If you love my Sausage Tortellini Soup, you have to try this Cheesy Hamburger Tortellini Soup next! It is rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with seasoned ground beef, tender cheese tortellini, and plenty of bold flavor in every bite.
This is one of those easy dinners that everyone gets excited about. It comes together in one pot (besides cooking the tortellini), making cleanup simple. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a cozy meal that is perfect any night of the week.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cheese tortellini: Fresh cheese tortellini cooks quickly and adds a cheesy bite to every spoonful. Frozen tortellini will also work.
- Ground beef: I used lean ground beef. Ground turkey or ground chicken are good substitutes.
- Onion & garlic: These build the savory flavor base of the soup. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- Tomato paste & diced tomatoes: These add rich tomato flavor and help create a hearty broth. Petite diced tomatoes work well if you prefer smaller tomato pieces.
- Worcestershire sauce & Italian seasoning: These simple ingredients add lots of savory flavor with very little effort.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese melts into the broth, making it smooth and creamy. I recommend full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
- Chicken broth: Chicken broth creates the base of the soup. Beef broth is also a great option.
- Heavy whipping cream: Heavy cream gives the soup its rich, creamy texture. Half-and-half can be substituted, but the soup will be a little thinner.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese and adds the best flavor.
- Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Frozen cheese tortellini works just as well as fresh. Cook it according to the package directions before adding it to the soup.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, ground chicken, or Italian sausage can all be used in place of ground beef. Keep in mind that leaner meats may have a slightly lighter flavor, so you may want to adjust the seasonings to taste.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes. You can make the soup a day in advance. For the best texture, cook the tortellini separately and add it just before serving so it does not become too soft.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Spinach, kale, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers are all delicious additions. Add leafy greens near the end of cooking so they have time to wilt.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Sharp cheddar gives this soup lots of flavor, but Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a cheddar blend will also melt well and work nicely.
What to Serve with Cheesy Hamburger Tortellini Soup
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but a few simple sides make it even better!
- Crusty bread: A loaf of warm bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy, cheesy broth. Try it with my homemade French baguette or my easy dinner rolls.
- Side salad: A fresh side salad adds a nice balance to this rich soup. A simple salad with a light dressing is all you need.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, parmesan green beans, or air fryer carrots are easy sides that pair well with the flavors in the soup.
- Garlic bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread (or garlic breadsticks) is always a favorite with a comforting bowl of soup.
How to Store Cheesy Hamburger Tortellini Soup
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini will continue to absorb some of the broth as it sits, so the soup may thicken. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up.
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Freeze Cheesy Hamburger Tortellini Soup?
Yes, but for the best texture, I recommend freezing the soup before adding the tortellini. Cooked pasta can become soft after freezing and reheating.
To freeze, let the soup cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, warm it on the stovetop, and add freshly cooked tortellini before serving.
If freezing leftovers with the tortellini already added, the soup will still taste delicious, but the pasta may be softer after reheating.
Cheesy Hamburger Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
- 20 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup (113 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the tortellini cooks, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns, until no longer pink, about 7 to 9 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until the tomato paste darkens slightly and becomes fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until mostly melted. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup is smooth, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the cooked tortellini and gently stir to combine. Heat through for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
