Beef Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

Creamy Beef Tortellini Alfredo Recipe: A Dreamy Dinner Delight

Creamy pasta nights call for something spectacular, and this beef tortellini Alfredo recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Packed with rich, savory flavors, the dish combines tender beef-filled tortellini swirled in a luxurious Alfredo sauce.

Each twirl of pasta promises a delightful blend of hearty meat and silky cream.

The recipe brings together simple ingredients that create an extraordinary meal in minutes.

Cheese melts into a velvety blanket, coating every tortellini with indulgent goodness.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor every decadent bite of this irresistible pasta masterpiece.

Cooking Beef Tortellini Alfredo

Step 1: Boil Tortellini

Drop tortellini into a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook according to package directions until perfectly tender.

Drain the pasta and set aside for later.

Step 2: Brown Delicious Beef

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add ground beef and break into small crumbles while cooking. Toss in:
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Cook until beef is fully browned and onions turn soft and translucent.

Remove beef mixture from skillet.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Alfredo Sauce

Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat.

Sauté garlic until wonderfully fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Whisk in Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes silky smooth. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return cooked tortellini and beef mixture to the skillet. Gently fold everything into the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring each piece is beautifully coated.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the steaming beef tortellini Alfredo to serving plates. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Expert Tips for Beef Tortellini Alfredo

  • Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente by following package instructions carefully to maintain the ideal texture and prevent overcooking.
  • Drain excess fat after cooking ground beef to prevent a greasy sauce and concentrate the meat's natural seasonings.
  • Whisk Parmesan cheese gradually into the cream to prevent clumping and create a silky, consistent sauce.
  • Simmer the Alfredo sauce gently to prevent separation and maintain a creamy, velvety texture.
  • Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and vibrant color to the dish.

Variations of Beef Tortellini Alfredo

  • Vegetarian Tortellini Alfredo: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch for thickening the Alfredo sauce to accommodate celiac dietary needs.
  • Lighter Cream Sauce: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture and tangy undertones.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil to elevate the traditional Alfredo with zesty Mediterranean-inspired elements.

Best Pairings with Beef Tortellini Alfredo

  • Enhance Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich beef and creamy Alfredo sauce, balancing the dish's robust flavors.
  • Bold Beer Match: Choose a crisp amber ale or malty brown ale that cuts through the sauce's richness while harmonizing with the ground beef's savory notes.
  • Refreshing Beverage Companion: Opt for sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites of this indulgent pasta dish.
  • Herbal Drink Accent: Brew a light sage or rosemary tea to provide a subtle herbal counterpoint that brightens the creamy, meaty tortellini.

Storage Advice for Beef Tortellini Alfredo

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
  • Pour leftovers into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of cream or milk to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

While the recipe calls for tortellini, you can substitute with other filled pasta like ravioli or choose a regular pasta shape like fettuccine.

  • What can I do if I want a leaner version of this dish?

Use ground turkey instead of beef, opt for low-fat cream, and use less Parmesan cheese to reduce the overall fat content.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like mushrooms, lentils, or meat substitute crumbles to create a vegetarian version.

  • How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from becoming too thick?

Add a little pasta water or extra cream if the sauce starts to thicken too much, and whisk continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.

Beef Tortellini Alfredo Features

  • Merge Classic Favorites: Combine the beloved cheeseburger and pizza into one mouthwatering dish that satisfies two cravings simultaneously.
  • Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: Prepare a delicious meal quickly with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps that even busy home cooks can master.
  • Customize Your Creation: Easily swap toppings or add personal favorites like bacon, extra cheese, or special sauces to make this recipe uniquely yours.
  • Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Delight children and adults alike with a fun fusion dish that brings excitement to the dinner table and sparks mealtime joy.

Ingredients for Beef Tortellini Alfredo

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A savory meat that adds richness and protein to the dish.
  • Tortellini: Pasta filled with cheese that serves as the base of the recipe.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Butter: Creates a smooth and rich base for the Alfredo sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and creamy texture to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base for the beef and sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking the beef and preventing sticking.
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish for the final presentation.
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Beef Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

Beef Tortellini Alfredo Recipe


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy beef tortellini alfredo brings Italian comfort straight to your dinner table with luxurious pasta nestled in rich, velvety sauce. Hearty and satisfying, this dish promises a quick, indulgent meal that will delight you with its perfect blend of savory beef and silky cheese.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or thinly sliced steak)

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge tortellini and cook until achieving a tender, al dente texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Introduce ground beef, methodically breaking it into fine crumbles while browning thoroughly. Incorporate diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until onions become translucent and beef is completely cooked. Transfer beef mixture to a separate dish.
  3. Using the identical skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and quickly sauté until aromatic, roughly 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour heavy cream, allowing it to reach a gentle simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  4. Reunite the cooked tortellini and seasoned beef mixture with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Gently fold ingredients together, ensuring every morsel is luxuriously coated.
  5. Plate the tortellini Alfredo in warm serving dishes. Optionally embellish with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for enhanced visual appeal and flavor.

Notes

  • Perfectly cook tortellini by setting a timer and tasting a piece to ensure it’s al dente without becoming mushy.
  • Drain beef thoroughly to prevent watery sauce and achieve a rich, concentrated flavor in the final dish.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum creaminess and avoid pre-shredded varieties that can become grainy.
  • Adapt the recipe for dietary needs by substituting ground beef with plant-based crumbles or using gluten-free tortellini for a lighter version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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