Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe

If you ever crave a meal that wraps comfort, bold flavor, and just a touch of decadence into one skillet, you have to make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini. Each bite is rich with garlicky beef, plump cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach, all tossed in a swoon-worthy butter sauce and showered with parmesan. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat, thanks to the hearty protein, dreamy sauce, and twist of leafy greens—perfect for anyone who wants easy and craveable all in a single dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how effortless this recipe is! Each ingredient plays a starring role—from creating savory depth with beef and seasoning, to giving that cheesy-tangy lift with tortellini and Parmesan. Grab these essentials and you’ll be ready to pull off Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini any night.

• Ground beef: Hearty, savory, and the foundation of flavor for this dish—use lean or regular, whatever you prefer.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef beautifully for more flavor.
• Garlic: The aromatic hero—use freshly minced for the brightest punch in your sauce.
• Italian seasoning: Dried herbs that round out the flavor profile with earthy, herby notes.
• Salt: Just enough to season everything perfectly—adjust to taste as you go.
• Black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity—freshly cracked is always best.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little whisper of heat—add a bit or a lot!
• Refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star pasta—choose a good-quality brand for tender, cheesy bites.
• Beef broth: Gives the sauce depth and lets the tortellini plump up with extra flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce for that signature garlic butter finish.
• Fresh spinach: Bright, leafy greens that add color and a little nutrition boost.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty blanket of cheesy goodness—grate your own if you can!
• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshness and vibrant color for finishing.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle in the olive oil, then add your ground beef. Cook it until nicely browned, breaking up any big chunks as you go. You want the beef crumbly and caramelized, since that gives the Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini its rich, savory backbone.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Sprinkle in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re craving a little heat). Cook and stir for about a minute, just until the garlic is fragrant and everything in the pan smells absolutely irresistible.

Step 3: Add Tortellini and Broth

Toss the cheese tortellini right into the skillet, then pour in the beef broth. Give everything a big gentle stir, making sure the tortellini are coated and submerged. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, until the tortellini are plump and tender, soaking up all that savory broth.

Step 4: Stir in the Butter

Now for that luscious garlic butter payoff—add the unsalted butter and stir it into the hot pan. It should melt into a silky sauce that clings to every tortellini and beef crumble.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Pile in the fresh spinach. Give it a couple of stirs until the leaves wilt down and meld with the rest of the skillet. This brings a pop of vibrant green and a hint of earthiness to balance out the richness.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the whole pan, then stir to marry everything together. The Parmesan will melt into the sauce, thickening it just a touch and adding that perfect nutty, salty finish that makes Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini completely irresistible.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Pull the skillet off the heat, then shower the top with fresh chopped parsley. This last step gives a fresh, herbal lift—grab a spoon and dig in while it’s hot!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the finishing touch, but don’t be afraid to add a little extra Parmesan or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper for even more flavor. For a little zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon over the top can also brighten up the dish.

Side Dishes

This is a filling one-pan meal, but some crusty garlic bread makes for the perfect sauce-mopper. If you want to lighten it up, a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette pairs beautifully. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli also balance out the meal without complicating the cooking.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini in individual mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant-worthy feel. Or, for a family-style vibe, bring the hot skillet straight to the table and let everyone help themselves—a guaranteed way to make dinner feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftovers can be scooped into an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors of Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini actually deepen and meld together overnight, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.

Freezing

While tortellini can sometimes get a bit soft after freezing, this recipe holds up pretty well! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. If you know you’ll be freezing some, consider undercooking the tortellini just slightly.

Reheating

To reheat, just add a splash of beef broth or water to a skillet and gently warm the tortellini over low-medium heat, stirring often. If you’re microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, to keep everything perfectly saucy and not dried out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as frozen tortellini might take a minute or two longer to become tender. Be sure to check for doneness and add extra broth as needed.

Is there a good substitute for ground beef?

You can easily swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage to keep the dish hearty while switching up the flavor. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based grounds or add more spinach and mushrooms.

What’s the best way to add extra veggies?

Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini all meld beautifully in this sauce. Sauté them with the beef for best texture, or stir in a handful of cherry tomatoes near the end for juicy bursts of sweetness.

How can I make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini spicier?

Simply increase the red pepper flakes or serve with a drizzle of hot chili oil. For bold spice lovers, adding a pinch of cayenne or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste can ramp up the heat.

Can I make this dish ahead for meal prep?

Yes! Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini holds up well for meal prepping. Portion it into containers and chill. Just add a splash of broth before reheating to keep everything moist and saucy.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something wonderful about coming together over a skillet of Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini—it’s effortless comfort, but impressive enough to share. I hope you’re inspired to whip this up soon and see how quickly it becomes a part of your regular dinner rotation!

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