simmering for added nutrients and texture.
Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Pairing
This Cheeseburger Tortellini is a hearty meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your dinner:
- Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make for a healthy and colorful side.
- Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgent meal, serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Avoid the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Sidestep
While this recipe is quite forgiving, here are a couple of things to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Tortellini: Since they’re refrigerated and cook quickly, aim for tender but not mushy. Stick to the recommended simmer time and check for doneness.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic can go from fragrant to bitter very quickly. Add it in the last minute of sautéing onions.
- Sauce Too Thick/Thin: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or milk. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the cheese.
Stash and Savor: Storing Your Masterpiece
Leftovers are a glorious thing with this recipe! Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess, or microwave until heated through.
Dinner Dilemma Solved!
This Cheeseburger Tortellini Skillet is more than just a meal; it’s a weeknight savior. It masterfully combines the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comforting, effortless nature of a one-pot pasta. It’s quick enough for any night, hearty enough for any appetite, and delicious enough to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and satisfy those burger cravings in a whole new way!
Frequently Asked Questions
***Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?***
Yes, you can! Cook the dried tortellini according to package directions first, then drain and add it to the simmering sauce in Step 4, allowing it to warm through for about 5-10 minutes.
***What if I don’t have condensed tomato soup?***
You can substitute about 1.5 cups of your favorite marinara sauce. You might need to adjust the liquid (beef broth/milk) slightly to achieve the desired sauce consistency. The condensed soup does add a unique creaminess, so the flavor profile will be slightly different.
***Can I make this vegetarian?***
Absolutely! Use a plant-based ground crumble in place of the beef and substitute vegetable broth for beef broth. Ensure your tortellini are vegetarian-friendly if needed.
***How do I make the sauce less greasy?***
Drain the excess grease from the ground beef thoroughly after browning. Using leaner ground beef (like 93% lean) will also significantly reduce the grease.
***Can I add other vegetables?***
Certainly! Diced mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or a handful of spinach can be added along with the onions or towards the end of the cooking process to boost nutrients and flavor.
Cheeseburger Tortellini Skillet
This one-panCheeseburger Tortellini Skilletcombines the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger with cheesy tortellini in a creamy, flavorful sauce. A perfect weeknight meal that’s quick, hearty, and satisfying!
Ingredients
- 1lb lean ground beef1 cupdiced yellow onion1/2 tspsalt1/2 tsppepper1 tbspminced garlic19 ozfrozen cheese tortellini10.5 ozcondensed cheddar soup10 ozRotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (not drained)1 cupmilk1 tbspyellow mustard1/4 cupketchup2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cupdiced yellow onion1/2 tspsalt1/2 tsppepper1 tbspminced garlic19 ozfrozen cheese tortellini10.5 ozcondensed cheddar soup10 ozRotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (not drained)1 cupmilk1 tbspyellow mustard1/4 cupketchup2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tspsalt1/2 tsppepper1 tbspminced garlic19 ozfrozen cheese tortellini10.5 ozcondensed cheddar soup10 ozRotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (not drained)1 cupmilk1 tbspyellow mustard1/4 cupketchup2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsppepper1 tbspminced garlic19 ozfrozen cheese tortellini10.5 ozcondensed cheddar soup10 ozRotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (not drained)1 cupmilk1 tbspyellow mustard1/4 cupketchup2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbspminced garlic19 ozfrozen cheese tortellini10.5 ozcondensed cheddar soup10 ozRotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (not drained)1 cupmilk1 tbspyellow mustard1/4 cupketchup2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
- 19 ozfrozen cheese tortellini10.5 ozcondensed cheddar soup10 ozRotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (not drained)1 cupmilk1 tbspyellow mustard1/4 cupketchup2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
- 10.5 ozcondensed cheddar soup10 ozRotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (not drained)1 cupmilk1 tbspyellow mustard1/4 cupketchup2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
- 10 ozRotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (not drained)1 cupmilk1 tbspyellow mustard1/4 cupketchup2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cupmilk1 tbspyellow mustard1/4 cupketchup2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbspyellow mustard1/4 cupketchup2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cupketchup2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cupsshredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- 1️⃣Cook the Ground Beef:
- Place a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and diced onions.Stir and crumble the beef as it cooks, ensuring the onions soften.Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess grease.2️⃣Season the Beef:Add the salt, pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well and cook for one more minute to release the garlic’s aroma.3️⃣Add Tortellini and Base Ingredients:Stir the frozen cheese tortellini into the skillet.Add the condensed cheddar soup and the Rotel (with its juices), stirring until well combined.4️⃣Create the Sauce:Pour in the milk, yellow mustard, and ketchup. Stir thoroughly.Bring the mixture to a boil.5️⃣Simmer the Tortellini:Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.Allow the tortellini to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.6️⃣Melt the Cheese:Remove the lid and stir well to combine everything.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with the lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop.7️⃣Rest and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- Stir and crumble the beef as it cooks, ensuring the onions soften.Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess grease.2️⃣Season the Beef:Add the salt, pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well and cook for one more minute to release the garlic’s aroma.3️⃣Add Tortellini and Base Ingredients:Stir the frozen cheese tortellini into the skillet.Add the condensed cheddar soup and the Rotel (with its juices), stirring until well combined.4️⃣Create the Sauce:Pour in the milk, yellow mustard, and ketchup. Stir thoroughly.Bring the mixture to a boil.5️⃣Simmer the Tortellini:Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.Allow the tortellini to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.6️⃣Melt the Cheese:Remove the lid and stir well to combine everything.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with the lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop.7️⃣Rest and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- Once the beef is fully browned, drain any excess grease.
- 2️⃣Season the Beef:Add the salt, pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well and cook for one more minute to release the garlic’s aroma.3️⃣Add Tortellini and Base Ingredients:Stir the frozen cheese tortellini into the skillet.Add the condensed cheddar soup and the Rotel (with its juices), stirring until well combined.4️⃣Create the Sauce:Pour in the milk, yellow mustard, and ketchup. Stir thoroughly.Bring the mixture to a boil.5️⃣Simmer the Tortellini:Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.Allow the tortellini to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.6️⃣Melt the Cheese:Remove the lid and stir well to combine everything.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with the lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop.7️⃣Rest and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- Add the salt, pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir well and cook for one more minute to release the garlic’s aroma.3️⃣Add Tortellini and Base Ingredients:Stir the frozen cheese tortellini into the skillet.Add the condensed cheddar soup and the Rotel (with its juices), stirring until well combined.4️⃣Create the Sauce:Pour in the milk, yellow mustard, and ketchup. Stir thoroughly.Bring the mixture to a boil.5️⃣Simmer the Tortellini:Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.Allow the tortellini to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.6️⃣Melt the Cheese:Remove the lid and stir well to combine everything.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with the lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop.7️⃣Rest and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- 3️⃣Add Tortellini and Base Ingredients:
- Stir the frozen cheese tortellini into the skillet.Add the condensed cheddar soup and the Rotel (with its juices), stirring until well combined.4️⃣Create the Sauce:Pour in the milk, yellow mustard, and ketchup. Stir thoroughly.Bring the mixture to a boil.5️⃣Simmer the Tortellini:Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.Allow the tortellini to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.6️⃣Melt the Cheese:Remove the lid and stir well to combine everything.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with the lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop.7️⃣Rest and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- Add the condensed cheddar soup and the Rotel (with its juices), stirring until well combined.4️⃣Create the Sauce:Pour in the milk, yellow mustard, and ketchup. Stir thoroughly.Bring the mixture to a boil.5️⃣Simmer the Tortellini:Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.Allow the tortellini to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.6️⃣Melt the Cheese:Remove the lid and stir well to combine everything.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with the lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop.7️⃣Rest and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- 4️⃣Create the Sauce:
- Pour in the milk, yellow mustard, and ketchup. Stir thoroughly.Bring the mixture to a boil.5️⃣Simmer the Tortellini:Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.Allow the tortellini to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.6️⃣Melt the Cheese:Remove the lid and stir well to combine everything.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with the lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop.7️⃣Rest and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- Bring the mixture to a boil.5️⃣Simmer the Tortellini:Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.Allow the tortellini to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.6️⃣Melt the Cheese:Remove the lid and stir well to combine everything.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with the lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop.7️⃣Rest and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- 5️⃣Simmer the Tortellini:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a lid.Allow the tortellini to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.6️⃣Melt the Cheese:Remove the lid and stir well to combine everything.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with the lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop.7️⃣Rest and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- Allow the tortellini to simmer for 5-6 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking.6️⃣Melt the Cheese:Remove the lid and stir well to combine everything.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with the lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop.7️⃣Rest and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- 6️⃣Melt the Cheese:
- Remove the lid and stir well to combine everything.Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with the lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop.7️⃣Rest and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with the lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop.7️⃣Rest and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet with the lid and let the cheese melt on the stovetop.
- 7️⃣Rest and Serve:Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
- Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired tortellini dish!
Notes
Customizations:Add crumbled cooked bacon, diced pickles, or even a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a twist.Storage:Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens.Make It Spicy:Use spicy Rotel or add a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Storage:Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens.Make It Spicy:Use spicy Rotel or add a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Make It Spicy:Use spicy Rotel or add a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
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