Creamy One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini with Savory Sauce

Short description

A rich, one-skillet meal combining savory ground beef, cheese tortellini, and a creamy, herb-infused stroganoff-style sauce — all cooked together for a satisfying and easy dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan simplicity — minimal cleanup and fuss.
Creamy indulgence — heavy cream, sour cream, and Parmesan meld into a luscious sauce.
Hearty and comforting — protein-packed with tender beef and cheese tortellini.
Quick prep — ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight meals.
Customizable — add mushrooms, spinach, or swap for chicken for variation.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef
12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp ground mustard
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1½ cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

Cook the tortellini
- Boil tortellini according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Set aside.
Brown the ground beef
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil, add beef, and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking into crumbles until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Sauté aromatics
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Season the beef
- Stir in paprika, ground mustard, black pepper, and salt, mixing well to coat the beef.
Add the liquids
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Simmer 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Create the sauce
- Lower the heat, stir in heavy cream and sour cream until smooth. Simmer 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine with tortellini
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing gently. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Finish the dish
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main course, Pasta

Variations

Mushroom addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions for an earthy twist.
Veggie boost: Stir in spinach or peas just before serving.
Chicken swap: Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken instead of beef.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.
Cheese variety: Substitute Parmesan with Gouda or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate: Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.
Freezing: Not recommended—the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

1. Can I skip cooking the tortellini ahead of time?

You could add uncooked tortellini directly, but you may need extra broth and a longer simmer time—cook separately for best results.

2. Is it gluten-free?

Replace tortellini with gluten-free pasta, and confirm beef broth is GF to adapt accordingly.

3. Can I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream, yogurt, and cheese alternatives to make a lighter version.

4. How do I avoid a watery sauce?

Simmer until slightly reduced and use reserved pasta water sparingly—add gradually to reach desired thickness.

5. Can I use ground turkey instead?

Yes—ground turkey or chicken can be used, though you may want to boost flavor with extra seasoning.

6. What can I serve with it?

Add a side of garlic bread, green salad, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

7. Can I prepare parts ahead?

Yes—brown the beef and cook tortellini earlier; reheat together while whisking in cream, sour cream, and cheese before serving.

8. Can I turn this into a casserole?

Layer tortellini, beef sauce, and cheese in a baking dish; bake at 350 °F for 15 minutes until bubbly.

9. Is it suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely—portion into containers with extra sauce; reheat in microwave, stirring mid-cycle.

10. Can I freeze leftovers?

Not ideal—cream sauces may separate. Instead, enjoy fresh or refrigerate until used.

Conclusion

Creamy One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini delivers comfort and convenience in every forkful. With a harmonious blend of savory beef, cheesy tortellini, and velvety sauce, this simple yet satisfying meal is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

[tasty-recipe id=”15762″]