Creamy Ground Beef Cheese 2 Ways

Name: Creamy Ground Beef Cheese 2 Ways
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ½ yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup); 2 tablespoons hamburger seasoning; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 ½ cups (12 ounces) beef broth; 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream; 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, drained; 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 cups (226 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese; Finely diced dill pickle, for garnish (optional); Freshly diced tomatoes, for garnish (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

by dorina alena

August 19, 2025

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Creamy ground beef cheese has become my go-to for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family devours. I remember the first time I made a dish like this, it was a chilly autumn evening, and the aroma of savory beef and melting cheese filled my kitchen, creating an instant sense of warmth and coziness. This particular easy creamy ground beef cheese recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, delivering incredible flavor with minimal fuss. You’ll love how quickly this hearty dish comes together, making it perfect for those evenings when time is short but the craving for something delicious is big. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Cheese

This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons. The taste is incredibly rich and satisfying, with tender tortellini swimming in a luscious, cheesy sauce. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights because it comes together in just about 30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it’s surprisingly budget-friendly, making it a fantastic option for feeding a family without breaking the bank. This creamy ground beef cheese dinner is also incredibly family-friendly; even picky eaters tend to love the cheesy goodness. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again when you need a comforting and delicious meal. It truly is the best creamy ground beef cheese dinner solution for any night of the week!

Ingredients for Creamy Ground Beef Cheese

Here’s everything you need to create this amazing creamy ground beef cheese dish. It’s designed to be simple, yet packed with flavor, making it a perfect ground beef cheese pasta creamy meal.

1 pound ground beef – I like to use an 80/20 blend for the best flavor.
½ yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup) – This adds a nice aromatic base.
2 tablespoons hamburger seasoning – Use your favorite blend, or make your own!
½ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances all the other flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – For a little warmth.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – If you like a touch of heat.
2 teaspoons minced garlic – Fresh garlic is key here for that punchy flavor.
1 ½ cups (12 ounces) beef broth – This forms the liquid base for our sauce.
1 cup (238 g) heavy cream – This is what makes it wonderfully creamy!
1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, drained – Adds a touch of acidity and texture.
1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini – The star of our pasta dish!
2 cups (226 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese – For that irresistible cheesy goodness.
Finely diced dill pickle, for garnish (optional) – A little tang on top is surprisingly delicious.
Freshly diced tomatoes, for garnish (optional) – Adds a burst of freshness.
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish – For a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

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How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Cheese

Making this delicious creamy ground beef cheese is surprisingly simple, perfect for any night of the week. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort. Here’s exactly how to make creamy ground beef cheese that everyone will love.

Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add your 1 pound ground beef and the ½ yellow onion, diced. As the beef cooks, break it apart with your spoon and continue cooking until it’s nicely browned, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once it’s browned, drain off any excess grease – nobody likes a greasy dish!
Step 2: Lower the heat to medium. Now it’s time to season everything! Stir in the 2 tablespoons hamburger seasoning, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and if you like a little kick, the ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Add the 2 teaspoons minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until it becomes fragrant. You’ll start to smell that amazing aroma building!
Step 3: Pour in the 1 ½ cups (12 ounces) beef broth, the luxurious 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream, and the drained 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes. Stir everything together really well to combine all those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Now, add the 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet. Give it a good stir to make sure the tortellini is coated in the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid. Let it all simmer gently for about 6-8 minutes. You’ll want to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the tortellini cooks evenly until it’s tender and perfectly cooked through. This is a key step in how to make creamy ground beef cheese.
Step 5: Once the tortellini is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the 2 cups (226 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top. Stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and creates a wonderfully smooth, cheesy sauce throughout the dish.
Step 6: For an extra burst of flavor and color, garnish with the optional finely diced dill pickle, freshly diced tomatoes, and fresh parsley, chopped. This final flourish really makes it special. Serve your delicious creamy ground beef cheese hot and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Ground Beef Cheese

Want to elevate your creamy ground beef cheese game? Follow these tried-and-true tips for a restaurant-worthy dish every time. These little tricks will ensure your meal is bursting with flavor and has the perfect texture.

Don’t skip draining the beef! Removing excess grease is crucial for a cleaner flavor and less oily sauce.
Using refrigerated tortellini is key; it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully, making it perfect for this skillet meal.
For an extra depth of flavor, try browning the beef and onions a bit more, getting some nice caramelization.
Feel free to experiment with cheese blends! A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack or Gruyere can add wonderful complexity.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy ground beef cheese?

The magic truly lies in the combination of the heavy cream and the cheese, creating a rich sauce. For an exceptional creamy ground beef skillet cheese, make sure to use good quality sharp cheddar and don’t rush the simmering process – let those flavors meld! You can learn more about the science behind creamy sauces here.

Can I make creamy ground beef cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prep components ahead! Cook the beef and onion mixture, then store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, combine all ingredients and cook as directed. For more tips on meal prep, check out this guide.

How do I avoid common mistakes with creamy ground beef cheese?

A common pitfall is overcooking the tortellini, which can make it mushy. Another mistake is not draining the grease from the beef. Always cook the tortellini until just tender, and ensure you drain excess fat from the meat before adding liquids. For more cooking advice, visit Serious Eats.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Cheese

This hearty creamy ground beef cheese dish is fantastic on its own, but I love serving it with a few simple additions to round out the meal. It’s so comforting and satisfying, making it a perfect centerpiece for any dinner. If you’re looking for complementary sides, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a great choice to cut through the richness.

For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with garlic bread for dipping into that luscious sauce, or even some roasted broccoli or asparagus. If you enjoy that slightly different texture and flavor profile, think of it as a base similar to a creamy beef and cheddar bake, which pairs wonderfully with a side of baked beans or corn on the cob during warmer months.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Ground Beef Cheese

Here are the estimated nutritional details per serving for this delicious creamy ground beef cheese dish. This recipe is designed to be a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Calories: 550 kcal
Fat: 32g
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 36g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more detailed nutritional information, you can consult MyFitnessPal.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Ground Beef Cheese

Leftovers of this amazing creamy ground beef cheese are a gift that keeps on giving! Once your delectable creamy ground beef cheese bake has cooled down completely, which is important to prevent condensation, transfer it into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save some for even longer, this dish freezes beautifully. For best results, portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, and it should keep well for up to 3 months.

To reheat, you can gently warm individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For a larger batch, place the leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems a bit dry, and stir until heated through. You can also reheat it in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F (160°C) until warmed, much like reheating a casserole. For more reheating tips, check out our about me page for general cooking advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Ground Beef Cheese

What kind of ground beef is best for this recipe?

For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using 80/20 ground beef. The fat content helps keep the dish moist and adds richness. If you prefer a leaner option, 90/10 works, but you might want to add a little extra broth or cream to ensure it doesn’t dry out, especially if you’re making a ground beef cheese casserole creamy version.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is fantastic because it adds another layer of cheesy goodness, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes. Penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni work wonderfully. Just ensure you cook the pasta according to package directions before adding it to the skillet, or adjust the simmering time if adding it raw like in this recipe. For pasta cooking tips, see our contact us page for more information.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you love a bit of heat, you’re in luck! You can easily amp up the spice in this creamy ground beef cheese dish. Add more red pepper flakes when you add the garlic, or even stir in a diced jalapeño along with the onion. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end can also add a nice kick!

Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?

Making this dairy-free would require some substitutions. You could use a plant-based ground “beef,” unsweetened plant-based milk or cream (like cashew or oat cream), and a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. The texture and flavor will be different, but it’s definitely doable for those with dietary restrictions. For more information on dietary needs, please review our privacy policy.

Variations of Creamy Ground Beef Cheese You Can Try

This creamy ground beef cheese dish is wonderfully versatile, and I love experimenting with different flavor profiles and dietary needs. If you’re looking for a twist on the classic, these variations offer something for everyone. Think of these as building blocks for your own perfect cheesy ground beef bake recipe.

Low-Carb/Keto Friendly: Swap the tortellini for cauliflower florets or shirataki noodles. You’ll want to ensure the sauce is extra rich with heavy cream to compensate for the lack of pasta.
Spicy Fiesta Twist: Add a can of drained diced green chilies or jalapeños along with the tomatoes. A sprinkle of chili powder and a dash of cumin in the beef mixture will also give it a delicious Southwestern flair.
Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and lentils for a hearty, meat-free version.
Creamy Chicken & Cheddar Bake: If chicken is more your speed, cooked shredded chicken can be used instead of ground beef. This makes for a delightful creamy beef and cheddar bake that’s just as satisfying.