Beef Tortellini Alfredo

If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent, look no further than Beef Tortellini Alfredo. Picture this: tender, savory beef filling nestled in delicate pasta, smothered in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce that’s just dreamy. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl—perfect for cozy nights or when you want to impress your loved ones without breaking a sweat. Trust me, this is the dish you’ll want to make over and over again.

Why You’ll Love Beef Tortellini Alfredo

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together—it’s about creating something that feels like a celebration of flavors. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

  • Comforting: This dish is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy Alfredo sauce, combined with the hearty beef tortellini, makes every bite feel like a warm embrace. Perfect for those days when you need a little extra comfort.
  • Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this creamy, savory dish on the table in no time. Even if you’re new to cooking, this one is a breeze to pull off. It’s all about simplicity and flavor.
  • Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or even guests at a dinner party, this dish will be a hit. It’s rich, satisfying, and sure to impress. You’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
  • Customizable: You can easily add your personal touch to this recipe. Want to spice it up? Throw in some red pepper flakes or garlic powder. Prefer it lighter? You can make a lighter version of the Alfredo sauce, no problem.
  • Filling: This dish is a complete meal on its own. With the beef tortellini and creamy Alfredo sauce, it’s hearty enough to satisfy any appetite.

Ingredients

Let’s talk about what makes this dish so delicious. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Beef Tortellini: These little pockets of pasta are packed with flavor. Tender and filled with beef, they’re the perfect bite-sized delight to soak up that creamy sauce.

Alfredo Sauce: The star of this dish. Made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, the sauce is rich, velvety, and smooth, enveloping the tortellini in pure creamy goodness.

Garlic: Just a little garlic brings an extra depth of flavor to the sauce, making it more aromatic and savory.

Butter: Adds richness to the Alfredo sauce and helps create that smooth texture that makes every bite melt in your mouth.

Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce, giving it that rich, velvety feel that Alfredo sauce is known for.

Parmesan Cheese: The perfect finishing touch. It adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the richness of the sauce.

Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and bringing all those flavors together.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! These steps will guide you through making this creamy, savory masterpiece:

Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the beef tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-4 minutes. Once cooked, drain the tortellini and set aside.

Make the Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Add Parmesan

Once the cream has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You’ll know the sauce is ready when it’s rich and creamy, and it coats the back of a spoon.

Combine Tortellini and Sauce

Add the cooked tortellini to the Alfredo sauce and gently stir to coat. Let everything simmer together for a few more minutes so the flavors meld, and the tortellini absorbs some of that creamy goodness.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Beef Tortellini Alfredo hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley, if desired. Dig in and savor every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 520

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Beef Tortellini Alfredo

Beef Tortellini Alfredo is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs wonderfully with a few side dishes to elevate your meal:

  • Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce perfectly.
  • Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and great for sopping up any leftover sauce.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies, like broccoli or asparagus, add a pop of color and freshness to complement the creamy dish.
  • Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio can be a refreshing counterpart to the richness of the pasta.

Presentation matters too! Serve your tortellini in a large bowl, sprinkle some extra Parmesan, and maybe even a few crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of zing.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to make this dish even better:

  • Prep the Sauce Ahead: You can make the Alfredo sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before adding the tortellini.
  • Customize the Filling: If you can’t find beef tortellini, feel free to use cheese or chicken tortellini instead. You can even make your own tortellini if you’re feeling adventurous!
  • Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half, or use a lower-fat cheese.
  • Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to loosen up the sauce.
  • Double It: If you’re serving a crowd or just want leftovers, feel free to double the recipe. It’s just as easy to make a bigger batch!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but tortellini really makes this dish special. If you don’t have tortellini, ravioli or any other filled pasta will work great too.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can make the Alfredo sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cook the tortellini fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How can I make the Alfredo sauce thicker?
A3: If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can simmer it for a few more minutes or add a little extra Parmesan cheese until you reach your desired consistency.

Q4: Can I freeze Beef Tortellini Alfredo?
A4: This dish doesn’t freeze well because the cream can separate upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and heat gently on the stovetop.

Q6: Can I make this recipe without cream?
A6: Yes, you can use a combination of milk and a bit of flour to thicken the sauce, but it won’t be as rich and creamy as the original version.

Q7: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A7: Definitely! Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms can be added to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.

Q8: Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
A8: Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce, but homemade is always a bit more flavorful and fresh.

Q9: Can I make this dish spicy?
A9: Yes! If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a nice spicy kick.

Q10: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A10: To make this vegetarian, simply swap the beef tortellini for cheese-filled tortellini or a vegetable-based filling.

Conclusion

Beef Tortellini Alfredo is the kind of dish that will make you feel like a chef without all the stress. It’s creamy, comforting, and just downright delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy one of the best pasta dishes you’ve ever made! Happy cooking!

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Beef Tortellini Alfredo

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This Beef Tortellini Alfredo is a creamy, savory dish with hearty beef and tender cheese tortellini. The rich Alfredo sauce is made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating the perfect comfort food. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a satisfying meal.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or thinly sliced steak)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Alfredo Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Tortellini:

  • 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Cook the Tortellini:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Cook the Beef:
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Stir in the onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3–5 minutes until the onion is softened. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.
  • Make the Alfredo Sauce:
    In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Combine:
    Add the cooked tortellini and beef mixture back into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
  • Serve:
    Transfer the tortellini Alfredo to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 540kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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