Tired of weeknight dinners that fall flat? Craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor? This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet is the answer! Imagine tender beef, melt-in-your-mouth cheese tortellini, and a creamy, savory sauce all coming together in one pan. Best of all, this dish is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal on the table fast.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet
This isn’t your average pasta dish! Here’s why you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular rotation:
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of beef, cheese tortellini, and savory seasonings is irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences and what you have on hand.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, comforting meal.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet
The key to a truly delicious cheesy beef tortellini skillet lies in the quality and combination of ingredients. This recipe brings together savory beef, tender pasta, and a creamy, comforting sauce that’s sure to please. Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need and why they’re important.
- Beef Sirloin: We’re using one pound of beef sirloin, thinly sliced. Sirloin is a lean and flavorful cut that cooks quickly and stays tender. Slicing it thinly ensures it cooks evenly in the skillet. If you’re short on time, pre-sliced stir-fry beef works perfectly.
- Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil is essential for searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables. It adds a subtle richness and helps the ingredients develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Green Bell Pepper: One sliced green bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch to the skillet. Feel free to substitute with other colors of bell pepper if you prefer. Red or yellow bell peppers will add even more sweetness.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These are the foundation of our flavor profile. A teaspoon of garlic powder and a 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder add a savory depth that complements the beef and cheese.
- Black Pepper: A 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper provides a subtle kick and enhances the other flavors in the dish. Freshly ground black pepper is always a great option for a more pronounced flavor.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: One 20-ounce package of refrigerated cheese tortellini is the star of the show! Choose your favorite brand and filling. The cheese tortellini adds a delightful creamy filling and a satisfying bite to every spoonful.
- Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is our secret weapon for creating a rich and creamy sauce in a flash! One 10.75-ounce can of condensed cream of mushroom soup provides a flavorful base that’s quick and easy.
- Milk: A 1/2 cup of milk thins out the condensed soup and creates the perfect consistency for the sauce. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even a non-dairy milk alternative like almond or soy milk.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: One cup of shredded mozzarella cheese adds a melty, gooey, cheesy topping that everyone will love! Use pre-shredded cheese for convenience, or shred your own for even better melting.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish. It’s the perfect garnish to balance the richness of the cheese and beef.
Crafting Your Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet: Step-by-Step
Ready to create a comforting and delicious Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Follow these simple step-by-step instructions and you’ll have a flavorful meal on the table in no time. The key is to build layers of flavor in each step.
- Prepare the Beef: Start by slicing the beef sirloin as thinly as possible. A slightly frozen steak is actually easier to slice thinly! This ensures that the beef cooks quickly and remains tender in the skillet. Think of it like preparing beef for a stir-fry; the thinner, the better.
- Sear the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the beef in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor in the beef.
- Add Peppers and Seasoning: Add the sliced green bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Continue to cook until the peppers are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. The peppers will absorb the delicious flavors from the beef and seasonings.
- Cook the Tortellini: Now, add the cheese tortellini to the skillet. Pour in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that all the tortellini is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer and Melt Cheese: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and heated through. This gentle simmering allows the tortellini to cook perfectly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture. If your skillet is oven-safe, place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and broil.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. The fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the dish.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet Every Time
Want to take your Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the beef, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking in batches ensures that the beef browns properly and doesn’t steam.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet along with the other seasonings.
- Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as sliced mushrooms, onions, or zucchini.
- Make it a Casserole: For a heartier meal, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. This is similar to our cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole – easy comfort food!
What to Serve With Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a simple side dish. A light salad, such as a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the skillet. You could also serve it with some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Your Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet Questions Answered (FAQ)
Can I use ground beef instead of sirloin?
Yes, you can definitely use ground beef! Brown the ground beef in the skillet before adding the bell peppers and seasonings. Drain off any excess grease before proceeding with the recipe.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Add the frozen tortellini to the skillet and cook until heated through, about 10-12 minutes. Make sure the tortellini is fully cooked before adding the cheese.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the skillet ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cheese and broil as directed. You might need to add a splash of milk before reheating if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, for another make-ahead dinner, check out our savory sausage and bread bake!
Can I use a different kind of soup?
While cream of mushroom soup is classic, you can experiment! Cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup could also work well. Consider the overall flavor profile you’re aiming for when choosing a substitute.
Enjoy Your Homemade Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet!
There you have it – a simple, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet that’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or any time you’re craving a comforting and delicious meal. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable pasta experience! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how yours turned out. We love hearing from you!
Cheesy Beef Tortellini Skillet (No More Bland!)
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef sirloin as thinly as possible. This ensures quick cooking and maximizes tenderness. A slightly frozen steak is easier to slice thinly.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Add Peppers and Seasoning: Add the sliced green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook until the peppers are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the skillet. Pour in the condensed cream of mushroom soup and milk. Stir to combine, ensuring the tortellini is coated in the sauce.
- Simmer and Melt Cheese: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
- Add Cheese and Broil: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture. If your skillet is oven-safe, place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a baking dish and broil. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.