If you’re looking for a recipe that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy, cheesy goodness of pasta, then you’re in for a treat! This Cheeseburger Tortellini Skillet is the ultimate comfort food—packed with juicy ground beef, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, tangy sauce that tastes just like your favorite burger. Plus, it’s all made in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

I love skillet meals because they are quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights. This one, in particular, has quickly become a family favorite in my house. Every bite is filled with cheesy, beefy goodness, and the hint of mustard and ketchup in the sauce gives it that signature cheeseburger taste. The best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes, so you can have a satisfying meal on the table fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pan magic – Less mess, fewer dishes!
• 30-minute meal – Quick and easy for weeknights.
• Family-friendly – Kids and adults both love it.
• Cheesy & comforting – Everything you love about a cheeseburger in pasta form.

Now, let’s jump into the ingredients and get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have these ingredients on hand:

For the Skillet:

• 1 lb lean ground beef – The heart of our cheeseburger flavor.
• 1 cup diced yellow onion – Adds sweetness and depth.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon pepper – Just enough to balance the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic – Because garlic makes everything better!
• 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini – The pasta that gives this dish its creamy, cheesy bite.

For the Sauce:

• 10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup – The base of the creamy sauce.
• 10 oz Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies (not drained) – Adds a little zing!
• 1 cup milk – Helps create a rich and velvety sauce.
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard – Gives that classic cheeseburger tang.
• ¼ cup ketchup – Adds a sweet and tangy touch.

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!

How to Make Cheeseburger Tortellini Skillet

Follow these simple steps to create this creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed meal:

Step 1: Cook the Beef & Onions

Start by heating a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally and cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Pro Tip: If there’s excess grease in the pan, drain it off before moving to the next step. This keeps the dish from being too oily.

Step 2: Season & Sauté

Once the beef is cooked, add the salt, pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it cook for one more minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.

At this point, your kitchen should be smelling AMAZING—that garlicky, beefy aroma is pure magic!

Step 3: Add the Tortellini

Now, toss in the frozen cheese tortellini and give everything a good stir. No need to pre-cook the tortellini—it will cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors.

Shortcut Alert: Using frozen tortellini makes this dish extra easy. No need to boil a separate pot of water!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

It’s time to bring everything together! Pour in:

• Condensed cheddar soup
• Rotel tomatoes (with their juices!)
• Milk
• Yellow mustard
• Ketchup

Stir well until all the ingredients are combined and the sauce looks smooth and creamy. The mustard and ketchup might seem unusual, but trust me—they give the sauce that signature cheeseburger taste!

Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, which helps the tortellini start cooking.

Step 5: Simmer the Tortellini

Once everything is bubbling, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the tortellini simmer for 5-6 minutes.

Stir once halfway through to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. The tortellini should be tender and perfectly cooked by the time you’re done.

Pro Tip: If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a minute to thicken.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Once the tortellini has simmered and is tender, give everything a final stir to make sure the sauce is evenly coating the pasta. Now, grab your 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the skillet.

Cheese Tip: Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded cheese (which often contains anti-caking agents). If you have time, shred it yourself for maximum meltiness!

Step 7: Broil or Melt the Cheese

You have two options for getting that perfect melty, gooey cheese topping:

Option 1: Broil for a Golden Finish

If your skillet is oven-safe, pop it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it—broilers work fast, and you want that cheese to be bubbly and golden brown, but not burnt!

Pro Tip: If your oven has multiple broil settings, go with low broil for more even melting.

Option 2: Melt on the Stovetop

No oven? No problem! Just cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt naturally over medium-low heat. This takes about 3-4 minutes and still gives you a rich, creamy finish.

Either way, you’ll be rewarded with a beautifully melted cheddar topping that makes this dish irresistible.

Step 8: Let It Rest & Serve

Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes the sauce extra creamy and thick.

Now, it’s time to dig in! Grab a big spoon and serve up generous portions of this cheesy, beefy, tortellini-packed goodness.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color.
• Serve with a crisp green salad to balance out the richness.
• Pair with garlic bread or toasted buns to soak up the extra sauce.

Tips & Variations to Customize Your Skillet

One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is! Here are some easy ways to switch things up:

• Add Turkey Bacon – Crumble crispy turkey bacon on top for a turkey bacon cheeseburger twist.
• Make it Spicy – Use spicy Rotel or add a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Try Different Cheese – Mix in Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Swap the Beef – Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Boost the Veggies – Stir in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.

This dish is already a crowd-pleaser, but don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Yes! If using fresh tortellini, you may need to reduce the simmering time by a couple of minutes since fresh pasta cooks faster than frozen. Just check for doneness before adding the cheese.

2. What can I use instead of cheddar soup?

If you don’t have condensed cheddar soup, you can make a quick homemade version by whisking together:

• 1 cup of heavy cream or milk
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1 tablespoon of flour (to thicken)
  Cook over medium heat until thick and smooth.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up until the cheese-melting step, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, then melt the cheese.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

5. Can I freeze Cheeseburger Tortellini Skillet?

Yes, but with a small modification. Freeze without the cheese topping, as dairy-based sauces can separate when frozen. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat on the stovetop, and add fresh cheese before serving.

6. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

For best results:

• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or broth if needed to keep it creamy.

7. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, or simply skip the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Conclusion: Why You Need This Skillet in Your Life

This Cheeseburger Tortellini Skillet is everything you could want in a comfort meal:

• One-pan simplicity – Fewer dishes, more flavor.
• Quick & easy – Ready in 30 minutes.
• Cheesy, creamy, beefy goodness – A must-try for cheeseburger lovers.
• Customizable – Make it spicy, add turkey bacon, or load it with veggies!

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, a hungry family, or just yourself, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s rich, creamy, bursting with cheeseburger flavor, and makes for the perfect weeknight dinner.

Now it’s your turn!

Give this one-pan wonder a try, and let me know how it turned out! Did you add any fun twists? Leave a comment below or tag me on social media with your delicious creations.

Enjoy your Cheeseburger Tortellini Skillet!

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