If you’re craving something hearty, creamy, and irresistibly comforting, look no further than One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini. This dish brings together tender cheese tortellini, flavorful ground beef, and a luscious stroganoff sauce in a single pan, making weeknight dinners a breeze. With layers of savory goodness and just the right amount of tang, it’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and has everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just want to treat yourself, this recipe delivers big on flavor without a mountain of dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini is how every ingredient serves a purpose, coming together in perfect harmony. Each component adds something special, whether it’s richness, creaminess, or that perfect pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Olive Oil: Adds a lovely base flavor and prevents sticking as you brown the beef.
- Ground Beef: The star protein, bringing hearty depth and savory satisfaction to the dish.
- Onion (finely chopped): Offers a sweet, mellow backdrop that balances the richness of the beef.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the skillet with a warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- Paprika: Provides gentle smokiness and a gorgeous color boost in the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor in the skillet.
- Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity to the final dish.
- Beef Broth: Builds the body of the sauce, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Cheese Tortellini: Pillowy pasta pockets that soak up all the delicious sauce and make the meal extra comforting.
- Sour Cream: Brings creaminess and the classic tang you expect from stroganoff.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle zing that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella or Swiss Cheese: Melts into the sauce, making it irresistibly gooey and rich.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top adds color and a burst of freshness.
How to Make One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in your largest skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Let it cook until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s a lot of extra fat, go ahead and drain it — this keeps the sauce from turning greasy while letting all the meaty flavor shine through.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic right into the skillet with the beef. Stir and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion softens and the garlic perfumes the air. This step builds a flavor base that makes the whole One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini so memorable.
Step 3: Season Everything
Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and onions with these spices. The paprika is what gives the sauce its signature color and a subtle smokiness, while salt and pepper ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 4: Simmer with Tortellini
Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add the cheese tortellini and give it a good stir to coat each piece in the savory broth. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini are plump and tender. The pasta will soak in all the flavors and release a little starch to thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Creamy Finish
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and Dijon mustard. Watch as the sauce transforms into a silky, creamy coating! Finally, sprinkle in the shredded cheese and stir until it melts completely, blending into the sauce so that every forkful of One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini is irresistibly cheesy and rich.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat, then sprinkle fresh parsley over the top if you like a pop of color and herbal freshness. Serve hot, right out of the pan, and enjoy those cozy, creamy flavors while the cheese is still perfectly melty.
How to Serve One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini. Fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, a dusting of smoked paprika, or even a few sliced green onions. Each adds its own flair and elevates the presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables make lovely partners. Warm, crusty bread is always welcome for soaking up extra sauce, or keep things light with a tangy cucumber salad to contrast the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini in shallow bowls with a swirl of sour cream on top. Mini cast-iron skillets make for a charming individual presentation at a dinner party, or spoon it into a bread bowl for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which isn’t guaranteed!), let the One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors deepen a bit as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch even better.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish for busy nights. Just make sure to cool it completely first, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Aim to eat within two months for the best texture; the tortellini may soften a bit but will still be tasty after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place your One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently until heated through. For microwave reheating, use medium power and pause to stir every minute or so for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is classic in this recipe, mushroom or spinach tortellini work beautifully too, adding extra layers of flavor and color.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for beef and use light sour cream for a slightly lighter version. Skipping the shredded cheese or using a reduced-fat variety also helps trim calories.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Of course! Sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or even peas can be added after the beef is browned. They’ll blend right in and add more texture and nutrition to your One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
A little yellow mustard or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce can be used in a pinch. The idea is to add a hint of tang and brightness to balance the creamy sauce.
How do I prevent the tortellini from getting mushy?
Keep an eye on the cooking time and only simmer the tortellini until just tender. Stir occasionally, and serve the dish promptly once it’s ready for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a meal that’s this easy, comforting, and full of flavor. I hope you’ll give One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini a try soon and discover for yourself why it’s such a beloved favorite in my kitchen. Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a dinner that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini is a quick, creamy, and comforting weeknight meal that combines tender ground beef, cheesy tortellini, and a savory sour cream sauce all cooked together in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and the mixture is fragrant.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in paprika, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the beef and vegetables with the spices.
- Add Broth and Tortellini: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini, stirring gently to coat them in the liquid.
- Cook the Tortellini: Cover the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Finish the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream and Dijon mustard until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese over the mixture and stir until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the stroganoff tortellini hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream along with the sour cream.
- Use mushroom tortellini or sauté 1 cup of mushrooms and stir them in for a more traditional stroganoff flavor.
- Be sure to drain any excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
