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Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Meat Sauce

Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Meat Sauce
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Creamy Cheese Tortellini with Meat Sauce is an easy and delicious recipe featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini enveloped in a rich, savory meat sauce made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and heavy cream. Perfect for a comforting family meal, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a hearty and satisfying pasta dinner ready in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • Fresh or store-bought cheese tortellini (about 12 ounces)

For the Meat Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 24 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Meat Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until evenly browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Adding the Tomato Base: Pour in the tomato sauce and stir well to combine. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  3. Cooking the Tortellini: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are tender. Drain carefully.
  4. Making the Sauce Creamy: Lower the heat to very low, then slowly stir the heavy cream into the meat sauce until fully combined. Heat through until warm and smooth but do not boil. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky.
  5. Combining Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained tortellini directly into the skillet with the creamy meat sauce. Gently toss to coat every piece evenly. Finish by stirring in chopped fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh tortellini for the best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcook tortellini; aim for al dente.
  • Brown the ground beef well to enhance sauce flavor.
  • Simmer sauce gently after adding cream to prevent curdling.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their vibrant flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
  • Freeze portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy cheese tortellini, meat sauce, pasta dinner, Italian recipe, quick family meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/creamy-cheese-tortellini-with-meat-sauce/