Description
A comforting and creamy Beef Tortellini Alfredo recipe featuring tender cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, and a rich homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner that delights the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Tortellini:
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Water for boiling
- Salt for pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Fill a large pot with water, generously salt it, and bring to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions—typically 2-4 minutes for fresh tortellini. When the tortellini float to the surface, they are done. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 7-10 minutes until beef is browned and no longer pink. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring, then bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese gradually until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine the Tortellini and Beef: Add cooked tortellini to the Alfredo sauce in the skillet. Toss gently to coat well. Add the cooked ground beef on top and stir to combine everything evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy Beef Tortellini Alfredo.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, smoother sauce.
- Do not overcook garlic when sautéing; 1-2 minutes is enough to avoid bitterness.
- Add reserved pasta water if sauce becomes too thick, to adjust consistency.
- Customize beef seasoning with Italian herbs or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
- Sauté vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas after cooking beef for added nutrition.
- You can make components ahead and combine before serving; reheat gently with extra cream or pasta water to refresh sauce.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger servings, and swaps well with chicken, sausage, or ground turkey.
- Frozen tortellini works well—just adjust cooking time per package.
- For a lighter Alfredo, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a cauliflower-based sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: Beef Tortellini Alfredo, creamy pasta, ground beef recipe, homemade Alfredo sauce, easy dinner, comfort food, Italian pasta dish
