Cheese Tortellini in Meat Sauce

Name: Cheese Tortellini in Meat Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Olive oil; 1 pound Ground beef I use 90% lean; ½ cup Diced white onion; 2 tsp Minced garlic; 24 ounces Jar marinara sauce; salt and pepper to taste; 20 ounces Cheese tortellini fresh or frozen; ½ cup Grated parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp Chopped parsley

Cheese tortellini in meat sauce is a tender, homemade bolognese-style pasta dish. It’s a quick and delicious dinner option that can be ready in just 20 minutes! Pasta is always my go-to for an easy and hearty meal. Along with pizza pasta and pasta pomodoro, my family enjoys this cheese tortellini recipe as well.

Table of Contents

STEPS TO PREPARE CHEESE TORTELLINI IN MEAT SAUCE

This recipe begins with a straightforward meat sauce made from ground beef, garlic, onion, and store-bought marinara sauce. This saves a lot of time as there’s no need to wait for the sauce to simmer all day. Toss the meat sauce with cooked cheese tortellini, add a touch of parsley and parmesan cheese, then serve and savor!

TIPS FOR THIS CHEESE TORTELLINI RECIPE

Choose 90% lean ground beef for ample flavor and less grease. If you prefer higher fat content, drain any excess grease before adding the marinara sauce.

Opt for a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce like Newman’s Own, Classico, or Bertolli.

This recipe is suitable for both fresh and frozen tortellini, and if using frozen, no need to thaw before cooking!

CHEESE TORTELLINI VARIATIONS

The meat sauce with cheese tortellini is fantastic, and you can get creative by adjusting the recipe to match your family’s preferences.

Tortellini: Try various flavors like chicken, mushroom, spinach, or artichoke.

Meat: Italian sausage, ground turkey, or grilled chicken would be delicious substitutes for, or additions to, the ground beef.

Vegetables: Feel free to add roasted zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms, depending on your favorites.

Flavorings: Enhance the sauce with olives or pine nuts.

Creamy: To make the sauce creamy, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for an extra 5 minutes to thicken.

Ravioli: If you prefer ravioli, choose a smaller variety to ensure they remain intact when mixed with the meat sauce.

SLOW COOKER TORTELLINI

Making tortellini with meat sauce in a slow cooker is a breeze.

Begin by browning ground beef with onions and garlic in a pan.

Transfer the cooked meat, garlic, and onions to the slow cooker, and add your preferred marinara sauce.

Set the slow cooker to HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours.

After that, mix in the cooked tortellini with the meat sauce and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

When serving, top the dish with parsley and parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Tortellini with meat sauce offers a delightful combination of rich flavors and enjoyable pasta. This recipe is not only flavorful but also surprisingly simple to make. Enjoy this fantastic dish without revealing its effortless preparation.

FAQs

What is cheese tortellini made of?

Tortellini is a delightful stuffed pasta made from a mixture of flour and eggs, filled with rich and creamy cheese. While some people prefer to add vegetables and meats to their tortellini, I personally enjoy sticking to the traditional recipe.

Is tortellini a noodle or pasta?

Tortellini, a ring-shaped stuffed pasta, is commonly filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Tortelloni, a larger variant of Tortellini, also features similar fillings. This traditional pasta hails from the Bologna region in Italy and is frequently enjoyed in broth.

Do you eat tortellini with a fork or spoon?

The table is usually set with a fork, knife, and spoon. You can use the spoon to add sauce and cheese and then mix the pasta. However, it’s proper to eat pasta with just a fork, without using a spoon.

RECIPE CARD