Hearty Beef & Parmesan Tortellini Recipe for Cozy Nights

Tucked away in my recipe collection, this hearty beef & parmesan tortellini brings comfort directly to your plate.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the rich, savory combination of tender beef and creamy cheese.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of Italian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners need something special, and this recipe delivers with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Perfectly seasoned meat mingles with soft, pillowy tortellini, creating a meal that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Cheese lovers especially will swoon over the parmesan subtle, nutty undertones.

You can whip up this crowd-pleasing dish in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy evenings.

Jump into this culinary adventure and savor every delicious forkful!

Parmesan Beef Tortellini That’s Filling and Creamy

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious tortellini dish in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults will love the creamy Parmesan sauce and hearty ground beef, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to everyone's taste buds.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Easily adaptable for different preferences by switching ground beef for ground turkey or adding extra vegetables, making it a flexible recipe for various dietary needs.

Beef & Parmesan Tortellini Filling Picks

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base for the dish, choose lean ground beef for less grease and better texture.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds delicious carbohydrate element, select fresh or dried cheese tortellini.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Italian Seasoning: Creamy sauce components that create rich, savory flavor profile, opt for freshly grated Parmesan for best taste.

• Olive Oil, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Fresh Parsley: Essential flavor enhancers that provide depth and brightness, use fresh garlic for most robust taste and fresh parsley for garnish.

Tortellini with Beef & Parmesan Cooking Directions

Step 1: Boil Tortellini Perfectly

Drop tortellini into a pot of salted boiling water.

Follow package cooking time precisely.

Once tender, carefully drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Delicious Beef

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium flame.

Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces.

Cook until the meat turns golden brown and no pink remains.

Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

Toss minced garlic into the same skillet and sauté until fragrant.

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning

Stir gently and let the sauce simmer, watching it thicken and develop rich flavors for 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Elevate

Slide the cooked tortellini into the skillet with beef and sauce.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each pasta pocket gets coated in the luxurious sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.

For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tortellini Tips for Beef and Parmesan Filling

• Avoid overcooking tortellini by following package instructions precisely and tasting a piece 1-2 minutes before recommended cooking time.
• Drain excess beef fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy sauce and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Simmer sauce gently to help it thicken naturally without burning, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and achieve a smooth texture.
• Enhance dish by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh basil for extra depth and a subtle kick of excitement.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms to create a meat-free version that maintains the recipe's rich, creamy essence.

Beef Parmesan Tortellini Storage

• Transfer leftover tortellini to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore sauce consistency and prevent sticking.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and taste.

Cheesy Bites for Parmesan Tortellini

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich beef and creamy Parmesan sauce, cutting through the heaviness while enhancing the meal's deep flavors.
• Create Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the dish's richness, adding a fresh and zesty contrast to the creamy tortellini.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Toast crusty Italian bread with garlic butter and sprinkle with parsley, providing a perfect crunchy accompaniment that soaks up the delicious sauce and adds textural variety.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare herb-roasted zucchini and bell peppers tossed in olive oil and Italian seasoning, creating a colorful and nutritious side that complements the pasta's hearty profile.

Beef Parmesan Tortellini Cheesy Blends

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, red pepper flakes, and swap Italian seasoning for chili powder. Top with fresh cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

• What type of tortellini works best for this recipe?

Fresh or frozen tortellini from the refrigerated section are ideal. Cheese or beef-filled tortellini both complement the sauce perfectly.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey or Italian sausage are excellent alternatives that will work well with the creamy Parmesan sauce.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add some sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the nutritional value and add extra flavor to the dish.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the creamy sauce and cheesy tortellini make this a great meal that most children will enjoy. The mild seasonings and comforting flavors are typically appealing to kids.

Beef & Parmesan Tortellini Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Beef & Parmesan Tortellini combines Italian comfort with rich, hearty flavors that dance across your palate. Perfectly crafted pasta pockets stuffed with seasoned beef create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 package (10 ounces / 283 grams) cheese tortellini

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil and gently immerse the tortellini, cooking until they achieve a tender yet firm texture as directed on the package.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat a robust skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Introduce the ground beef, breaking it into delicate crumbles and searing until a rich golden-brown color develops, then carefully drain any accumulated fat.
3. Reduce the skillet’s heat and sprinkle finely chopped garlic into the beef, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds. Pour in velvety heavy cream, allowing it to meld with freshly grated Parmesan and a whisper of Italian herbs.
4. Let the sauce gently simmer, gradually thickening and developing a luxurious consistency over 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
5. Transfer the perfectly cooked tortellini directly into the skillet, tenderly folding the pasta through the creamy beef sauce, ensuring each delicate pocket becomes lavishly coated.
6. Season the combined dish with a judicious pinch of salt and a crackling of black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
7. Plate the tortellini immediately, optionally adorning with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch, and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Boost pasta texture by slightly undercooking tortellini during initial boiling, ensuring it remains perfectly al dente when mixed with hot sauce.
• Enhance beef flavor by using higher fat content ground beef (80/20) which adds richness and prevents dryness in the final dish.
• Create dairy-free alternative by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for similar creamy, tangy profile.
• Elevate nutritional value by adding sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables directly into the sauce for extra nutrients and vibrant color contrast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg