If you’re craving something hearty, fast, and utterly comforting, One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This brilliant mashup takes the rich, creamy flavor of classic stroganoff and marries it with cheesy tortellini for a dish that’s equally kid-approved and adult-adored. Everything comes together in one skillet, so cleanup is blissfully minimal—and the pillowy pasta soaks up every drop of that tangy, savory sauce. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or simply want leftovers to die for, this meal delivers satisfying flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together with just a handful of essentials, yet each one layers in its own special touch—be it a creamy richness, a pop of freshness, or just the right amount of savory depth. Assemble your ingredients, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the coziest aroma ever.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Opt for leaner beef for less grease, or use your favorite blend for extra juiciness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle fruitiness and ensures the beef browns beautifully.
- Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Delivers sweet, mellow flavor and aromatic undertones.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Brings that unbeatable garlicky warmth—fresh is best!
- Beef broth (2 cups): Layers on savory richness and ties the sauce together.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): The secret umami boost for classic stroganoff taste.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds tang, brightness, and just a hint of spice.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): For gentle warmth and a hint of color.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and bringing out all the flavors.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (10 ounces): These cheesy pillows turn the skillet into pure comfort food. Fresh tortellini work best for tenderness!
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): For the signature tangy-creamy finish—swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist if you’d like.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Adds salty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons, optional): Sprinkled on at the end for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Make One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Let the beef get nicely browned so it adds a deep, savory layer to the whole dish. If you notice extra fat in the pan, take a moment to drain it off—this keeps the finished sauce from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic right into the skillet with the beef. Cook everything together for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until the onion softens and the garlic turns fragrant. This step builds a wonderful aromatic base that makes One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini feel so cozy.
Step 3: Simmer with Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to scrape up those tasty browned bits at the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer—it should smell incredible at this stage!
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Next, stir in the cheese tortellini, making sure they’re fully coated in the savory sauce. Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the tortellini are perfectly tender and ready to soak up all that rich flavor. Stir once or twice so nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 5: Creamy Finish
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let everything mingle for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently until the sauce thickens to a luscious, creamy consistency. The tortellini plump up, and every bite becomes irresistibly coated in sauce—that’s when you know it’s ready!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy, scatter the chopped parsley over the top. This final touch adds freshness and brings a burst of color, making your One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini
Garnishes
Classic chopped parsley is always a winner—its bright green color pops against the creamy sauce, plus it adds a fresh, peppery note. For a touch of elegance, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a light dusting of smoked paprika can take your bowl of One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini to the next level. Even a handful of chives or thinly sliced scallions can add a little extra flair.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and comforting, so keep the sides simple. A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette balances the creaminess, while roasted or steamed veggies (think green beans or broccoli) add vibrant color and freshness. If you’re a bread-lover, a slice of warm crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon your One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini into individual bowls and top with a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Hosting friends? Try serving it family-style straight from the skillet—everyone loves that “dinnertime at grandma’s” vibe! Or, for a weeknight indulgence, serve it in wide pasta bowls with extra Parmesan on the side for a DIY finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to thicken, making those reheated servings extra rich and satisfying.
Freezing
While tortellini dishes with creamy sauces can be a bit finicky in the freezer, you absolutely can freeze this one if needed. Let everything cool fully, spoon it into a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results—the sauce may need a splash of broth or cream to come back to life.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a bit of broth, milk, or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently so the creamy sauce doesn’t separate. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover your bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you use frozen tortellini, just add a few extra minutes to the simmering step to ensure they’re cooked through and pillowy-soft in your One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Definitely. Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, and choose a leaner ground beef—or even ground turkey. The result is still creamy and full of flavor, but a bit on the lighter side for everyday meals.
Can I add mushrooms to the dish?
Yes! Sliced mushrooms are a classic addition to any stroganoff and they pair beautifully with the cheesy tortellini. Sauté them with the onions and garlic for best texture and flavor. One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini is super flexible with add-ins!
What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from curdling?
Make sure the heat is reduced before adding the sour cream and heavy cream. High temperatures can cause dairy to split. Stir gently, keep it low and slow, and you’ll have a silky, decadent sauce every time.
Can this meal be made ahead for meal prep?
Yes! Make it a day ahead and store in the fridge—just know the sauce will thicken as it sits, so add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to loosen it up. Portion into single-serve containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a reliable, crowd-pleasing dinner that tastes like a cozy hug in a bowl, you can’t go wrong with One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini. It’s rich, creamy, bursting with flavor, and so easy to whip up after a long day. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a family favorite you make again and again!
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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
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the convenience and rich flavors of this One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini recipe. It’s a hearty and creamy dish that combines tender cheese tortellini with seasoned ground beef in a savory sauce, finished with a touch of sour cream and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Pasta:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet, brown the ground beef, and cook with onion and garlic until softened.
- Make Sauce: Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer, then add tortellini and cook until tender.
- Finish Dish: Reduce heat, stir in sour cream, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Cook until creamy. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option.
- Enhance the dish by adding mushrooms with the onions for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
