Instant Pot tortellini recipe on a plate.
This is a quick and easy Instant Pot tortellini recipe, with cheesy and savory flavors in every bite. This hassle-free dish combines convenience and taste, bringing comfort to your table in no time.

Recipe updated: April 16th, 2024

The best part about this cheesy Instant Pot tortellini recipe is how easy it is to make. The recipe calls for simple ingredients, and dinner is done in less than 15 minutes of cooking time. In just a matter of minutes, you’ll savor the convenience of perfectly cooked cheesy tortellini, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal and less time in the kitchen.

Make this Instant Pot tortellini pasta recipe a complete meal with buttered garlic bread and a baked potato. Other side dishes that go great with this easy meal are buttered green beans with lots of ground black pepper, buttered cauliflower, and a tossed green lettuce salad.

Cheesy Instant Pot tortellini on a plate with a piece of garlic bread.

🍴 Key Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of lean ground beef
  • 2 cans of Italian diced tomatoes – not drained – 14.5 ounces each
  • 2 packages of three cheese tortellini – 12 ounces each
  • 1 jar pasta sauce or marinara sauce – 24 ounces
  • 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups of water from the tap – not shown
  • 1 can of petite diced tomatoes – 14.5 ounces
  • 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil (not shown)
Ingredients for cheesy Instant Pot tortellini recipe.
Ingredients for cheesy Instant Pot tortellini recipe.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Cheesy Instant Pot Tortellini

These step-by-step instructions are accompanied by detailed photos for enhanced clarity and guidance.

Step 1. Put Olive Oil and Ground Beef in Instant Pot

Put a little bit of olive oil (about 1 and 1/2 tablespoons) in the bottom of the Instant Pot, then add 2 pounds of lean ground beef to the pot. You can break up the meat beforehand with a flat spatula or wooden spatula before we turn on the Instant Pot.

Olive oil and ground beef in the Instant Pot.
Olive oil and ground beef in the Instant Pot.

Step 2. Set the Sauté Function

Press the sauté button on the Instant Pot. Ours is on the bottom left side. Chop up the lean ground beef while it is browning in the pot. Make sure to include the ground beef towards the bottom of the pot during the cooking cycle. After the ground beef is browned, drain any excess liquid grease, then discard the grease into the trash.

Browned ground beef in the Instant Pot.
Browned ground beef in the Instant Pot.

Step 3. Add the Pasta Sauce and Diced Tomatoes

Add the 24 ounce jar of pasta sauce, 2 cans of Italian diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces each), and 1 can of petite diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces) together with the browned ground beef. Do not drain the diced tomatoes.

Pasta sauce, Italian diced tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes together with browned ground beef.
Pasta sauce, Italian diced tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes together with browned ground beef.

Step 4. Combine the Ground Beef, Pasta Sauce, and Diced Tomatoes

After you have added the pasta sauce and diced tomatoes together with the browned ground beef, give it a good stir until it is well blended.

Pasta sauce, Italian diced tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes together with browned ground beef.
Pasta sauce, Italian diced tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes together with browned ground beef.

Step 5. Add the Cheesy Tortellini Pasta

Open 2 packages of three cheese tortellini pasta (both 12 ounces each) and add them on top of the browned ground beef, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes in the Instant Pot. Do not stir.

Three cheese tortellini pasta, browned ground beef, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes.
Three cheese tortellini pasta, browned ground beef, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes.

Step 6. Add the Water then Manual Cook

Add 2 cups of tap water on top of the three cheese tortellini pasta. Make sure each tortellini noodle is covered with water. You can push the pasta down a little bit, so the water covers it, but do not push it down to the bottom of the pot. Do not stir as the cheese tortellini cooks. Cook the cheese tortellini pasta on manual cook for four minutes, then do a quick release.

Water added the three cheese tortellini pasta, browned ground beef, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes.
Water added the three cheese tortellini pasta, browned ground beef, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes.

Step 7. Give the Cooked Tortellini a Good Stir

After the quick release, remove the lid from the Instant Pot, then stir the tortellini pasta together with the rest of the ingredients.

Tortellini pasta is mixed with the browned ground beef, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes.
Three cheese tortellini pasta mixed together with the browned ground beef, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes.

Step 8. Add in the Cheddar Cheese

While the lid is off, put 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top of the ingredients in the Instant Pot. Do not stir the cheese together with the rest of the ingredients.

Add cheese to the top of the tortellini.
Cheese is added to the three cheese tortellini pasta, browned ground beef, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes.

Step 9. Melt the Cheddar Cheese

Put the lid back on the Instant Pot while the cheese melts. It only takes a couple of minutes for the cheese to melt because the pot is still hot enough without turning it back on. Do not stir the melted cheese in with the rest of the ingredients.

To serve, leave the melted cheese sit on top of the tortellini pasta just the way it is, then scoop out this delicious Instant Pot pasta dinner right from the pot onto your plate.

Cheesy Instant Pot Tortellini.
Cheesy Instant Pot Tortellini.

🌟 Recipe Variations for Cheesy Instant Pot Tortellini

  • Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning on your serving.
  • Add some mild Italian sausage to this recipe. Instead of 2 pounds of lean ground beef, use half Italian sausage and half ground beef.
  • You can use a slow cooker if you don’t have an Instant Pot. Just brown the hamburger in a frying pan on the stove, discard any liquid grease from the meat, and then add the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker, except the cheese tortellini and shredded cheddar cheese is at the end for 15 more minutes.
  • Stir in a four ounce can of your favorite sliced mushrooms before adding the tortellini pasta.
Cheesy Instant Pot tortellini on a plate with garlic bread.
Cheesy Instant Pot tortellini on a plate.

🙋 FAQs for Instant Pot Tortellini

What do I do with Leftover Cheesy Tortellini?

Put any leftover cheesy tortellini in an airtight container, then store it in the refrigerator. For a quick meal the next day, reheat the leftover cheesy tortellini in the microwave until hot.

Can I Freeze Leftover Cheesy Tortellini?

Yes, you can freeze any leftover cheesy tortellini you didn’t eat. Put it in a freezer-safe container (a container that is safe for the freezer). It can be stored in the freezer for about five or six months. To reheat it, put it in the refrigerator the night before to thaw, then you can microwave it the next day until it’s hot enough to eat.

Cheesy Instant Pot tortellini on a plate.
Cheesy Instant Pot tortellini on a plate.

💡 Final Thoughts

This cheesy tortellini recipe is an easy dinner to make that the whole family can enjoy. When those busy weeknights creep up upon you, and you have no idea what’s for dinner, try making this delicious Instant Pot tortellini.

In conclusion, this cheesy tortellini recipe is a hearty meal that effortlessly combines simplicity with rich, indulgent flavors, making it a go-to choice for a quick and satisfying meal that does not compromise on taste. It’s perfect for cold weather, or a quick summer meal with a very cold tall glass of ice tea. Enjoy!

Cheesy Instant Pot tortellini on a plate.

📂 Recipe Card

Instant Pot tortellini recipe on a plate.

Cheesy Instant Pot Tortellini Recipe

Avatar for FloFlo
This is a quick and easy Instant Pot tortellini recipe, with cheesy and savory flavors in every bite. This hassle-free dish combines convenience and taste, bringing comfort to your table in no time.
5 from 2 votes
Cost $21
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Servings 10

🫕 Equipment

🧂 Ingredients
  

👩‍🍳 Instructions
 

  • Put the ground beef in the Instant Pot and press the sauté button. Cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess liquid grease.
  • Add the pasta sauce and diced tomatoes to the browned ground beef. Mix until well blended.
  • Add the tortellini pasta on top of the ingredients in the Instant Pot.
  • Add the water to cover the tortellini pasta. Do not stir.
  • Cook on manual for four minutes, then do a quick release.
  • Remove the lid and stir the ingredients.
  • Add the shredded cheese. Do not stir.
  • Put the lid back on the Instant Pot to melt the cheese. The Instant Pot is hot enough that it won't take very long for the cheese to melt.

*️⃣ Recipe Notes

  • This recipe can be easily made with different cookware if you don’t have an Instant Pot.
  • You can add any of your favorite seasoning to this recipe.
  • Sprinkle your serving with Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

💑 More Easy Instant Pot Recipes You Will Love

  • This sweet and spicy chili made in the Instant Pot is the best chili ever. The recipe includes lean ground beef mixed together with brown sugar, assorted beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
  • I love this Instant Pot spaghetti with meat sauce. It is quick to make and seasoned with basil, oregano, salt, minced garlic, and thyme. The taste is superb.
  • Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole (Instant Pot) – Throw the ingredients in the Instant Pot and let it do its thing. In about 36 minutes, you will be eating. So good!
5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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