Cheesy Weeknight Tortellini Skillet Recipe
A comforting and cheesy weeknight dinner featuring ground beef or turkey, marinara, and tender cheese tortellini all baked to bubbly perfection in a single skillet. This easy skillet meal combines Italian flavors with the convenience of minimal cleanup, perfect for busy evenings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Sauces and Pasta
- 28 ounces your favorite marinara sauce
- 12 ounces cheese tortellini, cooked according to package instructions
Cheeses and Toppings
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn apart
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Fresh basil, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Boil Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the tortellini.
- Brown the Meat: Heat a large oven-safe skillet (around 12 inches) over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks. Season generously with kosher salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. If using lean meat, drizzle a little olive oil as needed to prevent sticking. Cook until fully browned.
- Add Marinara and Cook Tortellini: Stir in the marinara sauce into the browned meat and reduce the heat to low. Cook the tortellini in the boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes or according to package directions, then drain well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the meat sauce. Gently stir with a spatula to combine without breaking the tortellini pieces.
- Add Mozzarella and Bake: Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and scatter it evenly over the tortellini mixture in the skillet. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve hot for a delicious cheesy skillet meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or keep beef for richer flavor.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding mozzarella and baking.
- Use fresh basil for the best vibrant flavor and garnish.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.