Tortellini is a beloved Italian pasta, often filled with a variety of delicious ingredients like cheese, meat, or vegetables. When paired with a rich beef and Parmesan filling, this dish becomes an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Beef & Parmesan tortellini offers a hearty and savory bite, with the added creaminess of the cheese and the tender, flavorful beef.
Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a dinner party, or simply to enjoy a satisfying meal, Beef & Parmesan Tortellini is sure to please. In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed recipe, a cooking time table, internal temperature guide, tips for cooking, and common mistakes to avoid to ensure that you achieve the best results every time.
Cooking Time Table for Beef & Parmesan Tortellini
When preparing Beef & Parmesan Tortellini, it’s essential to have a good time management strategy in place to ensure that everything is cooked to perfection. Here’s a cooking time table to guide you:
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prepare the filling (mix beef & cheese) | 10 minutes |
| Assemble the tortellini | 15-20 minutes |
| Cook the tortellini | 3-4 minutes (per batch) |
| Total Cooking Time | 30-35 minutes |
This cooking time table gives you an overall view of how long each step takes, ensuring that your tortellini is cooked and assembled efficiently.
Internal Temperature Guide
For Beef & Parmesan Tortellini, it’s important to cook the beef filling to a safe temperature while keeping the delicate tortellini intact. The internal temperature of the cooked beef filling should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. You can use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the filling.
Once the tortellini is assembled and ready to be cooked, boiling the tortellini in salted water for 3-4 minutes is typically enough to heat them through. The filling should be piping hot when the pasta is ready to serve.
Ingredients for Beef & Parmesan Tortellini
To make the perfect Beef & Parmesan Tortellini, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the pasta:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Water (as needed)
For cooking and serving:
- 2-3 cups marinara sauce or butter and sage sauce (optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Chopped fresh basil (optional)
With these ingredients, you’ll create a rich and flavorful filling paired with homemade or store-bought tortellini, making for a delightful dish.
Steps for Best Results
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, grated Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, salt, and parsley (if using). Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth. This filling will give your tortellini a rich, savory flavor.
Step 2: Make the Pasta Dough (Optional, if making from scratch)
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Create a well in the center and crack the eggs into it. Add the olive oil, and gradually mix the flour into the eggs, using a fork. Once the mixture starts to come together, knead it with your hands until a smooth dough forms (about 5-7 minutes). If the dough feels dry, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Once the dough has rested, roll it out thinly on a floured surface and cut into small squares (approximately 2 inches per side). Add a teaspoon of the beef and Parmesan filling to the center of each square. Fold the square into a triangle, press the edges to seal, and then fold the two corners of the triangle around your finger to form the classic tortellini shape. Repeat until all the dough and filling are used.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the tortellini and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface. This indicates that they are cooked through. Remove them from the water with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 4: Serve the Tortellini
You can serve the Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in a variety of ways. Toss them with marinara sauce for a classic dish, or sauté them in butter with fresh sage leaves for a simple, elegant presentation. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Tips for Cooking Beef & Parmesan Tortellini
- Use Lean Beef: Ground beef with a lean-to-fat ratio of 80/20 is ideal for the filling, as it will give you a flavorful filling without too much grease. If using a fattier cut of beef, be sure to drain the excess fat after cooking.
- Season the Filling Generously: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add more herbs or spices, such as garlic, onion powder, or Italian seasoning, to enhance the flavor of the filling.
- Work in Batches: When boiling the tortellini, cook them in small batches to prevent overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and sticky tortellini.
- Use Fresh Tortellini for Quick Preparation: If you don’t have time to make homemade tortellini, store-bought fresh tortellini can be a good substitute. Just be sure to use high-quality tortellini to get the best texture and flavor.
- Rest the Dough: Let the pasta dough rest before rolling it out. This will make it more pliable and easier to work with, ensuring your tortellini holds its shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overstuffing the Tortellini: It’s tempting to add a large amount of filling, but be sure to keep the portions small. Overstuffed tortellini can result in uneven cooking and can cause the pasta to burst open during boiling.
- Not Sealing the Edges Properly: When making tortellini, it’s crucial to press the edges firmly to seal them. If the tortellini isn’t sealed tightly, the filling may leak out during cooking.
- Not Testing the Filling Temperature: If you’re using pre-cooked beef, ensure the filling is cooled down before assembling the tortellini. Using hot filling can cause the dough to become too soft and difficult to work with.
- Cooking Tortellini Too Long: Tortellini cooks very quickly. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta and a soggy filling. Remove the tortellini as soon as they float to the surface of the boiling water.
- Not Using Enough Salt in the Water: Be sure to salt the water generously before cooking the tortellini. This adds flavor to the pasta and enhances the overall dish.
Conclusion
Beef & Parmesan Tortellini is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the rich flavors of seasoned beef and Parmesan cheese wrapped in delicate pasta. Whether you choose to make your pasta from scratch or use store-bought tortellini, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
By following the detailed cooking time table, internal temperature guide, and helpful tips, you’ll be able to make Beef & Parmesan Tortellini with ease and achieve the best possible results. Avoiding common mistakes ensures that your tortellini will have the perfect texture and flavor, making this dish a go-to for any meal. Enjoy!