Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini – A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner
Looking for a hearty, satisfying, and easy-to-make dinner that comes together in 30 minutes or less? This Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini recipe is the perfect choice! Packed with savory ground beef, cheesy tortellini, fresh spinach, and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce — it’s the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or looking for a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to impress. It combines simple ingredients with bold flavors, and best of all — it’s made in just one skillet (plus a pot for the pasta), so cleanup is a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Tortellini Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
Comforting & Filling: Cheese-filled tortellini and seasoned ground beef make this meal both satisfying and cozy.
Fresh Yet Rich: Spinach adds a touch of freshness that balances the richness of the garlic butter and Parmesan.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup — yes, please!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this crave-worthy tortellini recipe:
1 lb (450g) ground beef – Use lean ground beef for the best flavor without too much grease.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps cook the beef and brings a smooth base to the garlic butter sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced – The star flavor in this dish!
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor.
½ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste depending on the saltiness of your cheese and broth.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild spice.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a bit of heat. Omit if you prefer a milder dish.
1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini – Fresh or refrigerated tortellini cooks fast and adds a creamy, cheesy bite.
1 cup beef broth – Enhances the depth of flavor and helps deglaze the pan.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter – Adds richness and forms the garlic butter base.
2 cups fresh spinach – Wilts down beautifully and adds color, texture, and nutrition.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Brings salty, nutty goodness and helps create a light, creamy sauce.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – For a pop of freshness and color.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Drain off excess fat, if necessary.
2. Season the Meat:
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the cooked beef. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step infuses the meat with flavor.
3. Cook the Tortellini:
While the beef is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes for refrigerated tortellini). Drain and set aside.
4. Deglaze with Beef Broth:
Pour the beef broth into the skillet with the seasoned beef. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer gently for 2–3 minutes — this creates a flavorful base for your sauce.
5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Stir in the butter until melted and fully incorporated into the broth. Then add the fresh spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts down completely.
6. Combine with Tortellini:
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the tortellini is fully coated in the garlic butter sauce and evenly mixed with the beef and spinach.
7. Finish with Cheese & Herbs:
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top. Stir to combine, allowing the cheese to melt slightly into the sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to bring everything together.
8. Serve & Enjoy!
Serve the Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired. Pair it with a green salad or garlic bread for a full meal!
Recipe Tips & Variations
Make it Creamier: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese if you want a thicker, creamier sauce.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: A lighter protein works well in this dish too.
Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers would be great additions.
Go Low-Carb: Swap the tortellini for zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi for a lower-carb version.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
Freezing not recommended due to the dairy and pasta, which may change texture when thawed.