Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Save this recipe on:

Creamy, comforting, and full of bold, rustic flavor, this Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes with the first bite. Plump cheese-stuffed tortellini swim in a silky garlic butter sauce, wrapped with juicy ground beef and fresh spinach that melts perfectly into the mix. Each spoonful balances richness with freshness, delivering a weeknight meal that tastes like a gourmet treat.

This dish offers the kind of heartwarming satisfaction you’d expect from a cozy Italian kitchen. The garlic butter isn’t just a background flavor—it seeps into every fold of pasta, while the beef adds hearty depth. Add vibrant spinach for color and nutrients, and you’ve got a dinner that’s both indulgent and nourishing. Whether it’s a chilly night or a quick family dinner, this recipe delivers comfort in every forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

• It’s quick and easy, perfect for weeknight dinners
• Full of rich, balanced flavors
• Combines protein, carbs, and greens in one dish
• A crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters
• Requires only one pan for easy cleanup

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this dish shine, you only need a few basic tools:

• Large skillet or saute pan: Essential for browning the beef and sautéing everything together. A deep skillet helps manage the sauce and pasta without overcrowding.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for breaking up the ground beef evenly and stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Colander: For draining the tortellini if you boil them separately.
• Garlic press (optional): Speeds up the garlic prep for maximum flavor infusion.

Each tool helps streamline the process, keeping cooking smooth and cleanup minimal.

Preparation Tips

Let your beef come to room temperature before cooking—it browns more evenly that way. Don’t skimp on the garlic or butter; they create the base of your sauce. Use fresh or refrigerated tortellini for the best texture and flavor, and toss in the spinach right at the end so it wilts but stays bright. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes enhances the flavor without overpowering it.

---

Ingredients for this Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 85% lean)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
• 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (or water, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

---

Step 1: Sear the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Break up the beef using a wooden spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, but leave a little behind for flavor.

---

Step 2: Add Garlic and Butter

Lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and butter to the skillet with the beef. Stir constantly for about 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the butter has melted into the meat, forming a savory base.

---

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

If your tortellini needs pre-boiling, cook it according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. If using tortellini that can be added directly to the sauce, skip the separate boiling.

---

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Add the cooked (or uncooked, if using ready-to-cook) tortellini to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and stir gently to combine everything. Cover and simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes until the tortellini is fully tender and infused with flavor.

---

Step 5: Fold in Spinach

Once the tortellini is ready, add the chopped spinach. Stir and cook uncovered for another 1–2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts. Don’t overcook it—this keeps its color and texture vibrant.

---

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan

Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The cheese thickens the broth into a rich sauce that clings to every bite.

---

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve the tortellini hot, straight from the skillet. Garnish with more Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if desired. Pair with a side salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete, satisfying meal.

---

Notes

This dish is incredibly flexible. You can swap out ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage to suit your preferences. If you’re looking for a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end. Using fresh tortellini ensures the best texture, but frozen varieties work too—just adjust the simmering time. Don’t hesitate to add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to make it heartier.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the skillet: This can prevent the beef from browning properly, leading to a soggy texture.
• Overcooking tortellini: Fresh pasta cooks quickly—watch it closely or it’ll become mushy.
• Adding spinach too early: It wilts fast; add it at the very end to keep it vibrant.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Forgetting to drain excess fat: Leaving too much grease in the skillet can make the sauce too oily.

---

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Note: the texture of the tortellini may soften slightly after freezing.

---

Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 generous bowl (1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: ~520
• Protein: 27g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, just adjust the simmering time to ensure the pasta cooks through.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded Parmesan?

Yes, but fresh grated Parmesan melts better and has a stronger flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute.

What’s the best way to reheat this tortellini?

Use a skillet on medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Stir gently until heated through.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes work well here.

What protein alternatives work instead of beef?

Try Italian sausage, ground turkey, or ground chicken.

Does this recipe work for meal prep?

Yes, it’s great for make-ahead lunches. Store in individual containers.

Can I make this spicy?

Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

---

Conclusion

Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is a true comfort food hero. It combines hearty ingredients with rich flavor in a dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings ease, versatility, and irresistible taste to your table.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: