Delicious Hearty Beef and Cheese Tortellini Dinner

This delicious dinner can be made in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for an easy and filling weeknight meal.

The beef and cheese tortellini dinner is a hearty and simple dinner option. This delicious dinner only requires a few steps to put it together. It has ground beef, spinach, cheese, and tortellini for a yummy and filling meal.

This dinner makes great leftovers! We have been enjoying it as heated up leftovers the past few days. It’s also a kid friendly meal.

This recipe can be made with different substitutions if you don’t have some of the ingredients on hand.

For this recipe we use ground beef as the main protein, you could use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner meat option.

Can I use Homemade Spaghetti Sauce for this recipe?

Yes you can! substitute the store bought spaghetti sauce with 2 1/2 cups of homemade sauce. Here is an easy recipe you can follow to make your own homemade spaghetti sauce:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well to combine.
5. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme to the sauce, stirring to incorporate the herbs evenly.
6. If desired, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
8. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
9. Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, it’s ready to serve over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
10. Optionally, you can garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil before serving.

Enjoy your homemade spaghetti sauce!

Serving Suggestions for Beef and Cheese Tortellini Dinner:

When serving the Beef and Cheese Tortellini Dinner, you may want to complement the dish with sides that enhance its flavors and provide a well-rounded meal experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment to pasta dishes, garlic bread adds a flavorful crunch and complements the richness of the tortellini.
2. Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the dish and add a pop of color and texture to the meal.
3. Steamed Vegetables: Serve a medley of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers for a nutritious and colorful side dish that pairs well with the hearty flavors of the tortellini.
4. Antipasto Platter: Create a beautiful antipasto platter with an assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and roasted vegetables for a more elaborate and indulgent accompaniment.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with a flavorful mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil is a light and refreshing side dish that complements the richness of the tortellini.
6. Caprese Salad: Fresh slices of tomato, mozzarella cheese, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs perfectly with the Italian flavors of the tortellini.
7. Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and cook an assortment of seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms for a smoky and flavorful side dish that adds depth to the meal.
8. Focaccia Bread: Serve slices of freshly baked focaccia bread seasoned with herbs and olive oil for a rustic and delicious accompaniment to the tortellini.
9. Roasted Potatoes: Roast baby potatoes tossed with olive oil, garlic, and herbs until crispy and golden brown for a hearty and satisfying side dish that complements the flavors of the tortellini.
10. Cesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, homemade croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing is a delicious side dish that pairs well with the creamy texture of the tortellini.

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