If you’re a fan of hearty, comforting meals, this Ultimate Cheese Tortellini with Rich Meat Sauce is about to become your new favorite dinner. Imagine tender tortellini filled with gooey cheese, smothered in a luscious, savory meat sauce that’s been simmered to perfection. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion, it’s a meal that promises to delight with every bite.
Steps
- Warm olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
- Introduce the ground beef to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 4-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until it is fully cooked.
- Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir in the marinara sauce and continue cooking until the sauce is heated through.
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini following the package instructions.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
- Garnish the dish with grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 24-ounce jar of marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2540kcal | Carbohydrates: 240g | Protein: 170g | Fat: 90g | Saturated Fat: 35g | Cholesterol: 460mg | Sodium: 3410mg | Potassium: 3140mg | Fiber: 25g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 2825IU | Vitamin C: 41.5mg | Calcium: 1260mg | Iron: 26.5mg
FAQ
- What type of ground beef should I use for cheese tortellini in meat sauce?
- It’s best to use 90% lean ground beef for this recipe, as it provides ample flavor with minimal grease. If you prefer a richer taste, you can opt for ground beef with a higher fat content, but remember to drain the excess grease before adding the marinara sauce.
- Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen tortellini. If you choose frozen tortellini, there’s no need to thaw it before cooking; just follow the package instructions for cooking times.
- How can I customize the cheese tortellini in meat sauce recipe?
- You can personalize the recipe by using different tortellini flavors like chicken or spinach. Additionally, you can swap or add to the ground beef with meats like Italian sausage or grilled chicken. Feel free to include vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms, and for a creamy sauce, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
- What’s the difference between tortellini and ravioli?
- The main distinction lies in their shapes and sizes. Tortellini are ring-shaped pasta with a filling, while ravioli are typically larger, pillow-shaped pasta with a filling enclosed between two sheets. Both are suitable for this recipe, but smaller ravioli are preferable as they mix well with the sauce.
- Can I prepare this dish using a slow cooker?
- Absolutely! To make this dish in a slow cooker, first brown the ground beef with onions and garlic. Then, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker with marinara sauce. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours or LOW for 4 hours. Stir in the cooked tortellini and let it cook for another 10 minutes before serving with parsley and parmesan garnish.
Tips
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 90% lean ground beef to maintain flavor while minimizing grease. If you choose beef with a higher fat content, make sure to drain excess grease before adding the marinara sauce.
- Select Quality Marinara Sauce: Invest in a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce to ensure your dish isn’t watery and has a robust flavor. Brands like Newman’s Own, Classico, or Bertolli are recommended.
- No Need to Thaw Frozen Tortellini: If you’re using frozen tortellini, you can cook it directly without thawing, saving time and effort.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Customize your dish by incorporating variations such as different flavors of tortellini, adding vegetables like roasted zucchini or bell peppers, or even mixing in Italian sausage or ground turkey for a twist on the classic recipe.
Equipment
- Large Pan/Skillet – If you don’t have a large pan for cooking the meat sauce.
- Pot – A pot for boiling the tortellini.
- Spatula – Useful for breaking up the ground beef.
- Slow Cooker – If you want to try the slow cooker method and don’t already own one.
- Garlic Press – For mincing garlic, if you prefer freshly minced garlic.
- Colander – For draining the cooked tortellini.
