French Onion Beef and Tortellini
Imagine a cozy evening, the kind where the air is cool, and the aroma of a savory dish fills your home, wrapping you in warmth. That’s the magic of French Onion Beef and Tortellini—a delightful combination that takes the comforting flavors of French onion soup and pairs them with tender beef and cheesy tortellini. This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. With each bite, you’ll find yourself falling in love with the rich flavors and creamy textures that this dish promises.
Why It Deserves a Spot
French Onion Beef and Tortellini deserves a spot on your dinner table for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor. The combination of ground beef and tortellini creates a hearty meal that can easily feed a family or provide delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. The addition of Gruyere cheese adds a nutty richness that perfectly complements the savory goodness of the beef and broth. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies, making it a well-rounded dish that everyone will love.
The Ingredient Lineup
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef works best for this recipe, providing flavor without excessive grease.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced – The star of the show! Sweet and caramelized onions bring depth to the dish.
- 2 tsp garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a lovely aromatic quality.
- 1 oz onion soup mix, just the mix – This adds an instant flavor boost and ties the dish together.
- 1 cup peas and carrots, frozen, or preferred veggie – Feel free to use your favorite vegetables for added nutrition.
- 2 cups beef broth, low sodium – A flavorful base that enhances the overall taste.
- 10 oz cheese filled tortellini, about 3 cups of the refrigerated kind – These little pasta pockets add creaminess and texture.
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded – A melty, rich cheese that elevates the dish.
- 1 cup sour cream – For creaminess and a touch of tang.
- 1 tsp black pepper – A little kick that rounds out the flavors.
Tools & Equipment Needed
To make this delicious French Onion Beef and Tortellini, gather the following tools:
- Large pot or Dutch oven – Ideal for sautéing and simmering.
- Wooden spoon – Perfect for stirring and breaking up the beef.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Knife and cutting board – For dicing onions and prepping veggies.
- Cheese grater – If you’re shredding your Gruyere cheese from a block.
French Onion Beef and Tortellini Made Stepwise
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add the Onions and Garlic
Once the beef is cooked, add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-8 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the Soup Mix
Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the beef and onions, stirring to combine. This will infuse the dish with a savory, onion-rich flavor.
Step 4: Pour in the Broth
Add the low-sodium beef broth to the pot, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. This adds depth to the flavor profile.
Step 5: Add Veggies
Stir in the frozen peas and carrots (or your preferred veggies). Allow them to cook for about 5 minutes, until heated through.
Step 6: Incorporate the Tortellini
Add the refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the surface.
Step 7: Mix in Cheese and Sour Cream
Once the tortellini is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese and sour cream. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
Step 8: Season and Serve
Finally, sprinkle in the black pepper, taste for seasoning, and adjust if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
Low-Carb/Keto Alternatives
If you’re looking for low-carb or keto-friendly alternatives, consider the following options:
- Ground turkey or chicken: A leaner protein option that still holds flavor.
- Zucchini noodles: Replace tortellini with spiralized zucchini for a veggie-packed twist.
- Cauliflower rice: Use as a base instead of tortellini for a low-carb option.
- Cream cheese: Instead of sour cream, use cream cheese for a richer texture.
Watch Outs & How to Fix
When preparing French Onion Beef and Tortellini, keep an eye out for the following common pitfalls:
- Overcooking the Tortellini: Follow the package instructions closely to avoid mushy pasta.
- Too Salty: Since onion soup mix can be salty, consider using half the packet and adjusting to taste.
- Burnt Onions: Stir frequently to prevent the onions from burning while caramelizing.
If you find that your dish is too salty, adding a splash of water or additional broth can help balance the flavors.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
Leftovers of French Onion Beef and Tortellini can be stored and enjoyed later:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Note that the texture of the tortellini may change slightly upon reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, to restore creaminess.
Common Questions
Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Gruyere adds a wonderful flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for a different twist.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter option, although it will change the flavor profile slightly.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the cooking step in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, just heat and serve.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Consider serving with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
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Before You Go
French Onion Beef and Tortellini is a dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and hearty. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this meal is not only satisfying but also a joy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in the irresistible flavors of French Onion Beef and Tortellini tonight!
French Onion Beef and Tortellini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-8 minutes.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the beef and onions, stirring to combine. This will infuse the dish with a savory, onion-rich flavor.
- Add the low-sodium beef broth to the pot, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. This adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Stir in the frozen peas and carrots (or your preferred veggies). Allow them to cook for about 5 minutes, until heated through.
- Add the refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they float to the surface.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Gruyere cheese and sour cream. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Finally, sprinkle in the black pepper, taste for seasoning, and adjust if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Try using spiralized zucchini instead of tortellini for a low-carb version.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.
