Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is a quick and tasty meal that brings together tender beef, fresh spinach, and cheesy tortellini all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. The buttery garlic flavor makes every bite feel special, while the tortellini adds a nice, chewy bite that’s just so satisfying.
I love making this dish when I want something comforting but don’t want to spend too much time cooking. The combination of garlic butter and beef always smells amazing while it’s cooking, and the spinach adds a pop of color and freshness that balances things out nicely. It’s one of those meals where you get all the good stuff in one bowl.
My favorite way to serve this is with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top and a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. It’s simple but feels like a little treat, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Whenever I make this, everyone at the table asks for seconds—and I don’t blame them!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cheese Tortellini: Fresh tortellini gives a tender, pillowy texture that holds the sauce well. You can use frozen if fresh isn’t available. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free tortellini or use ravioli.
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef to keep the dish rich but not greasy. You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or try plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist.
Butter & Garlic: These are key to the rich, flavorful sauce. Use unsalted butter to control seasoning. If you want to cut down on butter, you can mix in a little olive oil but don’t skip the butter entirely—it gives the sauce its creamy base.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice pop of color and freshness. Baby spinach works well too. If you want a milder flavor, try substituting with kale or Swiss chard but cook it a bit longer as they’re sturdier.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan Cheese: Heavy cream makes the sauce smooth and silky. For a lighter dish, half-and-half works but the sauce won’t be as thick. Parmesan adds salty depth—try Pecorino Romano if you want a sharper taste.
How Do I Make the Garlic Butter Sauce Creamy and Smooth?
Getting a creamy, smooth garlic butter sauce is all about timing and gentle heat:
- After cooking the beef, leave the drippings in the pan for extra flavor.
- Add butter and melt on medium heat—don’t rush to high heat or the butter might burn.
- Sauté minced garlic just until fragrant (about 1 minute), so it doesn’t get bitter.
- Add cream slowly while stirring to mix it well with butter and garlic.
- Simmer gently (not a rapid boil) for 2-3 minutes to help the sauce thicken slowly.
- Finally, stir in Parmesan off the heat to avoid graininess—this melts it smoothly into the sauce.
Take your time with these steps for a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the tortellini.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the tortellini easily without crowding.
- Large skillet or frying pan – perfect for cooking the beef and making the sauce all in one place.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the beef and sauce without scratching your pan.
- Colander – to drain the tortellini after boiling quickly and easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your ingredients balanced for the best flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, more seasoned flavor.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet tang that pairs nicely with the creamy sauce.
- Mix in mushrooms to add a meaty texture and earthy taste.
- Stir in red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika to give the dish a subtle heat kick.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh cheese tortellini (or frozen)
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the beef and spinach, 7-10 minutes cooking the tortellini, and a few minutes preparing the creamy garlic butter sauce and combining everything. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy days.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re tender but still firm (al dente). Drain the tortellini and set them aside while you prepare the rest.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside, leaving the pan juices behind.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce with Spinach:
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. When the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until you can smell its wonderful aroma but before it browns. Throw in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2 minutes.
4. Add Cream and Cheese:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring constantly. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. If you like a little kick, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes now.
5. Combine Beef and Tortellini:
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir it into the sauce. Next, add the drained tortellini and gently toss everything together so all the pasta is coated with the rich garlic butter sauce.
6. Season and Serve:
Taste your dish and add more salt or freshly ground black pepper if needed. Serve your creamy Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini hot, with extra Parmesan cheese and pepper on top if you like. Enjoy this comforting and easy meal!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen tortellini works great! Just cook it according to the package instructions and drain well before adding to the sauce. No need to thaw beforehand.
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage are tasty alternatives. Just adjust cooking times until the meat is fully cooked.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce is too thick.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
