Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe

If you’re searching for a restaurant-worthy dinner you can whip up in under 30 minutes, look no further than this Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini. It’s a dish that perfectly marries hearty, savory ground beef with plump cheese tortellini, all tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce and brightened with fresh spinach. Simple, beautiful, and dazzlingly delicious, this recipe is a real crowd-pleaser that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re aiming to impress or just want a comfort meal without the fuss, Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini delivers big on flavor and ease every single time.

Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is how each ingredient has a role to play: the beef brings boldness, the tortellini adds creaminess, and the finishing touches layer on color and zest. Here’s a look at the simple, can’t-skip components that make this meal a favorite in my kitchen.

  • Ground beef: Choose a lean ground beef so you get lots of rich flavor without too much excess grease.
  • Olive oil: Just a splash helps brown the beef and deepens the savory flavors.
  • Garlic: The real star! Fresh garlic builds big, aromatic flavor in that buttery sauce.
  • Italian seasoning: This blend gives the whole dish a warm, herby touch.
  • Salt: Brings all the flavors together and is key for the pasta water and the sauce.
  • Black pepper: For just a bit of sharpness and depth.
  • Red pepper flakes: Optional, but I love the little kick these add.
  • Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Store-bought makes this so easy, and that cheesy filling is pure comfort.
  • Beef broth: Provides a savory liquid base for the sauce that ties everything together.
  • Unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce, turning it creamy and indulgent without overpowering.
  • Fresh spinach: A pop of color and freshness, and it wilts beautifully into the hot pasta.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, creamy finish you won’t want to skip.
  • Fresh parsley: For garnish, it brightens each serving with a touch of freshness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a full boil. Gently add the cheese tortellini and stir. Cook them until they float to the top, totally tender and ready to soak up all that flavor—usually about 3-5 minutes. When they’re done, drain well and don’t forget to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water for later; it’s a secret weapon for a silky sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the tortellini plumps up, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Let it brown and get a little caramelized at the edges (those bits are flavor gold!). Give it about 6-7 minutes until it’s cooked through and beautifully golden.

Step 3: Season the Beef

As soon as your beef is browned, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and those optional red pepper flakes if you like a little fire. Stir everything together so the seasonings really permeate the meat. At this stage, your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 4: Add the Garlic

Now toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until it’s fragrant, about a minute. Careful not to let it burn, as that can add bitterness. You want it to bloom and sweeten, infusing the beef with all that garlicky magic.

Step 5: Pour in the Broth

Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is where you can stir in a splash of that reserved pasta water for extra creaminess. Let the sauce reduce slightly and deepen in flavor—it’ll be hard not to steal a spoonful!

Step 6: Add Butter and Spinach

Drop in the unsalted butter and let it melt into the sauce, creating that luxurious garlic butter base. Add the fresh spinach and stir gently; it’ll wilt down quickly, adding both gorgeous color and freshness.

Step 7: Combine Tortellini with Sauce

Gently toss your drained tortellini into the skillet. Make sure every piece gets coated with that savory, garlicky, buttery beef and spinach sauce. Right here is where everything comes together into a cohesive, flavor-packed meal.

Step 8: Add Parmesan and Parsley

Finally, shower the whole skillet with grated Parmesan cheese and stir to melt it in. Sprinkle lots of chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and bright, herby finish. Serve right out of the pan while everything is hot and irresistible.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan is a classic for Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini, but don’t stop there! Add extra parsley, a crack of black pepper, or even a quick drizzle of good olive oil. For bold eaters, red pepper flakes up top can give each plate a little spark.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely shines with a fresh salad or crusty bread on the side. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The tortellini is rich, so pairing with bright, tangy, or crunchy sides helps balance every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a family-style dinner, serve Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini right from a big skillet or platter sprinkled with extra herbs. If you’re entertaining, scoop the tortellini into individual bowls and top with extra gourmet touches—think shaved Parmesan, pine nuts, or a few ribbons of lemon zest for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days—perfect for easy lunches or a quick weeknight dinner redo.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the cooled tortellini into individual servings. Use freezer-safe containers and try to minimize air exposure. Frozen portions will stay delicious for up to two months, but for best texture, reheat gently.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but go in short bursts and stir between to avoid overcooking the pasta. Top with fresh Parmesan and parsley for that just-cooked magic.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is classic for Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini, feel free to try other flavors—spinach and ricotta or even chicken work wonderfully and add new dimensions to the dish.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

If you’re looking to change things up, ground turkey or even Italian sausage can be fantastic in this recipe. For a vegetarian spin, swap in mushrooms or plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef.

How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust the heat to your preference—or simply leave them out if you want a milder Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in extras like sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes with the spinach. Just remember to keep it balanced so the flavors of the beef and tortellini still shine through.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini holds up well in the fridge and is easy to portion out for meal prep. Store it in individual airtight containers and reheat as needed for a quick, satisfying meal anytime.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a meal that feels like a treat but comes together in a snap. If you’ve been searching for your new go-to comfort dinner, Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is it! Give it a try this week—your taste buds (and everyone else at the table) will thank you.

Print

Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe

This Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini dish is a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines savory ground beef, tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a creamy garlic butter sauce. It’s a perfect blend of hearty and comforting flavors that the whole family will love.

  • Author: nova
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: None

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Tortellini:

  • 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain, reserving a cup of cooking water.
  2. Brown the Beef: Cook ground beef in olive oil until browned.
  3. Season the Beef: Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the Garlic: Saute minced garlic until fragrant.
  5. Pour in the Broth: Add beef broth and simmer.
  6. Add Butter and Spinach: Stir in butter and spinach until wilted.
  7. Combine Tortellini with Sauce: Add cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat.
  8. Add Parmesan and Parsley: Sprinkle Parmesan and parsley over the dish and stir to combine.

Notes

  • For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 840mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Garlic Butter Beef, Spinach Tortellini, Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food

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