Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini

Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Tender cheese tortellini is tossed with savory ground beef, wilted spinach, and a luscious garlic butter sauce for a meal that’s both hearty and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but restaurant-worthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines rich, garlicky butter sauce with protein-packed ground beef and cheesy tortellini for the perfect one-pan meal. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens with the spinach, and you can have everything on the table in less time than it takes to order takeout. Plus, it reheats beautifully for leftovers the next day.

Time Breakdown

One of the best things about this dish is how quickly it comes together. You can prep the ingredients while the tortellini cooks, and everything finishes in the same skillet for minimal cleanup. In just 25 minutes, you can have a wholesome, homemade dinner on the table.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~25 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make this recipe, just a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients. Fresh cheese tortellini, ground beef, butter, garlic, and spinach are the stars of the dish. A little Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning pull everything together for that perfect finish.

• 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Condensed Grocery Checklist

Short on time? This simple grocery list has you covered. You only need to grab tortellini, ground beef, butter, garlic, fresh spinach, Parmesan, and a few seasonings, most of which you may already have in your pantry.

• Cheese tortellini
• Ground beef
• Butter
• Garlic
• Fresh spinach
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper flakes

How to Make – Step by Step

Making this recipe is as simple as boil, brown, and toss. Cook the tortellini, brown the beef, melt the butter with garlic, add spinach, then toss everything together. In less time than it takes to wait for takeout delivery, you’ll have a hot and satisfying dinner ready to enjoy.

1. Cook Tortellini: Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Make Garlic Butter: Add butter to the skillet with the beef, then stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Spinach: Toss in spinach and cook until just wilted.
5. Combine & Finish: Add cooked tortellini to the skillet, sprinkle with Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Toss until coated in garlic butter sauce. Serve hot.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Making this recipe is as simple as boil, brown, and toss. Cook the tortellini, brown the beef, melt the butter with garlic, add spinach, then toss everything together. In less time than it takes to wait for takeout delivery, you’ll have a hot and satisfying dinner ready to enjoy.

• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef.
• Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
• Cheese Lovers: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamier sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

While this pasta dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, you can take it to the next level with a few simple sides. Think buttery garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or extra Parmesan and fresh herbs sprinkled on top right before serving.

• A side of garlic bread for dipping into the buttery sauce.
• A crisp Caesar or garden salad.
• A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh basil before serving.

Storing Tips

Leftovers reheat beautifully, making this a great meal prep option. Store them in the fridge for up to three days and reheat with a splash of water or broth to keep everything saucy and tender.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: Not recommended with tortellini, the pasta texture may become mushy after thawing.

Chef’s Special Tips

A few simple tricks will make your dish shine. Cook the tortellini just to al dente so it stays firm after tossing. Always use fresh garlic for maximum flavor in your butter sauce. And if you want to elevate the flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the butter.

• Cook the tortellini just until al dente so it doesn’t get too soft when tossed in the skillet.
• Use fresh garlic instead of jarred for the best flavor in the butter sauce.
• For an extra flavor boost, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the butter.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini is a quick, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy nights or when you just need a bowl of cozy comfort food. With simple ingredients, bold flavors, and minimal cleanup, it’s sure to become a regular on your weeknight dinner menu.

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