The tortellini turns tender and plump as it cooks, ready to catch the savory pan juices from browned beef and softened onion. Sharp cheddar melts into the folds, clinging to the pasta while smoky bacon crisps provide contrast in each bite. A handful of canned tomatoes adds a gentle acidity that cuts through the richness.
Serve this skillet straight from the stove with a simple green salad on the side.
Steps + Photos to make this recipe for Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Tortellini
Step 1: Gather your ingredients. Pull out a pot and a skillet.
Step 2: Dice half the onion. If you haven’t cooked the bacon yet, now’s the time. Set both aside.
Step 3: Boil the tortellini for 3 minutes, until they are all floating. (We all float down here.)
Step 4: Brown the beef mixture, and cook with garlic and onion.
Step 5: Combine ingredients, using half the cheese and half the bacon.
Step 6: Finish with the rest of the cheese and bacon.
Tools & Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large pot for boiling water
- Colander to drain the torts
- 12-inch cast iron skillet (or a nonstick skillet)
- Silicone spoon or spatula
- Can opener, to open tomatoes
Tips for Success
- Use freshly shredded cheddar instead of pre-shredded for better melting.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini; it only needs a few minutes to float, and it will heat through with other ingredients after cooking.
- Drain the beef thoroughly to prevent the skillet from turning greasy.
- Save a bit of bacon to sprinkle just before serving for extra crispness.
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Colby if you’d like a milder melt.
- Since you aren’t adding an extra sauce, you’ll need to cook the tortellini first.
Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Tortellini
Ingredients
- 19 oz bag tortellini
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 t minced garlic
- ½ yellow onion diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 8 oz cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ c bacon cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Chop onion. Now’s the time to cook the bacon if you haven’t already, and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook 3 min, until floating. Drain and set aside.
- In a 12-inch cast iron skillet, cook ground beef, garlic, and onion until no longer pink, breaking meat apart. Drain grease (into the trash, not down the sink).
- Stir in cooked tortellini, diced tomatoes, ⅔ of cheese, and ⅔ of bacon.
- Top with remaining cheese and bacon. Cover and cook for about 5 min, until cheese is melted. This creates a nice topping.
The bottom line
This Skillet Bacon Cheeseburger Tortellini is proof that weeknight cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. The beef browns and lends its juices to the tomatoes, the pasta soaks up flavor, and the cheddar melts into a gooey layer that kind of makes life worth living. Crisp bacon scattered over the top ensures every forkful is smoky, rich, and satisfying.
Want more dinner ideas? Heck, yeah:
This was easy and delicious
This sounds like an excellent and easy dinner idea. I will try it this weekend.