Try This Hearty Tortellini Bolognese Recipe Tonight

Pasta enthusiasts adore this hearty tortellini bolognese that brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen.

Savory meat sauce coats each tender pasta pocket with rich, deep flavors.

Classic ingredients blend together in a surprisingly simple meal that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Robust ground beef simmers with aromatic herbs and tomatoes, creating a sauce that hugs every tortellini curve.

Home cooks can master this recipe with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Weeknight dinners just got a delectable upgrade that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Quick Tortellini Bolognese Shines

• Supercharge Flavor Explosion: Pepperoni, beef, sausage, and pesto combine to create an incredible taste profile that transforms a simple pasta dish into a gourmet experience.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your family's preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different tastes and dietary needs.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process mean you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with multiple dirty dishes.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort: Cheesy, saucy tortellini with rich meat sauce makes this a crowd-pleaser that both adults and children will love, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients For Tortellini Bolognese

• Pepperoni: Adds crispy texture and rich flavor to the sauce.
• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein for the bolognese.
• Sausage: Enhances the meaty depth of the sauce.

• Onion, Celery, Garlic: Create a flavor foundation for the sauce.
• Oregano: Adds classic Italian herb notes.

• Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides the primary tomato base for the bolognese.
• Water or Milk: Adjusts the sauce consistency and adds richness.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth texture.
• Pesto: Introduces additional herbal and nutty flavors.

• Tortellini: Serves as the primary pasta for the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty and sharp cheese flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Provides a bright, fresh garnish.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.

How To Make Tortellini Bolognese

Step 1: Sizzle and Sear Meats

In a large pot, crisp up the pepperoni over medium heat until golden and crunchy.

• Onion
• Ground beef
• Sausage
• Celery
• Garlic
• Oregano

Season with salt and pepper.

Break up the meats while cooking until they’re completely browned and delicious, about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes.

Pour in marinara sauce and add water or milk to create a rich, smooth consistency.

Adjust seasonings to taste.

Step 3: Simmer and Enrich the Sauce

Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Swirl in cream cheese and pesto, creating a luxurious and creamy texture.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Boil tortellini until perfectly al dente.

Drain and return to the pot.

Generously ladle the hearty meat sauce over the pasta.

Sprinkle with parmesan and toss until every piece is beautifully coated.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the tortellini to serving bowls.

Top with extra parmesan and fresh herbs.

Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting Italian-inspired meal!

Tips For Fast Tortellini Bolognese

• Brown meats thoroughly to develop deep, rich flavors before adding liquids, ensuring maximum taste in your bolognese sauce.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding water or milk incrementally, creating perfect texture that clings beautifully to tortellini.
• Stir cream cheese slowly into the sauce, allowing it to melt completely for a smooth, luxurious finish without lumps.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils into the dish.
• Cook tortellini just until al dente, then immediately drain and return to pot to stop cooking process and maintain ideal texture.

Flavor Twists For Tortellini Bolognese

• Vegetarian Bolognese: Replace meat with plant-based ground meat or lentils, use vegetable broth instead of water, and add extra mushrooms for umami flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or zucchini noodles, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Lighter Cream Version: Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or ricotta, reduce pesto amount, and use lean ground turkey instead of beef and sausage.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, swap oregano for za'atar, incorporate feta cheese, and use roasted red pepper marinara sauce for extra kick.

Pairings For Tortellini Bolognese

• Family Feast Night: Gather everyone around the table and make this tortellini bolognese a cozy dinner celebration with warm garlic bread and crisp side salad.
• Romantic Dinner Twist: Create an intimate evening by dimming lights, adding a glass of red wine, and sprinkling extra fresh basil on top for elegant presentation.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion leftovers into meal prep containers for quick lunches or freeze sauce separately to enjoy later in the week with fresh pasta.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Serve in a large communal dish with extra parmesan on the side, allowing friends to help themselves during sports watching parties or casual gatherings.

Storage Tips For Tortellini Bolognese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled tortellini bolognese to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of water or milk to prevent drying. Heat until thoroughly warm, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Check temperature to ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What are the key proteins in this Tortellini Bolognese?

The recipe includes ground beef, sausage, and pepperoni, creating a rich and meaty sauce with multiple layers of flavor.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to increase the heat level of the Bolognese sauce.

• How does cream cheese impact the sauce?

Cream cheese adds a creamy, tangy texture that helps thicken the sauce and creates a smoother, richer consistency.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Bolognese sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or preparing meals ahead of time.

Quick Tortellini Bolognese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent tortellini bolognese brings Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, hearty meat sauce. Savory pasta pockets nestled in robust tomato ragu promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3/4 pound ground spicy Italian sausage
• 4 ounces (113 grams) pepperoni, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped

Sauces, Cheese, and Seasonings:

• 2 jars (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese, melted
• 1/3 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 pound (454 grams) cheese tortellini

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Render pepperoni in a large pot over medium heat until crisp and golden, approximately 5 minutes, releasing its savory oils.
2. Incorporate onion, ground beef, sausage, celery, garlic, and oregano into the pot. Season generously with salt and pepper, methodically breaking down meat while cooking until thoroughly browned, about 10 minutes.
3. Introduce tomato paste and sauté for 5 minutes to intensify flavors, then blend in marinara sauce. Add water or milk to achieve desired sauce consistency, adjusting seasoning as needed.
4. Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken naturally.
5. Swirl in cream cheese and pesto, creating a rich, creamy texture that coats the sauce with additional depth.
6. Simultaneously, cook tortellini in boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain thoroughly.
7. Return tortellini to the pot, gently cascading the robust bolognese sauce over the pasta.
8. Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese, tossing delicately to ensure even coating.
9. Plate the tortellini, garnishing with additional parmesan and fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Swap pepperoni for bacon or pancetta to add a different smoky flavor depth to the bolognese sauce.
• Use gluten-free tortellini to make this recipe completely celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Reduce cream cheese quantity if seeking lighter version, or substitute with Greek yogurt for tangy protein boost.
• Consider adding extra vegetables like chopped zucchini or spinach directly into sauce for increased nutrition and veggie content.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 583 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg