Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini

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Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini

Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini is a delightful dish that seamlessly blends rich flavors and comforting textures. This enticing recipe brings together perfectly cooked tortellini, savory ground beef, and fresh spinach all enveloped in a dreamy garlic butter sauce. The moment you take a bite, you’ll be greeted by the buttery, garlicky goodness that dances across your palate, making you yearn for more. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate that invites you to savor every forkful. With its easy preparation and minimal ingredients, you’ll find that this dish is worth every minute spent in the kitchen, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the biggest appeals of Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini is its simplicity. This dish can be prepped in just around 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The blend of flavors – from the juicy ground beef to robust garlic and the earthy spinach – creates a meal that is not only satisfying but nourishing too. The cheese tortellini adds a delightful twist that kids and adults alike will enjoy. It’s a family-friendly recipe that utilizes straightforward ingredients and ensures a delicious outcome without overwhelming the cook. Plus, if you’re someone who enjoys a comforting bowl of pasta, this dish is a perfect fit.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini

• 1 pound ground beef: The foundation of this dish, offering richness and protein.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps in browning the beef and provides a healthy fat option.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a hint of herbs that complements the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a subtle kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star ingredient, offering a cheesy surprise.
• 1 cup beef broth: Enhances the sauce with a savory depth.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: The secret to a rich, creamy sauce.
• 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of color.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Elevates the dish with a salty, nutty flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A pop of freshness to finish the dish.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook it, breaking the meat into crumbles, until it’s well-browned and fully cooked. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, be sure to drain it.

2. Season the Mixture: Once the beef is cooked, add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with delicious aromas.

3. Cook the Tortellini: While the beef cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the refrigerated tortellini and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

4. Create the Sauce: Pour the beef broth into the skillet with the beef mixture and bring it to a simmer, allowing it to cook for 2 to 3 minutes. This will concentrate the flavors of the broth.

5. Add Butter and Spinach: Stir the unsalted butter into the skillet until it’s melted. Then, add the fresh spinach and cook until the leaves are wilted, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.

6. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the beef and spinach. Gently toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the delicious sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

7. Serve: Dish the Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini onto plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. Enjoy this mouthwatering dish while it’s hot!

Tips & Tricks

• Try Different Proteins: While ground beef is a fantastic choice, you could easily swap it out for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to throw in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for an extra layer of flavor and color.
• Make It Creamier: For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream after adding the beef broth.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you want the dish to be a bit spicier, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or even toss in some sliced jalapeños.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks will complement the pasta beautifully, enhancing that garlic flavor while offering a crunchy texture. For a deeper flavor experience, a hearty red wine could be a great addition for adults. If you’re in the mood for dessert, consider a light gelato or a citrusy sorbet to cleanse the palate after this rich dish.

Nutritional Information

This impressive dish serves approximately 4 and packs a hearty punch of flavors while being relatively balanced nutrition-wise. Each serving provides around 500 calories, loaded with carbohydrates from the tortellini and protein from the beef. The fresh spinach adds essential vitamins and minerals, while the cheese provides calcium. For those watching calorie intake, consider reducing cheese or pasta quantities.

Storing Tips & Variations for Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini

If you happen to have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth to prevent the pasta from drying out. For those who like to plan ahead, this dish can also be frozen. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to 3 months. For a healthier twist, use whole wheat tortellini or replace half the beef with finely chopped mushrooms for added nutrients without compromising flavor.

Conclusion for Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini

Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini is not just another pasta dish; it’s a comforting escape into a world of rich flavors and simple pleasures. Easy to prepare and packed with beloved ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner for one, this recipe invites you to indulge. So gather your ingredients and give this delightful recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well; just ensure to cook it according to package directions.

2. What can I use instead of beef broth?
You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth or chicken broth for a different flavor profile.

3. Is this recipe spicy?
The spiciness mainly comes from the optional red pepper flakes. You can omit them for a milder taste.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
While you can chop your ingredients ahead of time, we recommend cooking this dish fresh for the best flavor and texture.

5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat with a splash of broth to help revive the flavors!

Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A delightful dish blending rich flavors with cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, and fresh spinach enveloped in a garlic butter sauce.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 20 ounces 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

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until well-browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes; sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add tortellini, and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
4. Pour beef broth into the skillet, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to concentrate flavors.
5. Stir in unsalted butter until melted, then add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, gently toss to coat in the sauce, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and parsley, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to meld flavors.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.

Notes

Try using ground turkey or chicken as alternative proteins and add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

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