There’s something about a rich and creamy beef stroganoff that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. This One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini takes everything you love about the classic dish and makes it even better by swapping out egg noodles for cheese-stuffed tortellini. The result? A meal that’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy to make in just one pan perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something delicious without a lot of cleanup.
I remember the first time I made this for my family. We had just finished a long day, and I wanted to put together something quick but satisfying. I had a package of tortellini in the fridge and figured, why not combine it with the rich, creamy flavors of beef stroganoff? It turned out to be a hit! The combination of juicy ground beef, tender tortellini, and a creamy, savory sauce made everyone ask for seconds.
This dish is ideal for a cozy dinner at home, meal prepping for the week, or even impressing guests with minimal effort. Plus, since everything cooks in one skillet, there’s hardly any mess to deal with afterward. If you’re looking for a new family favorite, this Beef Stroganoff Tortellini will quickly earn a top spot on your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything well.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cheese tortellini. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for about 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream, making sure it blends smoothly into the sauce. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a little grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
That’s it! In just one skillet and a few simple steps, you have a creamy, comforting stroganoff-style pasta dish that’s full of flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner any night of the week!
Variations:
This One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini is already packed with rich flavors, but there are plenty of ways to customize it based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few easy swaps and additions to make this dish your own:
-
Ground Beef Alternatives – Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner option.
-
Classic Stroganoff Style – Use thinly sliced sirloin steak or beef stew meat instead of ground beef for a more traditional take.
-
Vegetarian Option – Skip the meat and add mushrooms, plant-based ground beef, or a mix of lentils and chickpeas for a hearty, meat-free version.
-
If you don’t have tortellini, use egg noodles, rotini, or even gnocchi for a similar creamy experience.
-
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortellini or swap it for gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
Cooking Notes:
-
Brown the Beef Properly: When cooking the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces so it cooks evenly. Let it brown fully before adding the onions and garlic. This gives the beef a rich, savory flavor.
-
Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If your skillet is too small, consider cooking the beef in batches. This will allow the meat to brown properly and avoid steaming it, which can affect the texture and flavor.
-
Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking the tortellini, simply add a splash more beef broth or water to thin it out. The sauce should be creamy but not too heavy.
-
Stir the Tortellini Gently: Since the tortellini is delicate, stir it gently to avoid breaking it. You want it to stay intact, so use a spoon with a soft touch.
-
Sour Cream at the End: Stir in the sour cream at the end of the cooking process. Adding it too early can cause it to curdle. Mixing it in after you remove the skillet from the heat ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
-
Leftovers: This dish is great for leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to bring back the creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini is rich and hearty on its own, but there are plenty of ways to make it even more satisfying with the right sides. For a well-rounded meal, pair it with something light and refreshing to balance out the richness of the dish.
-
Green Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad is the perfect contrast to the creamy, savory flavors of the stroganoff. Consider a simple mix of leafy greens, such as arugula or spinach, with a light vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of the dish.
-
Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love a slice of warm, crispy garlic bread alongside a creamy pasta dish? The buttery, garlicky bread makes for a perfect dipping companion to scoop up any remaining sauce on your plate.
-
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots add both color and flavor to the meal. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Their slight char and natural sweetness will complement the savory flavors of the beef stroganoff.
-
Steamed Broccoli: Another great vegetable option is steamed broccoli. Its mild flavor and crunchy texture provide a great contrast to the creamy pasta, and it’s packed with nutrients.
For an added touch, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top of the dish before serving to give it an extra layer of flavor.
Tips:
-
Use lean ground beef: To make this dish a bit lighter, you can use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher). This will reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor. If you prefer, you can also swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
-
Don’t overcook the tortellini: Since the tortellini cooks quickly, make sure to watch it closely to avoid overcooking. The tortellini should be tender but not mushy, so once it’s floating and cooked through, you can move on to the next steps.
-
Adjust the thickness of the sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more sour cream or a little bit of cornstarch to the mix. For a thinner sauce, just add a bit more beef broth or cream. Adjusting the sauce consistency to your liking ensures that each bite is perfectly coated.
-
Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce. The creaminess of the sauce will help balance out the spice, adding a flavorful kick to the dish.
-
Use fresh herbs: While dried thyme works well, fresh thyme can elevate the flavor even more. Fresh parsley also adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that lightens up the richness of the dish.
-
Leftovers: This dish makes for great leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~550 per serving
- Protein: ~25g
- Sodium: ~750mg
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs:
1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes, absolutely! If you don’t have tortellini, you can use other pasta types such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. The sauce will still be delicious and flavorful, and any pasta shape you choose will work well in this dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you use.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef stroganoff tortellini in advance. You can cook the beef and sauce, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little extra beef broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Cook the tortellini fresh for the best texture, and then combine it with the sauce just before serving.
3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the regular cheese tortellini for gluten-free tortellini or another gluten-free pasta of your choice. You’ll also want to double-check that your Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard are gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat. Once you’ve made these swaps, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this creamy and comforting meal!
Conclusion:
One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food that combines the richness of a classic beef stroganoff with the creamy goodness of tortellini. The best part? It all comes together in one skillet, making clean-up a breeze and dinner easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a family, hosting friends, or just craving a delicious meal after a long day, this dish is guaranteed to please.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it with different proteins, pasta types, and herbs to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. The creamy, flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with the tender tortellini, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can transform a weeknight dinner into something special. The addition of fresh parsley and Parmesan brings an extra layer of flavor, while the sour cream adds the perfect touch of tanginess to balance out the richness. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing guests, this Beef Stroganoff Tortellini is sure to become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation. Enjoy every bite, and remember, it’s all about making dinner time feel like a comforting and delicious experience.
Print
One-Skillet Beef Stroganoff Tortellini
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything well.
Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the cheese tortellini. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for about 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream, making sure it blends smoothly into the sauce. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a little grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
That’s it! In just one skillet and a few simple steps, you have a creamy, comforting stroganoff-style pasta dish that’s full of flavor. Perfect for a quick dinner any night of the week!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sodium: 750
- Protein: 25