Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The tender beef combined with garlicky butter sauce makes every bite deliciously rich, while the spinach tortellini adds a soft, comforting touch. It’s a simple dish but packed with flavor and textures that keep you coming back for more.
I love how this recipe comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights. I usually toss everything in one pan, which means less cleanup—always a win in my book! Plus, the garlic butter sauce is a personal favorite because it adds such a lovely, buttery richness that brightens the whole meal.
When serving this dish, I like to sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan on top and pair it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. It’s a great way to balance out the richness and round out the meal. Friends and family always ask for seconds when I make this, so I know it’s a winner every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spinach Tortellini: These bring a tender pasta with a spinach and cheese filling that adds depth. If you don’t have spinach tortellini, cheese or mushroom-filled tortellini also work well.
Ground Beef: I like lean ground beef to keep the dish from getting too greasy. For a lighter or different flavor, try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
Butter & Garlic: Butter is key for that rich, silky sauce. Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. Garlic freshness matters here—mince it finely for the best flavor. If you want less garlic bite, sauté it gently over low heat.
Beef Broth or Pasta Water: This adds moisture and helps form a flavorful sauce. Using reserved pasta water works great if you don’t have broth handy, thanks to its starch content, which helps thicken the sauce.
Spinach: Adds freshness and color. Baby spinach is perfect because it wilts quickly and has a mild flavor. You can substitute with kale or arugula if preferred.
How Do You Keep the Garlic from Burning and Bitter?
Burnt garlic can turn bitter quickly, so the key is controlling the heat and timing.
- Use medium-low heat when adding garlic to butter. Butter can burn fast, so lower heat helps.
- Stir constantly and cook garlic just until fragrant—about 30 seconds to 1 minute is enough.
- If you’re adding spices like red pepper flakes, add them along with the garlic for balanced flavor without overcooking either.
- Don’t leave garlic unattended; it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
- Once garlic is fragrant, add the spinach right away to cool the pan slightly and prevent burning.
Following these tips will ensure a rich, mellow garlic flavor without bitterness, making your sauce smooth and delicious every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling the tortellini without crowding.
- Large skillet or sauté pan – great for cooking the beef and making the garlic butter sauce all in one pan.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps you break up the ground beef and stir the sauce without scratching your pan.
- Colander – for draining the cooked tortellini easily.
- Grater – for fresh Parmesan cheese to top off the dish with extra flavor.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage to add more spice and richness.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy twist that pairs nicely with the garlic butter.
- Add mushrooms for an earthy note and extra texture.
- Stir in a splash of cream or a handful of shredded mozzarella for a creamier sauce.
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (about 9-10 ounces) refrigerated spinach tortellini
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup beef broth or pasta cooking water
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Time Needed to Cook:
This recipe takes about 25 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the tortellini and beef, then about 10-15 minutes cooking the sauce and combining everything for a warm, flavorful meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spinach tortellini and cook according to the package directions until tender but still firm (al dente). Once done, drain the tortellini, saving about half a cup of the pasta water to use later. Set the tortellini aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook it until browned and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. Once ready, remove the beef from the skillet and drain excess fat if needed. Set it aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
Using the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium-low. Melt the butter, then add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Sauté gently for about 1 minute, stirring often to prevent the garlic from burning. The smell should be wonderfully fragrant.
4. Add Spinach and Combine:
Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and stir often until they wilt, about 2 minutes. Return the browned ground beef to the skillet and mix it with the spinach and garlic butter sauce.
5. Finish the Dish:
Add the cooked tortellini back to the pan along with beef broth or reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta well with the sauce and warm through, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the tortellini with beef and spinach. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a delicious finish. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the frozen tortellini according to package instructions before cooking. You might need to add a minute or two to the boiling time to ensure they’re cooked through.
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage are great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and drain excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can cook the beef and prepare the sauce in advance, then toss with freshly cooked tortellini when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
