Bacon Cheeseburger Tortellini Recipe

I have to tell you, when I first made this Bacon Cheeseburger Tortellini Recipe, I wasn’t sure what to expect from combining two of my favorite comfort foods. But after that first bite, I was completely hooked on the rich, cheesy goodness packed with savory bacon and tender ground beef. 

The beauty of this recipe is how it brings all those classic cheeseburger flavors together in a cozy pasta dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. I love how the tortellini soaks up all the creamy cheese sauce while the cherry tomatoes add little bursts of freshness. This has become my go-to weeknight dinner when I want something hearty and satisfying that the whole family will devour.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredible comfort food masterpiece.

• 1 (19 oz) bag cheese tortellini: Choose fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section if possible, as it has better texture and flavor than frozen varieties.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This prevents the cooked tortellini from sticking together while you prepare the rest of the dish.
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend): The slightly higher fat content keeps the meat juicy and flavorful, but you can use 85/15 if you prefer leaner meat.
• ½ cup diced red onions: Red onions add a mild sweetness and beautiful color, though yellow onions work fine as a substitute.
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic: Fresh garlic is key here; avoid the pre-minced jarred variety as it lacks the punch this dish needs.
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves: Never use frozen spinach for this recipe as it becomes watery and soggy when thawed.
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved: Cherry tomatoes hold their shape better than regular tomatoes and add sweet, juicy pops of flavor.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This acts as a thickening agent for the creamy sauce base.
• 1½ cups whole milk: Whole milk creates the richest, creamiest sauce; avoid low-fat milk which can result in a thin consistency.
• 3 cups shredded triple cheddar cheese, divided: Grate your cheese fresh from a block for the best melting quality and flavor.
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Cook the bacon until crispy for the best texture contrast in the finished dish.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Season generously as pasta dishes need more seasoning than you might think.

Note: This recipe serves 6-8 people generously.

Variations

This versatile recipe adapts beautifully to different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with unsweetened oat milk or cashew milk, and use dairy-free cheese shreds. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
• Lighter Version: Use ground turkey instead of beef, reduce the cheese to 2 cups, and substitute half-and-half for the whole milk.
• Veggie-Packed: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the onions for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Include a diced jalapeño with the onions or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Different Proteins: Try ground Italian sausage, ground chicken, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for variety.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Large pot: For boiling the tortellini according to package directions
• Large skillet or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the meat mixture and combining all ingredients in one pan
• Colander: To drain the cooked tortellini properly
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pan surface
• Sharp knife: For dicing onions and halving cherry tomatoes
• Cutting board: A stable surface for all your prep work

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Tortellini Recipe?

Step-by-step guide to cooking this creamy, cheesy, one-pan pasta dish.

Cook the tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions. Drain well, then stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep the pasta from sticking together. Set aside.

Brown the beef with aromatics

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, diced red onion, and minced garlic together until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming oily.

Add veggies

Stir in the baby spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for a few minutes, until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften and begin to burst.

Thicken with flour

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour evenly over the beef and veggie mixture. Stir continuously and cook for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and start thickening the sauce base.

Make the creamy sauce

Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly. Let the mixture simmer gently until it starts to thicken slightly. Add 2 ¾ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth

Combine pasta and bacon

Add the cooked tortellini and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything in the cheesy sauce.

Finish with more cheese

Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese on top melts.

Season and serve

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, straight from the skillet!

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Through my experience making this dish multiple times, I’ve discovered several tricks that really elevate the final result.

• I always cook my bacon until it’s extra crispy because it maintains its texture better when mixed into the creamy sauce. Undercooked bacon becomes chewy and less appealing.
• When adding the milk, I make sure it’s at room temperature first. Cold milk can cause the sauce to seize up or become grainy when it hits the hot pan.
• I like to reserve a small amount of the pasta cooking water before draining. If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash of this starchy water helps loosen it perfectly.
• Don’t skip the step of cooking the flour for a full minute. This eliminates the raw flour taste that can make the sauce seem flat or pasty.
• I always taste the dish before serving and add more garlic powder or onion powder if needed. The flavors should be bold and well-balanced.

How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Tortellini?

This hearty pasta dish is substantial enough to serve as a complete meal, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to round out the dinner. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta. Garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on the plate. 

For presentation, I like to serve this family-style directly from the skillet, which keeps everything warm and creates a cozy, casual atmosphere. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A few cherry tomato halves on top also make for an attractive presentation that hints at the flavors within.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving based on 6 servings:

• Calories: 580 kcal per serving, making this a satisfying and filling main course
• Protein: 32g from the combination of beef, bacon, cheese, and tortellini
• Carbohydrates: 28g primarily from the pasta and vegetables
• Fat: 35g from the cheese, bacon, and ground beef

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe works wonderfully for meal prep and busy schedules.

For storing leftovers, transfer any cooled pasta to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day as everything melds together beautifully.

You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. I recommend slightly undercooking the tortellini if you plan to freeze the dish, as this prevents them from becoming mushy when reheated.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency, then warm gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This bacon cheeseburger tortellini hits all the right notes for comfort food lovers.

• Ultimate Comfort Food: This dish combines two beloved favorites – cheeseburgers and pasta – into one incredibly satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The rich, creamy sauce and familiar flavors make it an instant crowd-pleaser.
• Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe proves that impressive doesn’t have to mean complicated. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it perfect for last-minute dinner decisions.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this dish because it tastes like comfort food they already know and love. The combination of bacon, cheese, and pasta is hard to resist for kids and adults alike.
• One-Pan Wonder: Using just one large skillet means minimal cleanup, which is always a win on busy weeknights. You’ll spend more time enjoying dinner and less time washing dishes.
• Customizable: The recipe adapts easily to dietary restrictions and personal preferences, whether you want to add more vegetables, use different proteins, or adjust the cheese types to suit your family’s tastes.