Tortellini with Chunky Beef Sauce
Try this Tortellini with Chunky Beef Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Tortellini with Chunky Beef Sauce recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- salt to season
- 1 x 625g | 22oz packet tortellini any flavour
- 500 g lean beef fillet (scotch or eye fillet) cut into palm-sized pieces
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic (or 3 garlic cloves minced)
- 1 red capsicum/bell pepper seeded, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled washed and chopped
- 500 g | 1lbs lean ground beef mince
- 1 x 420g | 15oz can condensed tomato soup (or crushed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable stock powder (i love vegeta)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley divided
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese to serve
- Carbohydrate 4.53619891441642 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.0342506249964236 g
- Fiber 0.230543745101022 g
- Protein 0.233279999898203 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00660174999865949 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (135g)
- Sodium 5.07587499750801 mg
- Sugar 4.3056551693154 g
- Trans Fat 0.01039506249889 g
- Calories 18 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook pasta in a large saucepan/pot of boiling, salted water, following packet directions, until just tender. Drain and return to saucepan.
- Meanwhile, in a separate large sized frying pan, fry the beef fillet in batches with cooking oil spray until browned on both sides and cooked to your liking. Remove from pan and keep warm.
- In the same pan, fry the onion, garlic, capsicum/peppers and carrot on medium heat until onion is transparent.
- Add the beef and cook stirring, while breaking up the mince.
- Once meat is browned, add the condensed soup (or sauce of choice), tomato paste and vegetable stock powder, and cook until sauce begins to thicken and ingredients are soft. (Pour in ½ - ¾ cup water if sauce is too thick).
- Add the pre-cooked beef fillets into the sauce, lower heat, and allow to simmer for a further 5 - 10 minutes (more for tougher cuts of fillet, until tender).
- Season with salt to suit your tastes and add half of the parsley.
- Turn off heat and pour the meat mixture into the same pan as the tortellini.
- Mix until combined.
- Sprinkle with cheese and extra parsley.
A Busy Mom's Weeknight Delight: Tortellini with Chunky Beef Sauce
Life as a working mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and the constant juggle of keeping everyone fed and happy, finding time for elaborate cooking is a luxury I rarely have. That's why I rely heavily on recipes that are both delicious and incredibly quick to prepare. This Tortellini with Chunky Beef Sauce recipe is a perfect example – a satisfying, flavorful meal ready in under 30 minutes, a lifesaver on those busy weeknights.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It's not about fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients; it's about combining readily available pantry staples to create a meal that’s surprisingly comforting and rich in flavor. The chunky beef sauce is the star, a vibrant mix of tender beef, sautéed vegetables, and a rich tomato base. The addition of condensed tomato soup (or you can use crushed tomatoes for a fresher taste!) adds a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. And let's not forget the tortellini, the perfect little pasta pockets that soak up all that delicious sauce. I often use cheese-filled tortellini, but any flavor will do—even a simple vegetable filling works wonderfully.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, too. Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Extra mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach would all be fantastic additions. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. And don't hesitate to experiment with different cheeses – a sprinkle of mozzarella or provolone would also be delicious. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze! One pot for the pasta and one pan for the sauce means less dishes and more time spent with my family – which is always my top priority.
Beyond the ease and convenience, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. My kids devour it every time I make it, and even my husband, who can be quite picky, always asks for seconds. This Tortellini with Chunky Beef Sauce recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and smart cooking strategies, perfect for busy moms (or anyone, really) who want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve immediately with a side salad for a complete and balanced meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing would be perfect. You can also serve this dish with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
Make it ahead:
The beef sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This is a great option for those nights when you are particularly short on time. Simply reheat the sauce before adding the cooked tortellini.
Variations:
- Spicy Tortellini: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Tortellini: Omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
- Creamy Tortellini: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture. A dollop of sour cream at the end is also delicious.
- Gourmet Tortellini: Substitute the ground beef for diced Italian sausage or pancetta for a more sophisticated flavour profile.
This versatile recipe provides a foundation for culinary creativity, offering endless possibilities to customize and enhance the dish to your liking. Happy cooking!
