Hey there, guess what I whipped up last night? Yep, my famous (or infamous) Cheeseburger Tortellini Skillet! It’s one of those recipes that always takes me back to when I first started dabbling in the kitchen. You know, back when I thought salt was a bit fancy. I remember the first time I made this—my brother walked in, took a sniff, and immediately demanded a plate. We’ve been hooked ever since!
Why You’ll Love This
I turn to this dish whenever I need a quick dinner fix. My family goes absolutely bonkers (in the best way) for this because it’s got that cheesy goodness and hearty tortellini that makes everyone feel all cozy inside. Plus, it’s about as comforting as a dish can get after a long day. Also, there’s something oddly satisfying watching the cheese melt perfectly over everything, don’t you think?
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or go turkey if you’re feeling adventurous)
- 1 onion, chopped (red if you want a sweeter touch)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (or chopped fresh tomatoes if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 cup beef broth (though water with a bouillon cube works in a pinch)
- 1 bag (about 20 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp is my go-to, but any will do)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
- Brown that beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the onions and garlic once it’s almost there. (This is where I sneak a taste!)
- Drain the fat—careful here, I’ve once poured it all over my stove. Real mess.
- Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth, then toss in your tortellini. Give it a good stir.
- Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Honestly, don’t worry if it looks a bit weird at this stage—it always does!
- Sprinkle the cheese on top. Cover and let it melt into gooey perfection.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
I’ve found that letting it sit for a few minutes after cooking makes a difference. The flavors seem to mingle, like guests at a party. Also, if you’re low on time, skip the fresh tomatoes, but I think they add a nice pop of freshness.
Variations
Once, I tried adding some jalapeños for a spicy kick. Not bad, but it sure cleared my sinuses! You could also throw in some mushrooms or bell peppers if you’re into that.
Equipment
A large skillet is essential, but if you don’t have one, a deep pot can work too. Just watch the sides—this dish can get a little enthusiastic.
Storage Information
I doubt there will be leftovers, but if you happen to find some (lucky you!), this keeps well in the fridge for about 2 days. But honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day!
Serving Suggestions
I love pairing this with a simple green salad. My mom insists it’s the best way to balance out the richness, and who am I to argue?
Pro Tips
I once tried rushing the melting step and regretted it—some things just can’t be hurried. Also, be generous with the cheese; it’s what makes it sing!
FAQ
Can I use frozen tortellini? Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time a bit to make sure they’re heated through.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian? Swap the beef for crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground “meat.” It actually tastes pretty good!
Hope you enjoy this dish as much as I do! For more cozy recipes, check out Simply Recipes and AllRecipes. Happy cooking!