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Oh, friends, get ready for your new weeknight obsession! This Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is pure, cozy comfort in a bowl, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. Imagine this: savory ground beef and mountains of fresh garlic sizzling in rich butter, tossed with tender, cheese stuffed tortellini and vibrant green spinach. It’s one of those magical pasta dishes that perfectly balances hearty, comforting flavor with a boost of nutrition, all in one pan. It’s the ultimate quick dinner for when you need something delicious, fast.

Serving Versatility

This dish is a complete, satisfying meal all on its own! It’s a hearty pasta dish that brings protein, carbs, and veggies together in one perfect bowl. You don’t need to overthink it; just scoop it high and enjoy.

Full Recipe Section

Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Total time: 25 minutes Servings: 4-6 Calories: Approximately 580 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you’re like me!)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated spinach tortellini (or cheese tortellini)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 4 cups fresh spinach, packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat

Instructions:

1. Brown Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and butter to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Simmer Tortellini: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the refrigerated tortellini. Stir to combine, then cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked al dente, according to package directions.
4. Wilt Spinach: Uncover and add the fresh spinach by the handful, stirring as you go. It will look like a lot, but it will wilt down in 1-2 minutes.
5. Finish & Serve: Turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using). The cheese will melt into the remaining broth to create a light, creamy garlic sauce. Serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pan Wonder: Almost the entire meal comes together in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup!
• 25 Minute Meal: This is the definition of a quick dinner, perfect for those chaotic weeknights.
• Incredible Cozy Flavor: The rich garlic butter, savory beef, and cheesy tortellini create a taste that is pure comfort.
• Kid & Family Friendly: It’s a dish everyone at the table will love. Even picky eaters love tortellini!
• Easily Customizable: Use ground turkey, add a splash of cream for a richer sauce, or toss in other veggies like mushrooms or sun dried tomatoes.

Cultural or Cooking Technique Note

The magic of this dish comes from using fresh, refrigerated tortellini. Unlike dried pasta, it cooks in just a few minutes, allowing it to simmer directly in the beef broth and garlic butter. This technique not only saves time (and a pot!) but also infuses the pasta itself with all the savory flavors of the sauce as it cooks.

Serving Suggestions

1. As Is: Serve hot in a bowl with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
2. Garlic Bread: This is a must for soaking up that delicious garlic butter sauce at the bottom of the bowl.
3. Simple Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
4. Add Heat: A generous pinch of red pepper flakes adds a wonderful, warm kick.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Tortellini: This recipe is designed for the refrigerated kind. Dried tortellini will require a much longer cooking time and more liquid.
• Don’t Overcook: Cook the tortellini just until al dente (tender but with a firm bite). It will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat.
• Fresh Garlic is Best: While garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh minced garlic provides that signature, punchy garlic butter flavor.
• Drain the Fat: Be sure to drain the excess fat from the ground beef before adding the butter and garlic to avoid a greasy sauce.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Microwaving works, but the stovetop is better for preserving the texture.

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I truly hope this delicious, speedy Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini makes it onto your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s one of my family’s all time favorites, and it just saves the day when I’m busy but still want something cozy and homemade. If you try it, please let me know! I’d love for you to leave a comment and a rating below.

🎀 Final Thoughts

This recipe is basically my love letter to fast, comforting food. It’s that “I’m so tired, what’s for dinner?” meal that still makes you feel like a kitchen hero. The smell of the garlic and beef simmering… it just makes the whole house feel warm. It’s a hug in a bowl, plain and simple.