Beef Tortellini

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the mark quite like a hearty, cheesy skillet meal. When you’re craving something warm, filling and irresistibly tasty, without the complicated prep, enter this crowd-pleasing beef tortellini skillet. A one-pan wonder, it brings frozen cheese tortellini, savory ground beef and a punch of Italian flavors together into a satisfying, baked delight.

This recipe is the epitome of fuss-free. Using frozen cheese tortellini means you can skip the time-consuming dough-making process and instead dive straight into the rich, cheesy goodness. Ground beef provides a robust, savory base, while bouillon cubes infuse the dish with a deep, rich flavor. And let’s not forget the Italian cheese blend, which melts beautifully to form a golden, bubbly topping that takes this skillet meal to the next level.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this ground beef and tortellini bake delivers both flavor and convenience in every delicious bite.

Ingredients for Beef Tortellini

• Ground beef: This beefy, cheesy skillet dinner gets its protein from a pound of ground meat. We went with beef here, but you could opt for bison for a leaner twist with less fat and fewer calories.
• Montreal steak seasoning: The secret sauce, or in this case, secret seasoning. We love an all-in-one blend, and Montreal steak seasoning is it, with the perfect mix of smoky, savory notes that pair well with beef tortellini. Pro tip: Double the seasoning. Reviewers who used more noticed a world of flavor difference.
• Beef bouillon: Beefy flavor gets dialed up, thanks to bouillon granules that help cook the tortellini in a well-seasoned water bath.
• Tortellini: It doesn’t get any easier than store-bought frozen cheese tortellini that cooks in the same skillet in a few quick minutes.
• Italian cheese blend: Meat and pasta skillets are better with cheese, and this dinner is proof. Look for an Italian cheese blend that contains a combo of mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano and provolone cheeses.

Directions

Step 1: Saute the meat

In a large skillet, cook the beef over medium heat until it’s no longer pink, five to six minutes, crumbling the meat with the back of a wooden spoon. Drain off as much grease as you can, then stir in the steak seasoning, giving everything a good toss.

Step 2: Cook the tortellini

In the same skillet, add the water and the bouillon granules, and bring the liquid to a boil. Stir in the frozen tortellini, and return the pan to a boil. Reduce the heat, then simmer, covered, for three to four minutes or until the tortellini are fork-tender.

Step 3: Add the cheese

Remove the skillet from the heat, and sprinkle the cheese on top. Let the skillet stand, covered, until all the cheese has melted.

Beef Tortellini Variations

• Try flavored tortellini: Looking for a tortellini that packs a bigger flavor punch than plain cheese? Try spinach tortellini to sneak in some greens, mushroom tortellini or a four-cheese tortellini.
• Swap the beef for poultry: Not in the mood for beef? Ground chicken or turkey is a delicious alternative that can be cooked the same way, with poultry seasoning instead of steak seasoning.
• Toss in some fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or chopped chives on top of this skillet dish would be a wonderfully flavorful addition.
• Add some sauce: For those who love their noodles smothered in red sauce, add a jar of your go-to sauce when you add the water to the skillet.

How to Store Beef Tortellini

Although this one-pot wonder tends to be gobbled up quickly, you might have leftovers. On the off chance, don’t let one bite go to waste. Transfer any remaining tortellini to airtight containers in the fridge, to reheat and eat later in the week.

What’s the best way to reheat beef tortellini?

Transfer a few skillet scoops to a plate or bowl, top it with more cheese, then pop it in the microwave for two to three minutes, until the cheese is melted and the meat is warmed through.

You could also go the oven route, covering the skillet with more cheese and a splash of water so the tortellini doesn’t dry out. Then bake it at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes.

How long does beef tortellini last?

This cheesy cooked tortellini skillet will last in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge for three to five days.

Beef Tortellini Tips

Can I use refrigerated tortellini instead of frozen?

Of course! Refrigerated tortellini can be used instead of frozen and prepared the same way, cooking it in water and beef bouillon for a few minutes until tender.

How do I make this beef tortellini pasta recipe even better?

This recipe is a pretty easy canvas to get creative with. Many of our recipe reviewers added sauteed onions and garlic to the ground beef for more flavor, doubled the seasonings, traded bouillon and water for beef broth, or made it creamy with a few dollops of sour cream and cream cheese.

What are some good sides to serve with skillet beef tortellini?

A leafy green salad would be delicious on the side, as would a loaf of crusty bread for dipping up the extra juice.