Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe

In the world of comforting weeknight dinners, nothing quite compares to a bubbling skillet of Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini. This irresistible dish brings together plump cheese tortellini, hearty ground beef, tender spinach, and a gloriously garlicky butter sauce—all finished with a flurry of Parmesan and fresh herbs. It’s a meal that looks and tastes as if you’ve pulled out all the stops, yet it comes together in under 30 minutes. Be prepared for second helpings; everyone at the table will ask for more of this Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s astounding how just a handful of simple ingredients can create something so magical. Each one here has a vital part to play, bringing unique flavor, texture, or color to this Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini. Let’s break down what you’ll need.

• Ground beef: Use a lean cut for rich flavor without excess grease; browning it amps up the dish’s savoriness.
• Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a subtle, fruity base that enriches both beef and aromatics.
• Garlic: Fresh is best for that punchy, aromatic lift—don’t skimp!
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that unifies the sauce with traditional Italian flair.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing every other flavor in the pan.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and earthy warmth.
• Red pepper flakes: Totally optional, but worth it if you adore a hint of heat.
• Refrigerated cheese tortellini: These cook quickly and soak up the buttery broth like flavor sponges; fresh is perfect but frozen can also work.
• Beef broth: Creates a silky base that’s deep, savory, and makes everything juicy.
• Unsalted butter: The key to that gloriously rich, velvety garlic butter finish.
• Fresh spinach: Wilts beautifully for pops of green and a subtle earthy note.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For salty umami magic—freshly grated adds extra decadence.
• Fresh parsley: A finishing touch that brings color and brightness to every bite.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by grabbing your largest skillet and preheating it over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then crumble in the ground beef. As it cooks, break it up with a wooden spoon. You’ll want it to turn a deep brown with a bit of crispy edge here and there; that browning is pure flavor!

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Spices

Once your beef is browned, toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and (if you’re feeling sassy) red pepper flakes. Stir it all around for about a minute, letting the garlic become fragrant—it’s what transforms the beef’s flavor from ordinary to utterly craveworthy.

Step 3: Add Tortellini and Broth

Slide the refrigerated cheese tortellini right into the skillet, followed by that luscious beef broth. Stir everything together, bring it up to a gentle simmer, and let it cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes. The tortellini swell and become tender, absorbing all those luscious flavors around them.

Step 4: Melt in the Butter

Next comes the magic: swirl in the unsalted butter until it melts seamlessly into the pan, creating your very own garlic butter sauce. This is when Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini gets its velvety, naughty richness!

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Toss in your fresh spinach and give everything a gentle stir. Watch as those leaves collapse and turn a gorgeous deep green—just a minute or two is all it takes, leaving the spinach tender but still vibrant.

Step 6: Add Parmesan and Finish

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese generously over the skillet, then fold it in so it melts and coats every morsel. Finally, scatter fresh parsley over the top for a pop of herby freshness that rounds out each bite of Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Garnishes

Finish each serving with extra Parmesan and a handful of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. A light drizzle of olive oil or a twist of cracked black pepper adds depth, making Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Serve this cozy dish with warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of garlicky butter sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make the perfect companions, balancing out the meal and adding texture alongside your Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the tortellini family-style in a large, shallow platter at the center of the table for an inviting, rustic vibe. For a special touch, ladle individual portions into shallow pasta bowls and garnish each plate generously—Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini always feels more festive in pretty dishware!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta will soak up some of the sauce but remains delicious for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

While tortellini generally freezes well, the fresh spinach can become a bit soft after thawing. If you plan to freeze, try undercooking the spinach slightly or adding fresh greens when reheating. Let the Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat the dish gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently and heat until just warmed through to preserve the tortellini’s tender texture and prevent the sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini work beautifully—just allow a few extra minutes for cooking, and check for doneness before serving your Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute plant-based ground meat for the beef and choose vegetable broth in place of beef broth. With those tweaks, your Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini will still be hearty and full of flavor.

What can I use instead of spinach?

Feel free to use baby kale, arugula, or even Swiss chard in place of spinach. Add sturdier greens a bit earlier to allow them to cook down sufficiently in your Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini.

How do I make the dish less spicy?

Simply omit the red pepper flakes or reduce to a pinch. The dish will still have tons of flavor from the garlic butter, herbs, and beef.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers make fantastic additions and blend seamlessly into Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini for extra color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a flavor-packed crowd-pleaser, look no further than Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini. It’s quick, soul-satisfying, and easy enough for any weekday, yet special enough to share with friends. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your plate will be wiped clean!

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