Easy Beef Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
Introduction
There are nights when you just want something warm, creamy, and filling on the dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly what this easy beef tortellini Alfredo recipe delivers. It is the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet takes very little time to prepare. If you love comforting meals that are big on flavor but don’t require complicated steps or fancy tools, then you’re in for a treat. This recipe combines rich Alfredo sauce, tender ground beef, and soft cheese-filled tortellini into one delicious meal.
This is the perfect dinner option when you want to feed your family something hearty, or if you’re cooking for guests and want to impress without a lot of stress. It’s also great for meal prepping or quick leftovers. Everything cooks together in one pan and the flavors are so comforting that it quickly becomes a family favorite. Even picky eaters will enjoy the cheesy pasta and creamy beef sauce combo. The best part is how easy it is to customize with your favorite ingredients or whatever you have on hand in the kitchen.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this beef tortellini Alfredo is a recipe you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation. Let’s dive into the ingredients, the simple cooking process, and all the ways you can make this dish your own.
Ingredients Needed
To make this dish, you only need a handful of ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store. Most of these items are probably already in your kitchen. This is another reason why this recipe is such a go-to for busy evenings.
The main stars of this dish are cheese tortellini, ground beef, and Alfredo sauce. Together, they create a creamy and savory meal that comes together quickly. Here’s a full breakdown of everything you’ll need along with the approximate calorie count for each item. This will help you stay aware of what you’re eating and make it easy to fit this dish into your daily meal plan.
Ingredients Table with Calorie Count
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese tortellini | 1 package (9 oz) | 330 |
| Ground beef (85 percent lean) | 1/2 pound | 480 |
| Alfredo sauce (jarred) | 1 and 1/2 cups | 300 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves | 10 |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup | 110 |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | 0 |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | 1 tablespoon | 1 |
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Each serving is around 337 calories, making it a hearty but manageable dinner option.
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making beef tortellini Alfredo is as easy as it gets. You’ll need just one pot or large skillet, a few basic steps, and about 25 to 30 minutes of your time from start to finish.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. This usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef. Use a spoon or spatula to break it apart and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked. This should take about 6 to 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. If there’s too much grease, drain some of it out.
Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and stir well to combine it with the beef. Let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors can blend together nicely.
Gently add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Stir carefully so you don’t break the pasta. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes, just enough to warm everything through.
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. If you like, add freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
This recipe is flexible and easy to adapt to your preferences or what you have in the fridge. You can turn this simple pasta dish into something uniquely your own with just a few tweaks.
You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color. Just sauté them in the pan before adding the sauce. If you want some spice, try mixing in red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper.
Want to change the protein? No problem. Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even meatballs. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, skip the meat entirely and load it up with veggies instead.
For a homemade touch, consider making your own Alfredo sauce with butter, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan. It’s not much harder than opening a jar and gives a richer, more natural taste.
You can also top the dish with shredded mozzarella or provolone and place it under the broiler for a few minutes for a cheesy, golden-brown finish.
Nutritional Information
This beef tortellini Alfredo recipe is rich and filling. Each serving contains around 337 calories which includes protein, fats, and carbs. Here is a rough breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
Calories: 337
Protein: 19 grams
Fat: 20 grams
Carbohydrates: 24 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sugar: 3 grams
Sodium: 750 milligrams
This meal provides a good amount of protein and can easily be part of a balanced diet when paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can use leaner ground beef or reduce the amount of Alfredo sauce slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is filling on its own but can be elevated with a few simple side options. Serve it with a side salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls make great additions for dipping into the extra sauce.
If you’re entertaining guests or feeding a larger group, you can double the recipe and serve it with an appetizer like bruschetta or stuffed mushrooms. For drinks, red wines like Chianti or Merlot pair beautifully with Alfredo-based dishes. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with lemon or iced tea complements the creamy flavors well.
Leftovers taste great too. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed.
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Conclusion
Beef tortellini Alfredo is more than just a meal. It’s a go-to dinner solution that brings comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can have a creamy, delicious dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you want to enjoy something hearty and satisfying.
What makes this recipe so great is how easy it is to adjust. Whether you want more veggies, a different protein, or a homemade sauce, the possibilities are endless. It’s a dish you can count on, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or even a group of friends.
Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy the warm, creamy goodness of beef tortellini Alfredo. It might just become your new favorite comfort food.