Rich, creamy, and loaded with comforting flavors, Beef Tortellini Alfredo is the sort of meal that turns any ordinary night into a celebration! Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini swirled in a dreamy Alfredo sauce, packed with savory ground beef, and bubbling cheeses, all tied together in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving family or friends, this dish brings both nostalgia and excitement to the table—a true Italian-American favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Beef Tortellini Alfredo starts with familiar, easy-to-find ingredients, but it’s their combination that truly brings the magic. Every element plays its part, building layers of texture, color, and rich, cheesy, meaty flavor you’ll love.
- Cheese tortellini: These plump, cheesy pillows are the heart of the dish and soak up that luscious Alfredo sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef evenly, giving extra depth to each bite.
- Ground beef: Provides savory heft and turns this pasta into a true main course.
- Garlic: Every good Alfredo deserves a burst of garlicky aroma—don’t skip this!
- Italian seasoning: This classic blend brings herby balance and a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
- Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together; taste as you go.
- Black pepper: A few cracks add warmth and subtle complexity.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a silky mouthfeel and mellows the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The key to Alfredo’s velvety texture—nothing else compares.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and irresistible, this melts into the sauce for classic Alfredo richness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds that gooey, stretchy cheese pull everyone loves.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Finishes the dish with a pop of freshness and color.
How to Make Beef Tortellini Alfredo
Step 1: Cook the Cheese Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions—usually just a few quick minutes. Drain well and set them aside; they’ll soak up even more flavor in the rich Alfredo sauce soon.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While your tortellini is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned all over. This is where the savory backbone of Beef Tortellini Alfredo is created. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep your sauce perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Build Big Flavor
With the beef sizzling, stir in your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook just a minute—enough for that herby fragrance to bloom and the edges of the garlic to turn golden without burning. Your kitchen will already smell fantastic at this stage!
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Push the beef to the side of the pan and melt in the butter. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze any meaty bits stuck to the pan (that’s pure flavor!). Bring the creamy mixture to a gentle simmer, then sprinkle in Parmesan cheese. Stir, and watch as the sauce thickens and coats every crumb of beef—it’s Alfredo magic happening before your eyes.
Step 5: Melt the Cheeses
Once the sauce has thickened, add mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is smooth, gooey, and irresistibly melty. This is the moment where Beef Tortellini Alfredo turns from simple to absolutely decadent.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add your cooked tortellini back to the skillet, gently tossing to coat each plump piece in the velvety Alfredo sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes, warming the tortellini and marrying all the flavors. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you’d like, then serve right away for maximum creamy comfort.
How to Serve Beef Tortellini Alfredo
Garnishes
Finish your Beef Tortellini Alfredo with a shower of grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for vibrant color. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders. For extra flair, fresh basil or chives make a beautiful addition on top!
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad or simple mixed greens dressed with lemon. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette are perfect for mopping up the extra Alfredo sauce—no one will want to waste a drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Beef Tortellini Alfredo family-style in a big, shallow dish and let everyone help themselves. You can also portion it into oven-safe ramekins, sprinkle with a little extra mozzarella, and broil for a bubbly, golden top. For a dinner party, add a few cherry tomatoes or roasted mushrooms for a burst of color and earthy flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let Beef Tortellini Alfredo cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making the next day just as delicious.
Freezing
To freeze, portion cooled Beef Tortellini Alfredo into freezer-safe containers. Avoid overfilling, since sauce-based pasta expands slightly when frozen. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months, though the sauce might separate a little when reheated (still tasty and hearty!).
Reheating
Warm refrigerated leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently defrost in the microwave before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly for Beef Tortellini Alfredo. Just add a minute or two to the boiling time, and cook according to the package instructions before finishing the rest of the recipe.
What kind of ground beef works best?
I prefer 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for this recipe, as it’s flavorful but not too greasy. Leaner beef will work if that’s what you have, just watch for dryness and maybe add a little extra olive oil or butter.
Can I substitute the beef with another protein?
Definitely! Ground Italian sausage is delicious here, bringing a bold, seasoned flavor. Ground turkey makes for a lighter option that still pairs well with Alfredo sauce, or you could use ground chicken for something different.
How can I spice up Beef Tortellini Alfredo?
If you like a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic and Italian seasoning. You can also add sautéed jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead for a party?
You sure can! Prepare Beef Tortellini Alfredo up to the point of final assembly, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat, add a splash of cream to loosen the sauce, and finish with fresh parsley and cheese. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights or entertaining.
Final Thoughts
Few things bring comfort and big flavor to the table quite like Beef Tortellini Alfredo. It’s rich, crowd-pleasing, and effortless enough for a weeknight but special enough for company. I truly hope you’ll give it a try this week—your taste buds (and everyone you share it with) will thank you!
Print
Beef Tortellini Alfredo Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and creamy Beef Tortellini Alfredo, a delicious Italian-American dish that combines cheesy tortellini with a rich beef Alfredo sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Tortellini:
- 1 pound refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
Beef Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Boil salted water and cook tortellini. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Beef: Brown ground beef in olive oil. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Add butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese. Simmer until thickened. Stir in mozzarella.
- Combine: Toss tortellini in Alfredo sauce. Heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 730
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
