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Tortellini and ground beef create a match made in culinary heaven that’ll make taste buds dance with joy. This classic Italian-inspired combination transforms ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary dining experience that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend feast these hearty recipes bring together the best of both worlds – tender pasta pillows stuffed with cheese and savory seasoned ground beef. The versatility of this dynamic duo means home cooks can whip up everything from traditional recipes to creative modern twists that’ll have the whole family begging for seconds. Let’s explore some mouthwatering tortellini and ground beef combinations that’ll revolutionize pasta night forever.
Tortellini Recipes with Ground Beef
Tortellini consists of ring-shaped pasta filled with cheese, meat or vegetables. These small pasta pieces originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, featuring a distinctive navel-like shape that earned them the nickname “belly button pasta.”
Ground beef enhances tortellini dishes through its:
- Rich protein content at 22 grams per 3-ounce serving
- Natural umami flavor that complements cheese fillings
- Tender texture that matches the pasta’s bite
- Cost-effective nature compared to other proteins
The combination creates these advantages:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes total |
| Servings Per Pound | 4-6 portions |
| Protein Content | 44g per serving |
| Average Cost | $8-12 per meal |
Fresh tortellini cooks in 3-5 minutes while dried varieties take 10-12 minutes. Both types pair seamlessly with ground beef’s quick 5-7 minute cooking time. The meat’s fat content creates a silky coating on the pasta while adding depth to accompanying sauces.
Ground beef’s versatility allows for multiple cooking methods:
- Browning for traditional meat sauces
- Creating stuffed tortellini fillings
- Forming meatballs as accompaniments
- Incorporating into baked tortellini casseroles
This pairing satisfies dietary needs through complete protein content from both meat and cheese while providing essential nutrients including iron zinc magnesium.
Essential Ingredients for Beef Tortellini Dishes
Creating delicious beef tortellini dishes requires specific ingredients that enhance flavor and texture. Here’s a comprehensive guide to selecting the right components for these Italian-inspired meals.
Best Types of Ground Beef to Use
Ground beef selection impacts the final taste and texture of tortellini dishes. 80/20 ground beef delivers optimal flavor and moisture content for pasta sauces. Ground sirloin (90/10) works best for lighter preparations where excess fat isn’t desired. Fresh ground chuck (85/15) provides a balanced option for most tortellini recipes, including baked dishes and meat sauces.
| Ground Beef Type | Fat Content | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Chuck | 85/15 | All-purpose cooking |
| Regular Ground | 80/20 | Rich sauces |
| Ground Sirloin | 90/10 | Lighter dishes |
Complementary Seasonings and Spices
Italian seasoning blends form the foundation for beef tortellini flavoring. Fresh garlic cloves enhance the meat’s natural flavor while dried oregano adds traditional Mediterranean notes. Crushed red pepper flakes introduce a subtle heat element to the dish. Bay leaves contribute depth to sauces during simmering. Fresh basil leaves brighten the final presentation with aromatic qualities.
| Essential Seasonings | Recommended Amount per lb |
|---|---|
| Italian Seasoning | 1-2 tablespoons |
| Garlic Cloves | 2-3 cloves |
| Dried Oregano | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Fresh Basil | 1/4 cup chopped |
Classic Ground Beef Tortellini in Tomato Sauce
Classic ground beef tortellini in tomato sauce combines tender cheese-filled pasta with a rich meat sauce for a hearty Italian meal. This traditional recipe brings together the best of both worlds: fresh tortellini and savory ground beef in a flavorful tomato-based sauce.
Making the Perfect Meat Sauce
The foundation of an exceptional meat sauce starts with sautéing 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves in olive oil until translucent. Brown 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef in the same pan, breaking it into small crumbles for even distribution throughout the sauce. Adding 28 ounces of crushed San Marzano tomatoes creates a rich base, while 2 tablespoons of tomato paste intensifies the flavor. Season the sauce with:
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 fresh basil leaves
- 1 bay leaf
Simmering the sauce for 25 minutes integrates the flavors while maintaining the proper consistency. Stirring occasionally prevents sticking and ensures even heat distribution throughout the cooking process.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 pound | Main protein |
| Crushed Tomatoes | 28 oz | Sauce base |
| Tomato Paste | 2 tbsp | Thickening |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 tbsp | Flavor enhancement |
Creamy Ground Beef Tortellini Skillet
This one-pan creamy ground beef tortellini skillet combines tender cheese tortellini with savory ground beef in a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. Cooking time spans 25 minutes from start to finish, making it an efficient weeknight dinner option.
The recipe starts by browning 1 pound of ground beef with diced onions until the meat reaches a golden-brown color. Adding 3 minced garlic cloves infuses the dish with aromatic depth. Fresh cheese tortellini cooks directly in the skillet with beef broth, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
Heavy cream mixed with grated parmesan cheese transforms into a silky sauce that coats each pasta piece. Seasonings include:
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt pepper to taste
A splash of white wine deglazes the pan, incorporating browned bits into the sauce for enhanced flavor. Fresh spinach wilts into the mixture during the final minutes of cooking, adding color nutrients. The sauce thickens naturally as the tortellini releases starch into the pan.
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | 1 lb | Main protein |
| Cheese Tortellini | 20 oz | Pasta base |
| Heavy Cream | 2 cups | Sauce creation |
| Parmesan | 1 cup | Sauce thickener |
| Beef Broth | 2 cups | Cooking liquid |
The dish develops complex layers of flavor through the combination of browned meat, creamy sauce sharp cheese. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of pasta, meat sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled on top add brightness to this rich comfort food creation.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Ground Beef
Cheesy baked tortellini casserole transforms cheese-filled pasta into a hearty, layered dish featuring seasoned ground beef, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese. Brown 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef with diced onions, minced garlic for 5 minutes until no pink remains. Stir in 24 ounces of marinara sauce, 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Mix in 20 ounces of cooked cheese tortellini with the meat sauce, coating each pasta piece evenly. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Top with 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, creating a blanket of dairy goodness.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Cheese tortellini | 20 oz |
| Marinara sauce | 24 oz |
| Mozzarella cheese | 2 cups |
| Italian seasoning | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until the cheese melts bubbles turn golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the layers to set. Optional toppings include:
- Fresh chopped basil leaves
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh Italian parsley
- Crispy garlic breadcrumbs
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 minutes or until heated through.
One-Pot Ground Beef Tortellini Soup
This hearty soup combines tender cheese tortellini with seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato broth. Italian sausage enhances the savory base alongside traditional aromatics like onions garlic carrots celery. Fresh cheese tortellini cooks directly in the flavorful broth creating an effortless meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Cheese tortellini | 20 ounces |
| Beef broth | 6 cups |
| Diced tomatoes | 28 ounces |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh spinach | 3 cups |
The cooking process starts by browning ground beef with diced onions carrots celery in a large Dutch oven. Minced garlic tomato paste boost the umami flavors. San Marzano tomatoes beef broth create the soup base enhanced by Italian herbs bay leaves. Fresh cheese tortellini takes 7 minutes to cook in the simmering broth.
Bay leaves impart depth while Italian seasoning adds traditional herb notes. Fresh spinach stirred in at the end provides color nutrients. Grated parmesan cheese red pepper flakes offer optional garnishes letting each diner customize their bowl. The entire dish comes together in 35 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers for 4 days
- Freeze portions without pasta for 3 months
- Reheat gently on stovetop stirring occasionally
- Add fresh tortellini when reheating frozen portions
Tips for Cooking Perfect Tortellini With Ground Beef
Brown ground beef thoroughly over medium-high heat until no pink remains, creating a flavorful base for tortellini dishes.
Season beef during browning with:
- 1 teaspoon salt per pound
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- ¼ cup diced onions
Cook fresh tortellini for 3-4 minutes in salted boiling water, testing one piece to ensure proper texture. Frozen tortellini requires 5-6 minutes to reach al dente consistency.
Control sauce thickness by:
- Adding ¼ cup pasta water to thin out thick sauces
- Simmering uncovered for 5-7 minutes to reduce runny sauces
- Incorporating 2 tablespoons tomato paste for richness
Drain excess fat from ground beef after browning, leaving 2 tablespoons for flavor development. Remove tortellini 1 minute before package instructions indicate when incorporating into sauces, allowing pasta to finish cooking in the sauce.
Key temperature guidelines:
| Component | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (fully cooked) | 160°F |
| Boiling water for pasta | 212°F |
| Simmering sauce | 180-190°F |
Prevent tortellini from sticking by:
- Stirring gently every 2 minutes during cooking
- Adding 1 tablespoon olive oil to boiling water
- Tossing cooked pasta with 1 tablespoon butter
- Avoiding overcrowding the pot
Store leftover tortellini dishes in airtight containers at 40°F or below for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in a covered skillet over medium heat, adding 2-3 tablespoons of water to restore sauce consistency.
What Is Tortellini and Why Choose Ground Beef
Ground beef tortellini recipes offer a perfect blend of Italian tradition and modern convenience. From classic tomato-based sauces to creamy one-pan skillets these dishes deliver satisfying meals that’ll please the whole family. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty weekend feast the combination of tender pasta and seasoned ground beef creates memorable dining experiences.
The versatility of these recipes means home cooks can easily adapt them to their preferences while maintaining the essential flavors that make tortellini with ground beef so appealing. By following the cooking tips and techniques shared here anyone can create restaurant-quality pasta dishes in their own kitchen.