Beef and Parmesan Tortellini Recipe

Tortellini, one of Italy’s most beloved pasta shapes, is known for its signature ring shape and often filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, or vegetables. In this recipe, we’re taking the classic tortellini up a notch by pairing it with a savory beef filling, enhanced with rich Parmesan cheese. This beef and Parmesan tortellini recipe can be served with a simple homemade tomato sauce, a creamy Alfredo sauce, or even a fresh basil pesto. Whether you choose to make it for a special family meal or an elegant dinner party, this dish will surely impress.

This recipe is a little more hands-on, but the results are absolutely worth the effort. Homemade tortellini offers a delicate, chewy texture that store-bought versions can’t quite match, and the filling is a perfect balance of savory beef, melty cheese, and aromatic herbs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Making the Pasta Dough

Begin by preparing the fresh tortellini dough. This step is crucial for getting the right texture and consistency in your pasta.

1. Mix the Flour and Eggs: On a clean work surface, pile the flour into a mound, making a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt. Using a fork, gently whisk the eggs, gradually incorporating the flour from the edges of the well.

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2. Knead the Dough: As the mixture starts to come together, begin kneading it with your hands. You may need to add a little extra flour if the dough feels too sticky, but be careful not to add too much. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

3. Rest the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the dough.

2. Preparing the Beef and Parmesan Filling

While the dough is resting, make the flavorful beef and Parmesan filling.

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, then set the beef aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Filling: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and stir to combine.

3. Mix the Filling: Transfer the beef mixture to a bowl and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Once cooled, add the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, parsley, oregano, black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir until everything is well combined.

4. Taste the Filling: Before filling the tortellini, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. If you prefer a bit more cheese or herbs, now is the time to make any adjustments.

3. Rolling Out the Dough

After the dough has rested, it’s time to roll it out into thin sheets for the tortellini.

1. Divide the Dough: Divide the dough into two halves to make it easier to handle. Keep one half wrapped in plastic while you roll out the other.

2. Roll the Dough: If you have a pasta machine, set it to the widest setting and feed the dough through, progressively reducing the width until the dough is about 1/16-inch thick. If you don’t have a pasta machine, use a rolling pin to roll the dough out as thin as possible. Keep the dough well-floured to prevent it from sticking.

4. Cutting and Filling the Tortellini

1. Cut the Dough into Squares: Using a sharp knife or a pasta cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into 2-inch squares. If you have a template, you can use it to ensure uniformity in the size of the squares.

2. Place the Filling: Place about a teaspoon of the beef and Parmesan filling in the center of each square.

3. Shape the Tortellini: Fold the square into a triangle, pressing the edges together firmly to seal the filling inside. Then, wrap the two corners of the triangle around your finger to form the classic tortellini shape, pressing the ends together to secure them. Repeat with the remaining dough squares.

4. Keep the Tortellini from Sticking: Lay the finished tortellini on a flour-dusted baking sheet or tray and cover with a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out or sticking together.

5. Cooking the Tortellini

1. Boil the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently add the tortellini to the water and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the top and are tender to the bite. Fresh tortellini cooks much faster than dried pasta, so keep a close eye on them.

2. Drain the Tortellini: Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the tortellini from the water. Set them aside while you prepare the sauce (if using).

6. Preparing the Tomato Sauce (Optional)

If you’d like to make a simple tomato sauce to pair with the tortellini, follow these steps:

1. Sauté the Garlic: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

2. Add the Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes to the pan along with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.

3. Finish the Sauce: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.

7. Assembling the Dish

Once the tortellini are cooked, and the sauce is ready, it’s time to put everything together.

1. Toss the Tortellini in Sauce: Gently toss the cooked tortellini with the tomato sauce (or your choice of sauce) until evenly coated.

2. Serve: Transfer the tortellini to plates and serve with additional grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.

3. Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy your homemade beef and Parmesan tortellini!

Tips for Success

• Dough Consistency: If your pasta dough feels too dry and crumbly, add a little water (a teaspoon at a time). If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour.
• Freezing the Tortellini: If you want to make the tortellini in advance, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can cook frozen tortellini directly from the freezer; just add an extra minute to the cooking time.
• Substituting the Filling: If you don’t have ground beef on hand, try using ground turkey, pork, or even a combination of meats for different flavors.
• Alternative Sauces: Besides the classic tomato sauce, these tortellini pair wonderfully with creamy Alfredo sauce or basil pesto.

Conclusion

Making homemade tortellini from scratch is a labor of love, but the results are absolutely worth it. By combining the hearty flavors of beef with the richness of Parmesan cheese, this dish becomes a comforting and satisfying meal. Serve it with a simple sauce or a fresh salad for a complete, memorable dinner.

Yield: 4

Beef and Parmesan Tortellini Recipe

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Tortellini, one of Italy's most beloved pasta shapes, is known for its signature ring shape and often filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, or vegetables. In this recipe, we're taking the classic tortellini up a notch by pairing it with a savory beef filling, enhanced with rich Parmesan cheese. This beef and Parmesan tortellini recipe can be served with a simple homemade tomato sauce, a creamy Alfredo sauce, or even a fresh basil pesto. Whether you choose to make it for a special family meal or an elegant dinner party, this dish will surely impress.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 package (about 9 oz) of fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (preferably Parmesan)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes (optional for extra sauce)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Tortellini:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-4 minutes for fresh or 7-8 minutes for frozen. Once done, drain and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
   Drain any excess fat if necessary.
   
3. Make the Sauce:
   Add the minced garlic to the beef and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   Pour in the beef broth (or water) and crushed tomatoes if using. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
   Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly and combine flavors.
   
4. Combine the Tortellini:
   Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
   Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and coat the tortellini and beef.
   
5. Serve:
   Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

• Beef Options: You can substitute the ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Creamy Variation: Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
• Vegetable Add-ins: To balance the richness, consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef while cooking.
• Tortellini Substitution: Feel free to use other types of filled pasta like ravioli or agnolotti.