Name: One‑Pan French Onion Beef & Tortellini Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; ½ large yellow onion, diced; 2 tsp garlic, minced; 1 oz onion soup mix (about one standard envelope); 1 cup peas and carrots (frozen or mixed vegetables); 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 10 oz cheese-filled tortellini (about 3 cups, refrigerated); 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded; ½ cup sour cream; ½ tsp black pepper

A cozy, comforting, and hearty dish, this One‑Pan French Onion Beef & Tortellini Skillet brings together everything I crave in a weeknight dinner—savory beef, sweet caramelized-style onions, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, creamy French onion–inspired sauce. Best of all? It comes together in just one skillet and about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers layers of flavor with minimal effort. The onion soup mix gives it a rich, savory depth, while the Gruyere and sour cream add creaminess that’s hard to resist. The cheese tortellini turns it into a filling, all-in-one meal, and since it’s made in just one pan, cleanup is a breeze. It’s the kind of comforting dish I keep coming back to on chilly nights or whenever I need something warm and satisfying without a lot of fuss.

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 (about one standard envelope)

1 cup peas and carrots (frozen or your favorite veggies)

2 cups low-sodium beef broth

10 oz cheese-filled tortellini (about 3 cups, refrigerated)

1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded

½ cup sour cream

½ tsp black pepper

Directions

I start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then I add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. I make sure to drain off any extra fat.

I stir in the minced garlic and onion soup mix, letting it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, I toss in the peas and carrots and pour in the beef broth. I bring everything to a simmer.

Once it’s bubbling, I add the tortellini, cover the skillet, and cook for around 7 minutes, stirring now and then, until the tortellini is tender.

I reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream and shredded Gruyere. Once the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy, I season it with black pepper.

I serve it hot, sometimes garnished with more cheese or a sprinkle of parsley if I have some on hand.

Servings and timing

Servings: 5

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: Approximately 608 kcal per serving

Variations

I swap the Gruyere for Swiss or mozzarella if that’s what I have in the fridge.

Sometimes I use mixed vegetables instead of just peas and carrots.

For a deeper onion flavor, I sauté the onions for a few extra minutes to really bring out their sweetness.

I occasionally add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of Dijon mustard for extra umami.

To make it vegetarian, I use meatless crumbles or skip the beef and double the veggies.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. If it thickens too much, I stir in a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Related Recipes:

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Tortellini

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

I like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when I want a little heat. You could also stir in some diced jalapeños or spicy sausage instead of ground beef.

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, I’ve used frozen tortellini before—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time. No need to thaw first.

What other cheeses work well besides Gruyere?

I’ve had great results using Swiss, mozzarella, or even a sharp white cheddar. Gruyere gives it that signature French onion flavor, but other melty cheeses work too.

Can I freeze this meal?

I don’t recommend freezing it, since the sour cream and tortellini can change texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the fridge.

What can I serve with this dish?

It’s a complete meal on its own, but I sometimes serve it with a green salad or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Conclusion

This One‑Pan French Onion Beef & Tortellini Skillet has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, yet easy enough to make on a busy weeknight. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s a recipe I turn to when I want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

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