Beef Tortellini
Beef tortellini is a comforting and quick pasta dinner filled with savory ground beef and served with a flavorful tomato sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly dish combines rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Customize it easily with a variety of sauces or additions like spinach or mushrooms to suit your taste.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Contains Gluten
Primary Ingredients
- Fresh or frozen beef-filled tortellini – about 12 oz (340 g)
- 1/2 lb (225 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Prepare the Filling (if making fresh tortellini): Combine ground beef with finely chopped onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Let the mixture cool before stuffing into tortellini dough if making fresh.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the beef tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3–5 minutes, until tender and floating to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine and Toss: Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and toss gently to coat each piece evenly for maximum flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs over the tortellini. Optionally drizzle with a bit of high-quality olive oil before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and herbs for the best flavor in your sauce.
- Do not overcook the tortellini to avoid mushy texture.
- Reserve a little pasta water to thin the sauce and help it bind to the tortellini.
- Season the dish in layers, tasting and adjusting throughout the cooking process.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melt and taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: beef tortellini, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, family-friendly meal, Italian pasta dish, beef pasta