Description: A comforting and quick one-pan meal featuring tender cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy stroganoff sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Brown the Beef: In a large skillet (preferably oven-safe) or a large, deep sauté pan over medium-high heat, inspect the pan to ensure it’s clean and ready for cooking. Add a drizzle of olive oil if your ground beef is particularly lean; otherwise, the beef’s natural fat should be sufficient. Place the ground beef into the pan, and immediately begin breaking it up with a spatula or a sturdy spoon. Ensure the beef is spread evenly to promote even browning. Cook the ground beef, stirring occasionally, until it loses its pink color and is nicely browned. This process usually takes about 5–7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy final product.
Step 2: Infuse with Garlic: Once the beef is browned and drained, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir the garlic into the beef, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can impart a bitter taste to the dish. Stir constantly during this step to prevent burning. The aroma of the garlic should fill your kitchen, signaling that it’s perfectly infused into the beef.
Step 3: Build the Stroganoff Base: Pour the beef broth into the skillet, ensuring it covers the beef. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. These two ingredients are key to achieving the classic stroganoff flavor profile. The Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami depth, while the Dijon mustard provides a subtle tang. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Incorporate the Tortellini: Gently add the cheese tortellini directly into the simmering mixture. Ensure the tortellini is evenly distributed throughout the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for approximately 5–7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the tortellini from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The tortellini should plump up slightly as it cooks, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Finish: Remove the lid from the skillet and reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Stir in the sour cream and heavy cream (if using). The heavy cream is optional but adds an extra layer of richness to the dish. Mix the creams into the sauce until it becomes smooth, rich, and silky. Be sure to stir gently to avoid breaking the tortellini.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Thicken: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the skillet. Stir the cheese into the sauce until it is fully melted and incorporated. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce beautifully. Allow the skillet to rest for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This resting period will enhance the overall texture of the dish.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. The fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish. Serve the Creamy Beef and Cheese Tortellini Stroganoff Skillet warm. It’s a complete meal in one pan, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Creamy Beef and Cheese Tortellini Stroganoff Skillet is a recipe that you will undoubtedly fall in love with, and here’s why:
- One-Pan Wonder: The convenience of this recipe cannot be overstated. Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash. This is a major win for busy weeknights when time is of the essence. The simplicity of the one-pan approach doesn’t compromise on flavor; instead, it allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
- Unmatched Comfort: The combination of tender cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, and a creamy, rich stroganoff sauce is the epitome of comfort food. Each bite is a warm and satisfying experience, making it the perfect meal for a cozy night in. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel instantly comforted and content.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe can be on the table in under 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for those evenings when you want a home-cooked meal but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The straightforward steps ensure that even novice cooks can achieve delicious results.
- Versatile and Adaptable: This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences and dietary needs. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, use gluten-free tortellini, or add vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or spinach for extra nutrients. This adaptability means you can enjoy this dish in countless ways.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This stroganoff skillet is a guaranteed hit with family and friends. The creamy, cheesy sauce and the flavorful beef make it appealing to both adults and children. It’s a dish that everyone will enjoy, making it a great choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Rich and Flavorful: The stroganoff sauce is where this dish truly shines. The combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile. The sauce coats the tortellini and beef perfectly, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Customizable Creaminess: The option to add heavy cream allows you to customize the richness of the dish to your liking. If you prefer a lighter meal, you can omit the heavy cream altogether. However, for those who crave a truly decadent experience, the addition of heavy cream takes the creaminess to the next level.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. The flavors continue to meld together as it sits, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers for lunch. It’s a convenient way to have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to go.
- Cheesy Goodness: The cheese tortellini and Parmesan cheese combine to create a cheesy delight that is simply irresistible. The gooey, melted cheese adds a layer of indulgence that makes this dish extra special. It’s the perfect comfort food for cheese lovers.
- A Hearty and Complete Meal: This skillet provides a well-rounded and satisfying meal in a single dish. With protein from the beef, carbohydrates from the tortellini, and dairy from the sauce, it offers a balanced combination of nutrients. You can serve it on its own or pair it with a simple side salad for a complete and nourishing meal.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5
- Flavor: 5/5
- Kid-Friendly: 5/5
- Overall: 5/5
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Pair with a simple green salad or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- A crisp white wine or a light beer.
Tips:
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
- Do not overcook the tortellini, as it can become mushy.
- Adjust the amount of sour cream and heavy cream to your preference.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, or spinach.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion:
The Creamy Beef and Cheese Tortellini Stroganoff Skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the joy of creating a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with the savory beef and tender tortellini makes every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and enjoy the process of creating this one-pan wonder.
5 Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of ground meat?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork. Each type of meat will lend a slightly different flavor profile to the dish, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite. Just ensure that you drain any excess grease after browning the meat to prevent a greasy final product.
Q2: What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I still make this recipe?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this recipe without heavy cream. The heavy cream adds extra richness to the stroganoff sauce, but it’s not essential. If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can either omit it entirely or substitute it with half-and-half or even a little extra sour cream. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this skillet? If so, which ones would you recommend?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables to this skillet is a great way to boost its nutritional value and add extra flavor. Some excellent vegetable choices include sautéed mushrooms, diced onions, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply sauté the vegetables in the skillet after browning the beef, before adding the broth and other sauce ingredients.
Q4: How do I store leftovers, and how long will they last in the refrigerator?
A: To store leftovers, allow the skillet to cool completely. Then, transfer the contents to an airtight container and refrigerate. Leftovers will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or reheat the entire skillet on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time and bake it in the oven?
A: Yes, you can prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it in the oven. Assemble the skillet as directed, but do not add the sour cream or Parmesan cheese until after baking. Cover the skillet with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Then, remove the foil, stir in the sour cream and Parmesan cheese, and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is a great option if you need to prepare dinner in advance and want to serve it warm from the oven.
