Looking for a quick, satisfying dinner that feels fancy but is secretly simple? This Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is your perfect solution. With tender cheese tortellini, savory seasoned beef, and vibrant spinach all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s the ultimate skillet meal. It’s gaining popularity for being both hearty and hassle-free—ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners with family. Plus, it’s a great way to dress up a bag of store-bought tortellini into something restaurant-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini Recipe
- One-pan wonder – Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
- Comfort food made healthier – Spinach adds nutrients while balancing the richness of the butter and beef.
- Ready in under 30 minutes – Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Customizable – Works with different meats, pasta types, or even dairy-free butter.
- Crowd-pleaser – Adults and kids alike love the cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
- 1 lb ground beef (or swap with ground turkey or Italian sausage)
- 1 package (9–12 oz) cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or use frozen, thawed and drained)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (use vegan butter for dairy-free option)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth (or use vegetable broth)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add garlic & butter: Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the butter and garlic, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Deglaze with broth: Pour in the beef broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add tortellini: Stir in the tortellini. Cover and simmer for 4–5 minutes (or according to package instructions), until pasta is tender.
- Stir in spinach: Add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes, just until wilted.
- Season & serve: Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Garnish with Parmesan and serve hot.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the tortellini—it should be tender, not mushy. Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so add it at the end to preserve its vibrant color.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or double the red pepper flakes.
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based tortellini and dairy-free butter.
- Extra creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the beef for mushrooms or a plant-based crumble.
- Protein boost: Add white beans or lentils for extra fiber.
How to Store & Reheat
To Store:
Cool leftovers and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To Reheat:
Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing Tip:
Not recommended to freeze fully cooked tortellini as it may become mushy. Cook fresh when ready to enjoy.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini, you’ll definitely want to try more beefy, flavor-packed meals from our kitchen:
- Mediterranean Ground Beef Stir Fry – A healthy and vibrant dish full of bold spices and fresh veggies.
- French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes – A cozy twist on a classic sandwich with sweet onions and melted cheese.
- Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta – Similar comfort, different form—perfectly seasoned beef in a garlicky butter sauce over pasta.
These recipes are perfect for busy nights when you need something quick, hearty, and absolutely delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just boil it separately and reduce simmer time in the skillet.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The flavors are mild but satisfying. Just skip the red pepper flakes if serving little ones.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a larger skillet or pot to ensure even cooking.
What kind of beef works best?
Lean ground beef (85–90%) is ideal. It browns nicely without being too greasy.
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely—try bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.
This Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini is your go-to meal for those nights when you want something fast, flavorful, and soul-satisfying. It’s cozy comfort food with a fresh twist—and you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together in one pan. Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with us or tag us on social media!
Garlic Butter Beef and Spinach Tortellini
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package 9–12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 3 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the broth and scrape the skillet to deglaze.
- Stir in the tortellini. Cover and simmer for 4–5 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan before serving.