To begin, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, finely chopped
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– 1 cup crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– ½ cup red wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 package of fresh or frozen tortellini
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté the vegetables until they are softened and fragrant. This will take about 5 minutes.
Next, return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, red wine (if using), and dried oregano. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until it has thickened and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
While the Bolognese sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Fresh tortellini usually takes just a few minutes to cook, while frozen tortellini may require a bit longer. Make sure to cook the tortellini to al dente, or slightly firm, as it will continue to cook when combined with the Bolognese sauce.
Once the tortellini is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the Bolognese sauce. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce until it is evenly coated.
To serve, divide the Bolognese Tortellini among plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves for a pop of freshness and color.
Bolognese Tortellini pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. It is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but you can also serve it as a first before a main dish.
With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Bolognese Tortellini right in your own home. This delicious Italian dish is sure to please the entire family and impress any guests lucky enough to try it. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking!