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Hearty Tortellini in Tomato Beef Sauce: A Comforting Classic for Any Night

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A rich and comforting pasta dish perfect for cozy evenings or hearty family dinners. This tortellini in tomato beef sauce combines cheesy pasta with a savory, herb-infused tomato meat sauce, making it an easy one-pot meal that’s full of flavor and warmth.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

  • Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

  • Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance flavor.

  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar (if needed), salt, and pepper.

  • Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  • Meanwhile, cook tortellini in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

  • Fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce, stirring gently to coat evenly.

  • Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined.

  • Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

  • Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • For a creamier version, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream before serving.

  • Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef.

  • Add sautéed spinach or kale for extra veggies.

  • If using frozen tortellini, cook according to package instructions and adjust timing accordingly.

  • This dish freezes well for up to 3 months.

Find it online: https://cookingworthy.com/hearty-tortellini-in-tomato-beef-sauce-a-comforting-classic-for-any-night/