If you are craving a heartwarming, indulgent dinner, look no further than this Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini Recipe. It masterfully combines tender ground beef with pillowy cheese tortellini, all enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce that bursts with comforting flavors. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests without stress, this dish is a perfect blend of simplicity and gourmet taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is all it takes to transform humble pantry staples into a dish packed with flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Each component plays a vital role in creating that luscious, satisfying Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini Recipe you’ll want to make over and over.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a juicy, savory base full of hearty flavor.
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini: Deliciously soft and cheesy pillows that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a luxurious richness and silky texture to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with bold, aromatic garlic goodness.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle, spicy warmth that livens up the flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick and helps bind everything together.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of color for visual appeal.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for browning the beef and keeping it juicy.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it turns a lovely brown, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season it with salt and black pepper to boost those savory flavors. If you see excess grease, don’t hesitate to drain it off so your dish stays perfectly balanced and not greasy.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
While the beef is browning, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually just 3 to 5 minutes. The quick cook time keeps the tortellini tender but intact. Drain them carefully and set aside – they’ll soon soak up that amazing garlic butter sauce.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Turn the skillet heat down to medium, then add butter to the cooked beef. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until your kitchen fills with the intoxicating scent of garlic – this step is where the magic of the Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini Recipe really begins.
Step 4: Combine Tortellini and Beef
Add your cooked tortellini right into the skillet with the beef and garlic butter sauce. Gently toss everything together so each cheese-filled pasta piece gets coated with that luscious, golden sauce, marrying the flavors perfectly.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Fresh Parsley
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the tortellini and beef. Stir gently to combine. The Parmesan provides a savory depth and silky texture, while the parsley adds brightness and a pop of fresh green that makes this dish as pretty as it is delicious.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Your Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it hot, possibly with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness, while a little extra grated Parmesan sprinkled on top enhances that gooey, cheesy appeal. For a fun twist, toasted pine nuts or a few basil leaves can provide crunch and aroma, making each bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli add a wonderful contrast in both texture and flavor. A side of garlic bread or a warm baguette also complements the dish by providing a perfect vehicle for scooping up all that buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve this dish family-style in a large, rustic skillet right at the table. You can also plate individual portions in shallow bowls and garnish each with a fresh parsley sprig and a shaved Parmesan curl for a beautiful presentation. If you want to get fancy, drizzle a little balsamic reduction around the plate to add a tangy counterpoint.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the flavors vibrant by reheating gently to avoid drying out the tortellini or toughening the beef.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Be mindful that the texture of the tortellini may become slightly softer after freezing, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave reheating is convenient but do it in short bursts to avoid overcooking the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use different meat instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version, and Italian sausage adds extra spice and depth if you prefer bolder flavors.
Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?
You can substitute Pecorino Romano for a sharper, tangier taste or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option, which will still add a lovely cheesy note.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a meat substitute to keep the hearty texture and enjoy a vegetarian twist on the Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini Recipe.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that uplifts the dish without overwhelming the flavors. You can omit them completely if you prefer no spice at all.
What’s the best way to cook tortellini for this recipe?
Cook the tortellini in plenty of salted boiling water just until tender, as per package instructions. Overcooking leads to mushy pasta that doesn’t hold up well when tossed with the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini Recipe that makes it a go-to favorite for busy nights and relaxed dinners alike. The comforting combination of beef, cheese, garlic, and butter creates a dish that feels both indulgent and homey. Give it a try and soon you’ll understand why it’s so beloved. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini recipe that combines savory ground beef with tender cheese tortellini, all tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce and finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Perfect for a satisfying dinner ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Pasta
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese and Herbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and black pepper. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Cook the tortellini: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions, usually 3–5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make garlic butter sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium and add butter to the cooked beef. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toss tortellini with sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the garlic butter beef mixture.
- Add cheese and parsley: Stir in grated Parmesan and chopped parsley until evenly combined.
- Serve: Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level or omit for no heat.
- Drain excess grease from the beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice bright flavor, but you can substitute with dried parsley if needed.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
