Savory Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini Recipe

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini—a dish that effortlessly combines rich ground beef, cheesy tortellini, and a buttery garlic sauce in one delightful skillet. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence, making it ideal for a quick family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal that feels extra special.

With each garlicky bite complemented by the creamy melted cheese and flavorful beef, this Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini has become a beloved go-to in many households, including mine. The addition of fresh spinach not only adds a pop of color but also a boost of nutrients, making it a well-rounded meal that even picky eaters will enjoy. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back Friday evening, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings with its comforting aroma and delicious taste.

Elevate your dining experience with this versatile recipe that allows for personal twists and seasonal variations. From swapping out the protein to experimenting with different greens or cheese choices, there’s room to make this Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini uniquely yours. So, grab a skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor a heartwarming meal that brings joy to the table with every bite.

Quick Benefits

• Cozy and indulgent one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners
• Versatile and customizable with options to swap ingredients like ground beef, spinach, and cheese tortellini
• Simple to make with minimal effort and minimal chopping, great for busy nights
• Leftovers are delicious for next-day lunches, reheats well with a splash of broth

Why You’ll Love This Savory Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini Recipe Recipe

• This recipe offers a cozy, one-pan meal that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for a quick family dinner, making weeknights feel special without much fuss.
• The combination of rich ground beef, cheesy tortellini, and buttery garlic sauce is incredibly satisfying and comforting after a long day.
• Picky eaters will go back for seconds – it’s a crowd-pleaser that will please even the most discerning palates.
• The nutty flavor of Parmesan ties everything together, and the addition of fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness and flavor.
• Leftovers are delicious for next-day lunches, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weekdays.
• The recipe is versatile – you can swap out ingredients like ground beef for turkey or Italian sausage, spinach for arugula or kale, and even try different cheese-stuffed pastas.
• With minimal chopping and ingredients that can be easily substituted, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a big comforting flavor with minimal effort.
• It’s a great dish to customize with seasonal ingredients – from fresh peas in spring to cherry tomatoes and basil in late summer, you can tailor it to suit the time of year.
• The dish is a delicious fusion of Italian American flavors, combining the hearty essence of Italian cooking with a buttery garlic backbone for a delightful main course meal.
• Whether you’re serving it with a crisp green salad and crusty bread or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is versatile, satisfying, and sure to impress.

Ingredients for Savory Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini Recipe

Main Components

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pound ground beef
• 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini

Pro Tips for Savory Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini Recipe

For a successful Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini, make sure to let the tortellini mixture cool before storing it to prevent sogginess. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge. While leftovers can be enjoyed for up to three days, avoid freezing as the tortellini pasta can become mushy.

Feel free to customize this dish by swapping ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage. If you’re out of spinach, try using arugula or chopped kale, and experiment with different cheese-stuffed pastas like ravioli if tortellini isn’t available. Adapting the recipe with seasonal produce like fresh peas in spring or cherry tomatoes in late summer can add variety and freshness to this comforting meal.

How to Make Savory Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Seasonings

Combine minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes with the beef. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 3: Prepare Tortellini

While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

Add beef broth to the skillet with the beef mixture and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to enhance flavors.

Step 5: Add Butter and Wilt Spinach

Melt unsalted butter in the skillet, then add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Tortellini and Finish

Combine cooked tortellini with sauce in skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta. Add Parmesan cheese and parsley, cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Top with extra Parmesan and parsley before serving, if desired.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the dish’s texture and flavors, allow the tortellini mixture to cool before storing it. When reheating, gently warm the dish in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, as it may have thickened in the fridge. Avoid freezing the finished dish, as the tortellini pasta can become mushy upon thawing, but enjoy the delicious leftovers for next-day lunches.

For variations on the recipe, consider swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different twist. If you don’t have spinach on hand, try using arugula or chopped kale instead. Additionally, experiment with different cheese-stuffed pastas like ravioli if tortellini is unavailable. This versatile dish can be customized to suit your preferences and the ingredients you have available, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal with minimal effort.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can easily substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meaty texture. For a lighter option, swap the beef with ground turkey or chicken. Additionally, you can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to enhance the flavors while keeping it meat-free.

If you don’t have fresh spinach on hand, you can substitute it with frozen spinach that has been thawed and excess water squeezed out. Alternatively, try using Swiss chard, kale, or arugula for a different taste and texture. Feel free to experiment with different leafy greens based on your preferences or what you have available in your fridge.

For a variation in the cheesy finish, consider using grated Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a mild mozzarella instead of Parmesan. Each cheese will bring its unique flavor profile to the dish. You can also try using different stuffed pasta options like ravioli or even gnocchi if tortellini is not accessible. These substitutions can add a twist to the recipe while still maintaining its delicious and comforting appeal.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try turning this Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini into a fun pasta bake. Simply transfer the cooked mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake until golden and bubbly for a comforting and delicious twist on this already indulgent dish. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal that will have the whole family coming back for more.

Another creative idea is to turn this dish into a gourmet pasta salad. Chill the cooked tortellini mixture, then toss with a lemony vinaigrette, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives for a refreshing and flavorful salad that is perfect for picnics or potlucks. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving for a bright and satisfying dish that is sure to impress.

FAQs for Savory Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini Recipe

Can I use a different type of ground meat in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage to add a different flavor profile to the dish.

Can I freeze this dish for later?

If you want to freeze this meal, prepare the beef and sauce portion only, let it cool, freeze in a sealed bag, thaw overnight, and finish the recipe by boiling tortellini and fresh spinach on the serving day for the best texture.

What can I substitute for spinach in this recipe?

Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula can be used as substitutes for spinach, each bringing its own unique flavor and texture to the pasta dish.

How should I store leftovers of this dish?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain the flavors and textures.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini is a dish that truly brings comfort and joy to any dinner table. The rich flavors of the beef, buttery garlic sauce, and cheesy tortellini create a delicious combination that is sure to please everyone. Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, it’s a dish that never fails to impress.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! You can easily customize it to suit your preferences by swapping ingredients or adding your favorite vegetables. The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for any season, and it’s a great way to use up whatever ingredients you have on hand. So go ahead, give this Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini a try, and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for more.

Savory Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini Recipe

Indulge in rich garlic butter beef, cheese-filled tortellini, and fresh spinach for a cozy, one-pan meal that’s both comforting and flavorful.

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Prep Time10 min

Cook Time20 min

Total Time30 min

CuisineItalian-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings (6 portions)

Ingredients

Main Components

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pound ground beef
• 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini

Instructions

1. Sauté Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Combine minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes with the beef. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic.
3. Prepare Tortellini: While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
4. Deglaze and Simmer: Add beef broth to the skillet with the beef mixture and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to enhance flavors.
5. Add Butter and Wilt Spinach: Melt unsalted butter in the skillet, then add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Combine Tortellini and Finish: Combine cooked tortellini with sauce in skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta. Add Parmesan cheese and parsley, cook for 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve: Top with extra Parmesan and parsley before serving, if desired.