Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

This garlic butter beef and spinach tortellini is the ultimate 30-minute weeknight solution when you need something hearty, satisfying, and utterly delicious. The combination of tender cheese-filled pasta with savory beef and wilted spinach creates a meal that feels both comforting and special enough for company.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick but still wanted to impress my family. The empty plates and requests for seconds told me everything I needed to know. Now it appears on our dinner table at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides a hearty protein base that cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious flavors
• Olive oil: Helps brown the beef beautifully while preventing sticking
• Garlic: Fresh minced cloves bring that unmistakable aromatic flavor that forms the backbone of this dish
• Italian seasoning: This blend saves time while adding complex herbal notes to the beef
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors
• Red pepper flakes: Add a gentle heat that cuts through the richness without overwhelming
• Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Cooks in minutes and brings a delightful cheesy element to every bite
• Beef broth: Creates a flavorful sauce base that ties everything together
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates a silky texture in the sauce
• Fresh spinach: Wilts perfectly into the dish adding color, nutrition, and a slightly earthy flavor
• Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty nutty finish that complements the pasta perfectly
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish with color and a fresh herbal note

How To Make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Cook the Tortellini:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions usually 3 to 5 minutes until they float to the surface. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite. Drain carefully but reserve about a cup of the starchy cooking water to help thicken and bind the sauce later.

Brown the Beef:

While the pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add ground beef breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes before stirring to develop those flavorful browned bits. Continue cooking for 5 more minutes stirring occasionally until the beef is no longer pink and has developed a golden brown color.

Season the Beef:

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes evenly over the browned beef. Stir thoroughly to incorporate ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This layer of seasoning builds the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.

Add the Garlic:

Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic directly to the seasoned beef. Stir constantly for about 60 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned. The heat from the beef will help release the garlic oils without risk of burning which would create bitterness.

Pour in the Broth:

Add the beef broth to the skillet stirring to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer and reduce slightly for about 2 minutes. If the sauce seems too thick add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Add Butter and Spinach:

Reduce heat to low and add the butter letting it melt completely into the sauce. Immediately add the fresh spinach in batches if necessary stirring gently as it wilts down. The residual heat will perfectly cook the spinach while maintaining its bright green color.

Combine Tortellini with Sauce:

Add the drained tortellini directly to the skillet with the beef and spinach mixture. Gently fold everything together using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula being careful not to break the delicate pasta. Ensure each tortellini is coated in the sauce allowing it to simmer together for 1 to 2 minutes.

Add Parmesan and Parsley:

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Gently fold it in allowing the residual heat to melt it into the sauce. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley throughout the dish adding both visual appeal and a fresh herbal note.

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The first time I made this for my family my youngest who typically avoids anything green ate two full servings without complaint. The combination of savory beef, garlicky butter, and cheesy tortellini creates such an irresistible flavor profile that even picky eaters forget they’re eating something nutritious.

Storage and Reheating

This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further as it sits making it perfect for meal prep. When reheating add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and either microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, or gently reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Easy Substitutions

Don’t have all the exact ingredients? No problem! Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in place of beef for a lighter option. Frozen spinach can substitute for fresh just be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first. No tortellini on hand? Try ravioli or even regular pasta like penne or bowtie. The garlic butter sauce works with virtually any pasta shape.

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Serving Suggestions

This one-pot wonder stands perfectly well on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. For a more substantial meal add garlic bread for sopping up the delicious sauce. A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Sangiovese or Merlot complements the rich flavors wonderfully for an adult-friendly dinner.

Make Ahead Tips

While this dish is quick to prepare you can still save time by prepping components ahead. Brown and season the beef then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Mince garlic and chop parsley storing separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply reheat the beef add the remaining ingredients and proceed with the recipe for an even faster weeknight meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Cook it according to the package instructions, extending the boiling time slightly if needed.

→ What can I use as a substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you don't have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great alternatives. Avoid pre-shredded cheese for the best melting consistency.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time. Cook the tortellini just before serving and combine everything to maintain texture.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

You can add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for more variety. Sauté them with the beef or spinach for a well-balanced addition.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a hint of heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.