Cheesy Beef Tortellini is a warm and tasty dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner! Stuffed pasta with beef and cheese makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Honestly, who could resist cheesy goodness mixed with tender beef? I always keep extra on hand because leftovers disappear fast! 😄
I love how simple it is to whip up on busy nights. Just cook the tortellini, mix in the sauce, and sprinkle cheese on top. Dinner is ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is the star here! You can use refrigerated or frozen options. If you’d like a meatier dish, try using meat-filled tortellini instead.
Ground Beef: The recipe calls for ground beef, but feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Even plant-based ground meat can work perfectly!
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic enhance the flavor a lot! If you’re in a pinch, onion powder and garlic powder can serve as quick substitutes. Just use less—start with 1 teaspoon each.
Marinara Sauce: While marinara is great, any tomato-based pasta sauce will do. You can also make it a bit zesty by adding a splash of wine or red pepper flakes.
Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan provide delicious creaminess and flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese alternatives, which melt well nowadays!
How Do I Cook the Tortellini Perfectly?
Cooking tortellini might seem simple, but getting it just right ensures it stays delicious in the dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this enhances the flavor.
- Add the tortellini and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes until al dente.
- Be careful not to overcook, as they can become mushy! Taste a piece to check.
- Drain the tortellini and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process, if you’re not mixing with sauce right away.
This method keeps your tortellini perfectly tender, making your dish even better!
Cheesy Beef Tortellini
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara sauce (or your favorite tomato pasta sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the tortellini and around 20 minutes preparing the beef mixture and assembling everything. It’s a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cooking the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 3 to 5 minutes until they are al dente (cooked but firm). Drain them well and set them aside for now.
2. Sautéing the Aromatics:
While your tortellini is cooking, heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Browning the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked throughout—this should take about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off carefully.
4. Combining Ingredients:
Stir in the marinara sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.
5. Mixing Everything Together:
Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet with the beef sauce. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce.
6. Melting the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt for about 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Finishing Touches:
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if you like.
8. Serving:
Dish out the Cheesy Beef Tortellini hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
This recipe creates a dish that’s rich in flavor, bringing together tender cheesy tortellini and a savory beef marinara sauce, all topped with delicious melted cheese and fresh herbs.
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works well. Just cook them according to package instructions without thawing. They may take a minute or two longer to reach al dente.
What If I Don’t Have Marinara Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute with any tomato-based sauce like spaghetti sauce or even a creamy Alfredo if you’re feeling adventurous. Just tailor the spices to your preference!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or black beans for protein. You can also add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of marinara sauce if it seems dry. Enjoy it again!