Description
Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini is a quick and delicious skillet meal combining savory ground beef with tender cheese tortellini tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this comforting dish comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Pasta
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for about 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary.
- Prepare the Tortellini: While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically 3–5 minutes, until tender. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat of the skillet with beef to medium. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Toss Tortellini with Beef and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the garlic butter and beef mixture.
- Finish with Parmesan and Parsley: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the mixture, stirring gently until combined and the cheese has slightly melted.
- Serve Warm: Plate the Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright flavor, but dried parsley can be used if fresh is unavailable—use about 1 teaspoon dried.
- Drain the cooked tortellini well to avoid a watery sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor and better melting.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or milk when adding the butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
