French Onion Beef and Cheese Tortellini

A hearty, savory, and deeply satisfying one-pan dish, this French Onion Beef and Cheese Tortellini brings together rich flavors and creamy textures for a comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. With seasoned ground beef, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a luscious French onion-inspired sauce, it’s the perfect solution for a delicious weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe blends the deep umami of French onion soup with the creaminess of cheese tortellini and the heartiness of ground beef. It’s quick to make, easy to clean up (only one pan!), and customizable to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a quick dinner solution, this dish delivers big flavor with little effort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef
½ large yellow onion, diced
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 oz onion soup mix (just the dry mix)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or your preferred vegetables)
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
10 oz cheese-filled tortellini (about 3 cups refrigerated)
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
½ cup sour cream
½ tsp black pepper

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is tender. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add the minced garlic and onion soup mix. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. Stir in the frozen vegetables and beef broth. Bring to a boil.

4. Add the tortellini, reduce heat slightly, cover, and simmer. Stir occasionally and cook until tortellini is tender, about 7 minutes.

5. Lower the heat and mix in the sour cream and shredded Gruyere cheese until melted and well combined.

6. Season with black pepper, stir, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 5 and takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, with 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time.

Variations

• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a different flavor profile.

• Use Swiss cheese or mozzarella if Gruyere isn’t available.

• Swap out peas and carrots for spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

• Add a dash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for an extra depth of flavor.

• Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual servings for 1–2 minutes or reheat gently on the stove over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Add a couple of extra minutes and monitor for doneness.

Is there a substitute for Gruyere cheese?

Yes, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, or even provolone are good alternatives.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish as directed and refrigerate. Reheat before serving.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze the cooked dish in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt or cream cheese can be used for a similar creamy texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the beef and use a plant-based meat substitute or more vegetables.

How do I keep tortellini from becoming mushy?

Be sure to cook them just until tender and not overboil. Keep a close eye while simmering.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, just chop them small and sauté slightly longer to ensure they cook through.

What type of onion works best?

Yellow onions are ideal for that classic French onion flavor, but white or sweet onions also work.

Does this recipe work with other pasta?

Yes, although the texture and flavor will change. Small pasta like penne or shells can be used in a pinch.

Conclusion

French Onion Beef and Cheese Tortellini is the ultimate blend of comfort and convenience, perfect for weeknights or whenever you need a satisfying, flavor-packed meal. With its creamy sauce, cheesy pasta, and savory beef, it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation.