This Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is the kind of cozy, comforting dinner that brings everyone to the table with a smile. Juicy ground beef, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and fresh spinach come together in a rich, garlicky butter sauce that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor. It’s a one-pan weeknight meal that feels indulgent but is effortlessly easy to pull together.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to a hearty, satisfying meal, this dish does not disappoint. The balance of creamy pasta, savory beef, and the earthy brightness of spinach creates a bowl of delicious comfort that delivers bite after bite. Perfect for busy nights or a weekend dinner with family, it quickly becomes a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Quick & Easy: This dish is ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Rich and Flavorful: Garlic butter infused with herbs wraps every bite in luxurious flavor.
Hearty & Filling: Between the beef and cheese tortellini, it’s a complete meal.
One Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean, more time to relax.
Customizable: Toss in mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or chili flakes for a twist.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating the perfect tortellini dish starts with having the right tools and setup. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:

Large Skillet or Saute Pan: Essential for browning the beef and allowing space to stir in all ingredients without overcrowding. A deep skillet helps keep the spinach and tortellini from spilling over.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Ideal for breaking up ground beef and stirring without scratching your pan.
Colander: If using fresh or frozen tortellini, you’ll want to drain them after boiling (if pre-cooked is not used).
Garlic Press or Microplane: Helps release maximum garlic flavor quickly and easily.
Tongs: Useful for gently folding in spinach without tearing it up.

Having these tools prepped and ready ensures a smooth cooking experience from start to finish.

Ingredients for the Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Cheese Tortellini: The base of this dish, it adds a creamy, cheesy bite that complements the savory beef.
Ground Beef: Provides hearty flavor and richness that balances well with the pasta.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a fresh and slightly earthy flavor, plus a nutritional boost.
Garlic: The star of the butter sauce, infusing the dish with deep, savory notes.
Butter: Creates the luscious sauce that brings everything together.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall depth of the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Finishes the dish with a salty, umami kick.
Salt & Pepper: Simple yet essential for balancing the flavors.

How To Make the Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the beef is cooked, push it to one side of the skillet. Add the butter to the other side and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tortellini and Spinach

Stir in the cooked (or refrigerated) cheese tortellini and mix everything together. Then fold in the fresh spinach gently using tongs until just wilted.

Step 4: Season and Finish

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and a bit of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to coat all ingredients in the garlic butter.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.

How to Serve and Store Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

This dish is best served hot right off the stove with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad. For leftovers, allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

For meal prep, this tortellini reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely! Just boil it first according to the package instructions and then follow the recipe.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the beef and add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the garlic for a kick.

Does it freeze well?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat gently.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger pan to ensure even cooking and avoid overcrowding.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini, you’ll definitely want to check out these other flavorful options:

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh tortellini or frozen? Did you sneak in extra veggies or go full classic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Follow more recipes on Pinterest Kitchen By Kate for daily meal inspiration!

Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Kate Walton
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Savory Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is a quick one-pan dinner recipe packed with flavor. Made with cheese tortellini, ground beef, spinach, and a garlic butter sauce, it’s a hearty and easy comfort meal perfect for busy weeknights. Keywords: garlic butter tortellini, beef and spinach pasta, easy tortellini skillet.