Garlic Butter Beef Spinach Tortellini

This garlic butter beef and spinach tortellini dish is a satisfying weeknight meal that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for those evenings when you want comfort food without hours in the kitchen. The blend of ground beef and fresh spinach in a velvety garlic butter sauce tossed with cheese tortellini makes it a family favorite.

I first cooked this one on a busy weeknight and everyone loved how the garlic butter sauce made the tortellini stand out. Now it’s on regular rotation in our household because of its balance between ease and flavor.

Ingredients

• Chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian option: broth adds depth and moisture to the sauce select a low-sodium option to control salt levels
• Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce for a creamy consistency: if unavailable, flour works but you will need some extra cooking time
• Frozen cheese tortellini mains of the dish: go for high-quality cheese fillings when possible for best flavor and texture
• Butter: salted butter enriches the sauce and balances the garlic use fresh for the best taste
• Garlic: fresh minced garlic gives an aromatic punch to the sauce and blends beautifully with the butter
• Dried basil: adds herbal notes opt for a quality brand that smells fragrant
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish: adds a nutty salty finish that lifts the dish
• Fresh spinach chopped in for a boost of color and nutrients: choose tender leaves for best texture
• Ground beef the protein chunk: cooked until nicely browned for flavor and texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Tortellini:

Bring two and a half cups of broth to a boil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and stir occasionally to keep them from sticking. Cook until the tortellini float to the top which takes about three to four minutes. Drain well and set aside.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

In a small bowl whisk together the remaining one and a half cups of broth with the cornstarch until fully dissolved to avoid lumps. In a non-stick skillet melt the butter over medium high heat until it foams gently. Add the minced garlic and dried basil stirring constantly for about two minutes watching carefully so the garlic becomes fragrant but does not burn.

Cook the Beef and Spinach:

Add the ground beef to the same skillet and cook until nicely browned breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain the excess grease from the pan. Add the chopped spinach and stir for one to two minutes until the spinach wilts and blends with the beef.

Combine Everything:

Pour the broth and cornstarch mixture into the skillet with beef and spinach. Increase to a gentle boil stirring continuously. The sauce will thicken in about two minutes. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss everything gently so the sauce coats each piece evenly.

Serve and Garnish:

Transfer the tortellini mixture to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and add fresh basil chiffonade if you like for a pop of herbal freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the rewarding blend of flavors.

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This is one of my favorite comfort meals because the garlicky butter sauce reminds me of dinners my family enjoyed while growing up. The addition of fresh spinach brightens the dish and makes you feel a little better about indulging.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to four days to keep the tortellini fresh without drying out. When reheating warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to restore the sauce’s creamy texture without overcooking the pasta.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a vegetarian option swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a rich umami flavor. For a gluten-free version look for gluten-free tortellini or use an alternative pasta but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil to balance the richness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices make great accompaniments to soak up extra sauce. A light red wine complements the beef and butter sauce beautifully.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of tortellini works best?

Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini are ideal as they cook quickly and absorb flavors well. Adjust cooking times accordingly if using dried varieties.

→ Can I substitute beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives for a lighter option, cooking until browned and fully cooked through.

→ How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook garlic over medium heat in butter, stirring constantly and watching carefully. Once fragrant (about 2 minutes), proceed quickly to the next steps.

→ What can replace cornstarch to thicken the sauce?

All-purpose flour works well as a substitute but may require slightly longer cooking to achieve the desired thickness.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain sauce consistency.

→ Can I add fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Fresh spinach works beautifully; add it toward the end and cook just until wilted to keep its vibrant color and texture.