Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Few dinners strike the perfect balance between comfort food indulgence and weekday convenience like this Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini. Juicy, savory ground beef pairs beautifully with cheesy tortellini, a silky garlic butter sauce, and fresh spinach for a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just want a satisfying one-pan dinner, this recipe delivers. The flavors are rich but not heavy, and the addition of fresh spinach brings a welcome pop of color and nutrition. It’s proof that with a few well-chosen ingredients, you can create something that tastes like it came from an Italian trattoria — without leaving your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple – Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• One-pan convenience – Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Balanced – The richness of beef and cheese is balanced with fresh spinach and herbs.
• Crowd-pleaser – Family-friendly, with easy spice adjustments.
• Versatile – Works as a weeknight dinner or an easy entertaining dish.

Ingredients Breakdown

Serves: 4

Protein Base

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef – Lean beef works best for a lighter, less greasy sauce.

Flavor Builders

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps sauté the beef and garlic without sticking.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – The backbone of the sauce’s flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings a classic blend of herbs.
• ½ teaspoon salt & ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Enhances and balances flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a gentle heat.

Pasta & Sauce

• 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini – Soft, pillowy pasta filled with creamy cheese.
• 1 cup beef broth – Provides depth and moisture for cooking the tortellini.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Forms the base of the garlic butter sauce.

Fresh Finishers

• 2 cups fresh spinach – Lightens the dish and adds nutrients.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Creamy, salty finishing touch.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish and a hint of freshness.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
5. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic

1. Push the beef to one side of the skillet.
2. Add minced garlic to the empty side and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir garlic into the beef mixture.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

1. Pour in the beef broth.
2. Add the refrigerated tortellini directly to the skillet.
3. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Reduce heat to low.
2. Add the butter, letting it melt into the pasta and beef mixture.
3. Toss well so the tortellini is coated in the garlic butter-infused sauce.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Cheese

1. Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted.
2. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
3. Stir gently to create a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
2. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use fresh tortellini – They cook faster and have better texture than dried.
• Don’t overcook the spinach – Add it at the very end so it stays vibrant.
• Adjust broth as needed – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth.
• Choose a quality Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly.
• Make it creamier – Stir in a splash of heavy cream before adding spinach for an extra-luxurious sauce.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is savory, garlicky, and herbaceous with a comforting creaminess from the tortellini and cheese. The spinach brings a subtle freshness, while the beef adds heartiness.

Pairing Ideas:

• Side: Garlic bread or a light green salad.
• Wine: Chianti, Merlot, or Pinot Noir for a warm pairing.
• Vegetable: Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~520 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbohydrates	46 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	4 g

Variations to Try

• Creamy Tomato Version – Add ½ cup marinara along with the broth for a rosé-style sauce.
• Mushroom & Spinach – Sauté sliced mushrooms with the beef for extra umami.
• Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage instead of beef.
• Three-Cheese Boost – Mix mozzarella and fontina into the Parmesan for a gooey texture.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make-Ahead: Cook beef and garlic ahead of time; store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Finish cooking with tortellini and spinach when ready to serve.
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of tortellini changes after freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, but increase the simmer time by 2–3 minutes.

Can I substitute ground beef?
Absolutely — ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all work well.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Omit the beef and use vegetable broth; add extra vegetables for substance.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the pasta?
Add a splash of broth or water to the skillet before reheating to restore creaminess.

Ingredient Spotlight: Tortellini

Tortellini are a stuffed pasta from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region. Traditionally filled with meats and cheeses, they are perfect for absorbing sauces. In this recipe, cheese-filled tortellini complement the garlic butter and beef, creating a rich yet balanced dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is satisfying enough to stand alone, but you can make it part of a larger spread:

• Serve with a Caesar salad for a fresh, crunchy side.
• Offer garlic knots or focaccia for soaking up extra sauce.
• End with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or panna cotta.

Cooking Timeline (Quick Glance)

Step	Time
Brown beef	5–6 min
Add garlic & season	1 min
Cook tortellini	5–7 min
Melt butter & toss	1 min
Add spinach & cheese	2 min
Garnish & serve	1 min
Total Time	~25–30 min

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion. It’s easy enough to throw together on a busy evening, yet full of flavors that satisfy like a restaurant meal. The garlic butter sauce ties everything together coating the beef, spinach, and tender tortellini in silky richness. Whether you serve it with a simple salad or alongside warm bread, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your rotation.

Print