Creamy Beef Tortellini Skillet With Roasted Red Pepper Swirl

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and quick? This Creamy Beef Tortellini Skillet with Roasted Red Pepper Swirl is your answer! Packed with flavor, featuring tender beef, cheesy tortellini, and a vibrant roasted red pepper swirl, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for busy evenings. The beautiful swirl of roasted red pepper not only adds a stunning visual appeal but also a subtle sweetness that complements the savory beef and creamy sauce. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 400 g (14 oz) Cheese Tortellini: We recommend using fresh tortellini for the best texture and flavor. Look for halal-certified options if needed. The cheese filling provides a lovely richness that balances the savory elements of the dish.
• 250 g (9 oz) Lean Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef keeps the dish lighter while still delivering a hearty, meaty flavor. Seasoning generously with salt and pepper is key to building a flavorful base.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor, but any good quality olive oil will work. It’s used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the beef.
• 1 Medium Onion (about 150 g / 1 cup), Finely Chopped: The onion forms the aromatic base of the sauce, adding sweetness and depth of flavor. Finely chopping ensures it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Garlic is essential for adding a pungent, savory note to the dish. Mincing it releases its flavors more effectively.
• 200 ml (¾ cup) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream provides the richness and luxurious texture that makes this skillet so comforting. It creates a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the tortellini beautifully.
• 100 g (3½ oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: Softened cream cheese adds extra creaminess and tanginess to the sauce, helping it thicken and cling to the pasta.
• 150 g (1 cup) Roasted Red Pepper Purée: This is the star of the show! Roasting the red peppers intensifies their sweetness and creates a vibrant color. You can make your own (see recipe note) or use a store-bought purée.
• 1 tsp (5 g) Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the beef and roasted red pepper. It also enhances the color of the sauce.
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) Ground Cumin (Optional): A touch of cumin adds a warm, earthy note to the dish. It’s optional, but recommended for those who enjoy a more complex flavor profile.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to Taste: Seasoning is crucial! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking throughout the cooking process.
• 30 g (1 oz) Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami-rich flavor and a delightful texture to the dish. Look for halal-certified Parmesan if needed.
• Fresh Basil Leaves, for Garnish: Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color.
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) Extra Roasted Red Pepper Purée, for Drizzle: This is for creating the beautiful swirl on top of the finished dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Ground Beef: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef.
• Heavy Cream: Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be as rich.
• Cream Cheese: Mascarpone cheese can be substituted for cream cheese.
• Roasted Red Pepper Purée: Jarred roasted red peppers, finely chopped, can be used in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as intense.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Beef Tortellini Skillet

1. Prepare the Roasted Red Pepper Purée: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Place two red bell peppers directly on a baking sheet. Roast for approximately 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is blistered and blackened. This charring is key to developing a deep, smoky flavor. Once cooled slightly, peel off the blackened skin, remove the seeds and core, and blend the roasted pepper flesh with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt until completely smooth. Set aside 150g for the skillet and reserve the remaining 2 tablespoons for drizzling as a garnish.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet (cast iron works wonderfully!) over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground beef (salt and pepper are essential, but feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor). Break up the beef with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes, or until fully browned. Ensure all pink color is gone. Remove the browned beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Combine Beef and Aromatics: Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well to combine, ensuring the beef is coated in the flavorful aromatics.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the cream, creating a smooth and luscious sauce. This usually takes about 2 minutes.
6. Infuse with Roasted Red Pepper and Spices: Stir in the 150g of roasted red pepper purée, smoked paprika, and optional cumin. Gently swirl the sauce – avoid overmixing – to create a beautiful, vivid red ribbon effect throughout the creamy base. This visual element adds to the dish’s appeal.
7. Add the Tortellini: Add the cooked and drained cheese tortellini to the skillet. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat each tortellini piece evenly with the creamy red pepper sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to heat through and the sauce to cling.
8. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and allow it to melt for about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Transfer the creamy beef tortellini skillet to a shallow serving dish or serve directly from the skillet. Drizzle with the reserved 2 tablespoons of roasted red pepper purée in a decorative swirl, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.

Why the Roasted Red Pepper Swirl Works

The roasted red pepper isn’t just for color; it adds a subtle sweetness and smoky depth that perfectly complements the richness of the beef and cream. Roasting the peppers intensifies their natural sugars and creates a flavor profile that’s far superior to using jarred peppers. The swirling technique ensures that each bite offers a delightful contrast between the creamy base and the vibrant pepper flavor. It’s a simple technique that elevates the entire dish.

Tips for the Best Tortellini Skillet

• Tortellini Quality: Using high-quality, fresh tortellini makes a significant difference in the final texture and flavor. Halal-certified options ensure inclusivity for all diners.
• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Since the tortellini is added to the sauce at the end, it’s crucial not to overcook it initially. Follow package directions for al dente cooking.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of smoked paprika and cumin to your preference. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Variations and Additions

Feel free to customize this skillet to your liking! Some delicious additions include:

• Spinach or Kale: Add a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Incorporate chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of intense flavor.

Understanding the Creamy Base

The combination of heavy cream and cream cheese creates an incredibly rich and velvety sauce. The cream cheese adds tanginess and helps to stabilize the sauce, preventing it from separating. Using softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth, lump-free sauce. The low and slow melting process is key to achieving the perfect consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

While best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce and browned beef ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine with the cooked tortellini just before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the tortellini. However, you can use gluten-free tortellini to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Creamy Beef Tortellini Skillet with Roasted Red Pepper Swirl! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

Print