Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Tortellini is a decadent and hearty one-pan meal that delivers the classic flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in a creamy, cheesy tortellini dish. With its savory bacon, rich triple cheddar, tender pasta, and vibrant veggies, this skillet recipe offers comfort and convenience—perfect for busy nights when you crave something indulgent yet simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Tortellini
This dish transforms everything you love about a bacon cheeseburger into a creamy pasta sensation. It’s loaded with flavor and texture—from crispy crumbled bacon and juicy cherry tomatoes to the melty goodness of triple cheddar cheese. Made in one skillet, it’s speedy to whip up and delivers maximum satisfaction in every cheesy bite.
Ingredients
Let’s reframe the components to keep it fresh and flavorful:
- One 19 oz (about 540 g) bag of cheese tortellini, cooked and drained
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (hamburger)
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 2 cups halved cherry or grape tomatoes
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk (whole or your preferred type)
- 3 cups shredded triple cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
(Nutrition info estimates: about 490 calories per serving, total fat 32 g, saturated fat 15 g, cholesterol 114 mg, sodium 656 mg, total carbs 15 g, fiber 2 g, sugar 2 g, protein 34 g)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Tortellini
Here’s an easy-to-follow walkthrough:
- Cook tortellini per package instructions. Drain well and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef, chopped red onion, and minced garlic until the beef is nicely browned.
- Add spinach and halved tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes begin to burst.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture. Stir continuously for about a minute to eliminate the raw taste of the flour.
- Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in 2¾ cups of the shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked tortellini and crumbled bacon. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated in the rich, cheesy sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and allow it to sit for a few minutes until the cheese is fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Helpful Tips
- For best results, grate your own cheese—pre-shredded varieties don’t melt as smoothly or taste as fresh.
- To avoid a grainy sauce, whisk the milk thoroughly and cook just until thickened—don’t overheat.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a bit more milk.
- For added depth, consider seasoning the ground beef with a pinch of paprika or Worcestershire sauce.
Substitutions And Variations
- Cheese options to consider include bold sharp cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, or a zesty pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner options.
- Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccolini for color and nutrients.
- Sauce base: Swap milk for half-and-half or whole cream for an even richer sauce.
- Flavor twist: Sprinkle chopped pickles or drizzle hot sauce over individual servings for a “burger-style” flare.
Storage Instructions
- Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers for storage.
- To reheat, warm gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to bring back its creamy consistency.
- Definitely! You can prepare the pasta, beef, and sauce ahead of time—just assemble and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
- If freezing, wait to add the final layer of cheese until reheating to maintain the best texture.
- Yes. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving (assuming 8 servings total from recipe):
- Calories: ~490
- Total Fat: 32 g (Sat. Fat: 15 g)
- Cholesterol: 114 mg
- Sodium: 656 mg
- Carbohydrates: 15 g (Fiber: 2 g; Sugar: 2 g)
- Protein: 34 g
Serving Suggestions
- Fresh green salad: A crisp mixed green or arugula salad helps balance the dish’s richness.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls: Perfect for soaking up extra cheese sauce.
- Vegetable side: Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus make refreshing accompaniments.
- Pickle garnish: A few chopped dill pickles sprinkled on top echo classic burger flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Tortellini
Let’s tackle common questions with a generous 150-word section:
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground beef and bacon with plant-based crumbles and use a vegetarian or vegan “cheddar” cheese. Use vegetable broth mixed with milk (or non-dairy milk) to mimic richness.
Q: Is it possible to prep ahead?
Definitely! You can prepare the pasta, beef, and sauce ahead of time—just assemble and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
Q: Can I lighten it up?
Certainly—use lean ground turkey, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also increase the veggie-to-cheese ratio (e.g., adding more spinach or tomatoes) for volume with fewer calories.
Q: Does it freeze well?
Yes. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. If freezing, wait to add the final layer of cheese until reheating to maintain the best texture.
Conclusion
Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Tortellini wraps all the cozy, savory goodness of a bacon cheeseburger into an irresistible one-pan pasta dish—easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners. I absolutely love how each bite is wrapped in velvety triple-cheddar sauce, while the burst of tomato and wilted spinach adds a fresh and colorful contrast. Thanks for checking out this recipe—I hope it brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. Wishing you happy cooking adventures and plenty of flavorful, feel-good meals ahead!
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Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Tortellini
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Bacon Cheeseburger Skillet Tortellini combines all your favorite burger flavors in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. Made in one pan, it’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
1 (19 oz) bag cheese tortellini, cooked and drained
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
½ cup chopped red onion
2 tbsp minced garlic
2 cups baby spinach
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1½ cups milk
3 cups shredded triple cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Here’s an easy-to-follow walkthrough:
- Cook tortellini per package instructions. Drain well and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, sauté the ground beef, chopped red onion, and minced garlic until the beef is nicely browned.
- Add spinach and halved tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes begin to burst.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture. Stir continuously for about a minute to eliminate the raw taste of the flour.
- Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in 2¾ cups of the shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked tortellini and crumbled bacon. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated in the rich, cheesy sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and allow it to sit for a few minutes until the cheese is fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated cheese for best melting. Adjust milk to reach desired sauce thickness. Add more vegetables or spices to customize.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 34g