Description
A quick and comforting beef tortellini dish featuring tender pasta pockets filled with seasoned ground beef, simmered in rich marinara sauce and finished with cream or cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this versatile meal pairs wonderfully with fresh herbs and a variety of garnishes for a satisfying family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 package (about 9-12 oz) beef tortellini pasta (fresh or frozen)
- 8 oz ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Ingredients
- ¼ cup heavy cream or ½ cup shredded cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, or ricotta) for creaminess
- Fresh herbs (2 tablespoons chopped basil, parsley, or oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños (optional for a spicy twist)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients, finely chop onions and garlic, and thaw the beef tortellini if frozen to ensure smooth cooking.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Sauce: Pour in marinara sauce, stir well, and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook the Tortellini: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook beef tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add the pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Gently toss tortellini with the sauce. Stir in heavy cream or cheese if using, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to melt and combine.
Notes
- Do not overcook tortellini to maintain perfect texture and prevent mushiness.
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Season progressively and taste as you cook to achieve balanced seasoning.
- Add fresh herbs at the end of cooking to keep their aroma vibrant.
- Handle tortellini carefully to keep pasta pockets intact; minimal stirring is best.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg