Bacon Cheeseburger Tortellini
A delicious blend of bacon, beef, and melty cheddar tossed with creamy tortellini, this dish is a comforting weeknight winner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 package cheese tortellini (fresh or dried) Fresh or refrigerated tortellini is recommended for texture.
- 8 oz bacon Thick-cut bacon is preferred for better texture.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) Provides richness without drying out.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated For best melt, grate from a block.
- 1 cup heavy cream Adjust based on desired sauce thickness.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon pieces over medium heat until crispy. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, use the bacon fat to brown the ground beef with the diced onion and minced garlic until the beef is well browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Sauce Creation
- Stir in the beef broth, ketchup, and mustard, and bring to a simmer while scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream and grated cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine
- Fold in the cooked tortellini and chopped bacon, combining everything until well coated.
Final Touches
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Notes
For lighter options, substitute turkey bacon and ground turkey. Can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.