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
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
Instructions
- Render pepperoni in a large pot over medium heat until crisp and golden, approximately 5 minutes, releasing its savory oils.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken naturally.
- Swirl in cream cheese and pesto, creating a rich, creamy texture that coats the sauce with additional depth.
- Simultaneously, cook tortellini in boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Return tortellini to the pot, gently cascading the robust bolognese sauce over the pasta.
- Sprinkle generously with parmesan cheese, tossing delicately to ensure even coating.
- 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