One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole

Posted on December 30, 2025

One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole is the perfect dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This comforting meal combines tender cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, and melted cheese all in one skillet. It’s quick to prepare and loaded with flavor, making it a go-to recipe that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for dinner after a long day or at a cozy gathering, this casserole is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just one pot needed, cleanup is a breeze.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of herbs, cheese, and tomatoes creates a rich taste.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy this hearty and delicious meal.
Versatile: Perfect as a main course or served alongside a salad for added freshness.
Comforting Dish: Warm and satisfying, it’s ideal for any occasion.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools is essential. Here are the must-have kitchen items you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Large oven-safe skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

Large oven-safe skillet: This allows you to cook everything in one pot, making the process simpler and quicker.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps in stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for consistent results every time.

Ingredients

This dish contains the three essential ingredients to a table full of happy family—pasta, ground beef, and cheese!

For the Casserole

20 ounces cheese tortellini (refrigerated)
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
10 ounces can diced tomatoes (drained)
2 ½ cup beef broth
¼ cup heavy cream
1 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or cheese blend
2 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

How to Make One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Brown ground beef in a large oven-safe skillet over medium/high heat.
If needed, drain excess grease from the pan.
Return the pan with ground beef back to the stove over medium/high heat and add in onions and garlic.
Cook, stirring for a few minutes until the onion starts to soften.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

Stir in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to combine.

Step 3: Combine Other Ingredients

Add tortellini, along with diced tomatoes and beef broth, to the pan.
Bring to a boil.
Cover and reduce heat to simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove cover and continue to simmer for a few more minutes until liquid is almost absorbed.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Remove pan from heat.
Stir in heavy cream and ½ cup of cheese.
Top with remaining cheese.

Step 5: Broil for Perfection

Place the skillet in the oven on broil for just a few minutes until cheese is bubbly and starting to brown.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy this delightful One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole with your loved ones!

How to Serve One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole

Serving One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole is as simple as it is delicious. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners and can be enhanced with various sides and garnishes to suit everyone’s taste.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Basil Leaves: Add fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch that complements the Italian flavors.

Pair with a Salad

Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and croutons balances the richness of the casserole.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze will brighten your meal.

Serve with Bread

Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from the casserole.
Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls make for a comforting addition to this meal.

How to Perfect One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole

To ensure your One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Boldly Season: Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to add more herbs or spices!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh tortellini if available; it enhances flavor and texture.
Brown the Beef Well: Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly for a deeper flavor in the dish.
Control Liquid Levels: Keep an eye on the liquid while simmering to avoid overcooking the tortellini.

Best Side Dishes for One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole

Complement your One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole with these flavorful side dishes that enhance the overall dining experience.

Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add a healthy crunch alongside your casserole.
Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender for a savory side.
Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and tomatoes provides freshness.
Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers a nice contrast in texture and flavor with its tangy dressing.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes for a delightful appetizer.
Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter side, serve spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil and garlic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid while making your One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole.

Bold seasoning: Not seasoning your beef properly can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to mix in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning thoroughly.
Bold overcooking tortellini: Overcooking the tortellini can make it mushy. Follow the cooking time closely for perfect texture.
Bold skimping on cheese: Using less cheese than called for can result in a less creamy casserole. Don’t hold back on the cheesy goodness!
Bold ignoring simmering time: Skipping the simmering step can leave excess liquid in the dish. Let it simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed for best results.
Bold rushing the broiling: Broiling for too long can burn the cheese. Keep a close eye to achieve bubbly perfection without charring.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Best used within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power in short intervals, stirring between each, until warm.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole special?

This dish combines pasta, ground beef, and cheese into one delicious meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Can I customize One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole?

Absolutely! Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition or switch up the cheese blend based on your preferences.

How do I make this dish healthier?

You can use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey. Adding more veggies is another great way to boost healthiness.

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time until they’re tender.

Conclusion

One Pot Tortellini and Ground Beef Skillet Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices. Gather your family around this comforting dish that promises satisfaction with every bite!