Why tortellini with meat sauce is so popular
This Tortellini with Meat Sauce recipe is great because it uses simple store cupboard ingredients. The rich meat sauce clings to the pasta perfectly and provides a lot of flavour in every bite. It is a filling dish that keeps everyone full for a long time. Cooking everything in one go makes it a practical choice for a quick dinner.
Follow these 4 steps for tortellini with meat sauce
Brown the meat: Place a large pan over medium heat and add the beef mince and chopped onion. Cook them together until the meat is browned and the onion has softened. Break up any large lumps of meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain away any excess fat from the pan if necessary.
Simmer the sauce: Stir in the minced garlic, chopped tomatoes, tomato puree and dried oregano. Add a splash of water and season the mixture with a little salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about fifteen minutes to allow the flavours to develop. This creates a thick and delicious base for your meal.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil while the sauce is simmering. Add the fresh tortellini and cook them according to the package instructions which usually takes just a few minutes. They are ready when they float to the surface of the water. Drain the pasta well but keep a tiny bit of the cooking water.
Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the meat sauce and toss everything together gently. The sauce should coat the tortellini evenly without breaking the delicate pasta parcels. Serve the dish in warm bowls with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your meal while it is hot and fresh.
Useful tips for tortellini with meat sauce
Tortellini with Meat Sauce can be made even better by adding a handful of fresh spinach at the very end. The heat from the sauce will wilt the leaves quickly and add some extra colour. If you find the sauce is too thick, simply add a spoonful of the pasta cooking water to thin it out. This helps the sauce stick to the pasta much better.
You can also swap the beef for pork mince or a mix of both for a different taste. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated the next day for an easy lunch. Make sure the food is piping hot before serving it again. Adding a little extra cheese or some fresh herbs can also refresh the dish when you eat it the second time.
You can also try these recipes:
traditional brown gravy,
roast boneless turkey thigh or
homemade goulash.
