Beef tortellini is a perfect marriage between tender pasta and rich, savory beef filling. Whether you're an Italian food enthusiast or just a pasta lover looking to try something new, this recipe will guide you through creating melt-in-your-mouth tortellini from scratch.

beef tortellini pasta recipe

Follow along for a step-by-step breakdown, complete with tips for mastering this classic Italian dish.

What to Expect in This Recipe

This step-by-step guide will show you how to:

  • Create homemade pasta dough for tortellini.
  • Prepare a flavorful beef filling.
  • Assemble and cook tortellini to perfection.
  • Pair it with a divine sauce for an unforgettable meal.

Why Make Beef Tortellini at Home?

Sure, you could buy packaged tortellini, but there's nothing quite like the flavor and texture of fresh pasta made from scratch. Plus, making your own tortellini allows you to create a meal that's as delicious as it is rewarding. With this recipe, you'll elevate your cooking skills and wow your dinner guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
  • 3 large eggs
  • A pinch of salt

For the Beef Filling:

  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving

How to Make Beef Tortellini from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Dough

  1. On a clean surface, form the flour into a mound and create a well in the center.
  2. Crack the eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt.
  3. Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs while gradually incorporating the flour.
  4. Once the mixture becomes dough-like, knead it with your hands for 8–10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
  5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Pro Tip: Resting the dough allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out without tearing.

Step 2: Make the Beef Filling

  1. While the dough rests, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
  2. Transfer the beef to a bowl and combine it with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Set the filling aside to cool.

Step 3: Roll and Cut the Pasta Dough

  1. Divide the rested dough into four portions for easier handling.
  2. Using a pasta roller (or a rolling pin), roll out each portion into thin sheets, about 1/16-inch thick.
  3. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut circles out of the dough.

Pro Tip: Cover unused dough with a clean towel to prevent it from drying out as you work.

Step 4: Assemble the Tortellini

  1. Place a small spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle.
  2. Fold the circle in half to form a semi-circle, pressing the edges together to seal.
  3. Take the two corners of the semi-circle and fold them together, overlapping slightly, to create the iconic tortellini shape.
  4. Place the assembled tortellini on a floured surface to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
  2. Drop the tortellini in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
  3. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the tortellini float to the surface.
  4. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked tortellini to a plate.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and optional sugar and red pepper flakes.
  4. Simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

  1. Toss the cooked tortellini gently in the sauce until coated.
  2. Serve in bowls with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why beef tortellini deserves a spot on your dinner table:

  • Authenticity: Nothing beats the flavor of homemade pasta and fresh ingredients.
  • Customizable: Add your own twist with different fillings or sauce variations.
  • Impressive: Your guests will think you’ve been trained in an authentic Italian kitchen.

Pairing Suggestions

Pair your tortellini with a crisp green salad and a glass of bold red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese. Finish the meal with a classic Italian dessert, like tiramisu, for the perfect conclusion to a delightful dinner.

Final Thoughts on Perfecting Homemade Tortellini

Homemade beef tortellini might take a little longer to prepare than opening a package, but the results are well worth the effort. With each step, you’re crafting a dish that’s rich in flavor and tradition.

Now, it’s your turn to give it a go! Feel free to share your results with us in the comments or on social media. Not ready to make pasta dough from scratch? You can still use store-bought pasta sheets and follow the rest of the recipe.

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