Best Easy Tortellini alla Bolognese Recipe

Tiny meat-filled tortellini in rich Bolognese ragù is Emilia's crowning glory. This high protein mediterranean pasta is a family Sunday tradition that freezes beautifully.

Cook 90 min Difficulty NORMAL 640 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • meat tortellini (fresh or frozen) 24 oz
  • ground beef (80% lean) 12 oz
  • ground pork 8 oz
  • yellow onion (diced) 1 cup
  • carrot (diced) 0.5 cup
  • celery (diced) 0.5 cup
  • whole milk 0.5 cup
  • Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra-virgin olive oil 3 tbsp
  • unsalted butter 2 tbsp
  • crushed tomatoes (canned) 2 cups
  • dry white wine 0.5 cup
  • bay leaf 1 piece
  • nutmeg 0.25 tsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 60 g 38%
Protein 28 g 18%
Fat 28 g 44%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté gently for 6–8 minutes until softened and aromatic.

  2. 2

    Increase heat to medium-high, add ground beef and pork, and cook, breaking up any clumps. Sauté until meat is browned but not crisp, about 8 minutes.

  3. 3

    Pour in white wine and simmer 3–4 minutes until it mostly evaporates. Reduce heat to medium-low, then stir in milk and nutmeg; cook until the milk is nearly absorbed.

  4. 4

    Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Cover partially and simmer on low, stirring occasionally, for 60–75 minutes until thickened and flavors deepen.

  5. 5

    Boil tortellini in salted water according to package instructions. Drain well and immediately toss with Bolognese sauce over gentle heat for 1 minute to coat evenly.

  6. 6

    Serve hot, topped generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Meat tortellini and the slow-simmered Bolognese sauce are the stars. The balance of ground beef and pork, combined with the rich tomato base and aromatic soffritto (onion, carrot, celery), gives this dish its deep, classic Emilia-Romagna flavor.
Q. How can I prevent my tortellini from turning mushy?
Boil tortellini only until al dente and drain them quickly. By tossing them immediately with the hot ragù in the pan for just one minute, you help the pasta absorb flavor without overcooking or breaking apart.
Q. What's an important cooking detail for authentic Bolognese sauce?
Patient simmering is crucial. Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer for at least 60 minutes after adding the tomatoes. This develops robust flavor and a silky texture, without scorching or drying out the ragù.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving provide?
Each serving of this recipe delivers about 640 kcal and a high 28g of protein, with roughly 60g carbs and 28g fat. This makes it a satisfying family dish with a protein-to-carb balance suited for hearty appetites.
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