Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

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Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, finely diced (optional, for color & sweetness)

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Tortellini & Sauce:

1 (20 oz / 550 g) package refrigerated cheese tortellini (or frozen, thawed)

4 tbsp unsalted butter

2 cloves garlic, minced (extra for sauce)

1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2–3 cups fresh baby spinach

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil or butter.
  2. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (5–6 minutes).
  4. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  1. Push the beef mixture to one side of the skillet.
  2. Melt 4 tbsp butter in the cleared space, then add the extra minced garlic. Cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Pour in beef broth, stirring to combine with the butter and beef.
  4. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add Spinach & Tortellini

  1. Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
  2. Toss in the cooked tortellini, stirring gently to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce.
  3. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

  1. Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  3. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine.

For extra richness, drizzle a touch of cream at the end before serving.

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