Introduction
If you're a pasta lover, you know there's more to life than spaghetti and meatballs. Enter tortellini! These bite-sized pockets of pasta joy are versatile, comforting, and cook in minutes. Pair them with ground beef and you’ve got a hearty, flavorful dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.
This post shares three irresistible tortellini recipes with ground beef that cater to home cooks seeking quick and delicious meal ideas. Time to upgrade your pasta game!
Why Tortellini + Ground Beef = Dinner Goals
Ground beef is protein-packed, affordable, and easy to cook, while tortellini, with its cheesy filling, offers a fast-cooking and flavorful pasta option. Together, they create meals that hit all the right notes: meaty, cheesy, and full of texture. Plus, it’s a foolproof combo for weeknights when time is short but hunger is real.
Start with your favorite tortellini (cheese, spinach, or even meat-filled), sauté some ground beef, and build a dish bursting with flavor. Now, onto the recipes!
1. Classic Italian Tortellini Skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare Pasta: Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking until fragrant and the onion is tender.
- Combine Sauce & Tortellini: Stir in the marinara sauce, simmer for 5 minutes, then gently fold in the cooked tortellini.
- Optional Cheese Topper: If desired, sprinkle mozzarella over the skillet, cover, and cook on low heat until the cheese melts perfectly.
- Serve & Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil and serve directly from the skillet. Less cleanup, more flavor!
Why You'll Love It: This one-pan wonder is rich, comforting, and brings the classic Italian flavors you crave.
2. Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package (20 oz) tortellini (any flavor)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 jar (24 oz) tomato-basil pasta sauce
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil Tortellini: Cook the tortellini in salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat, add pasta sauce, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assembly Away!: Preheat your oven to 375°F. At the base of a greased baking dish, spread a small amount of the beef sauce. Add layers of tortellini, ricotta dollops, and beef sauce. Repeat until everything is used up, finishing with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and browns slightly.
- Serve Hot: Bonus tip? Pair with garlic bread for the ultimate cheesy experience.
Why You'll Love It: This bake is indulgent yet simple to prepare, combining gooey cheese with tender pasta.
3. Creamy Ground Beef Tortellini Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese or spinach tortellini
- 4 cups chicken or beef stock
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Sauté Veggies & Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot, add onions, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until softened. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Broth & Build the Soup: Pour in the chicken or beef stock, diced tomatoes, oregano, and spinach. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Cook Tortellini: Add tortellini and gently simmer until tender (about 5 minutes).
- Make it Creamy: Stir in heavy cream and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve with Love: Dish up with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Why You'll Love It: This creamy soup is warm, comforting, and perfect for cozy nights. Plus, it’s packed with veggies and protein.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Tortellini Recipes
- Opt for fresh tortellini when possible for better texture and flavor.
- Don't overcook! Tortellini cooks quickly (typically 3–5 minutes). Anything longer can lead to mushy pasta.
- For added depth, mix ground beef with sausage, lamb, or turkey.
Bring These Recipes to Your Table
Tortellini is one of those pasta varieties that shines in its simplicity but becomes truly special when paired with the right ingredients. These three recipes offer a mix of flavors, textures, and methods, ensuring there's something for everyone at the dinner table!
Looking for more ways to experiment with tortellini? Drop your go-to recipes in the comments, or explore more ideas in [Brand's Recipe Hub].
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