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overhead shot of bolognese with tortellini on white plate
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Tortellini Bolognese

Hearty and comforting, this bolognese with tortellini is both rich in flavor and satisfying in taste, making it a dish everyone will love.
Course Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 492kcal
Author Ryan Beck

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ large sweet onion, diced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 rib celery, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 1 (28 oz can) crushed tomatoes
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon dried nutmeg
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lb tortellini

Instructions

  • Add the onion, carrot, celery and garlic to a food processor and puree until a paste forms.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pureed veggies and cook until the water has evaporated and they have become brown, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef, crumbling the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and beginning to brown.
  • Stir in the oregano, thyme and red pepper flakes and cook for an additional minute. Pour wine in to scrape up any brown bits. Let cook for a minute, before adding the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt and pepper, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil and then lower the heat, simmering for 10 minutes.
  • While sauce is simmering bring pot of salted water to boil and cook tortellini according to directions.
  • With pasta cooking finish the sauce by adding the nutmeg, basil and cream. Drain the tortellini and add to sauce, stirring in Parmesan cheese. Top with some Parmesan and basil.

Notes

  • You can skip pureeing the veggies and just cook in the skillet before adding the beef if you prefer.
  • Use quality dry red wine that you’d be willing to drink. The flavor of the sauce comes from the wine. Chianti or Pinot Noir are best.
  • If using fresh herbs, triple the amount as it isn't as strong.
  • Cook the tortellini until just al dente as it will cook more when tossing in sauce.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan to finish the sauce. Never buy pre-shredded Parmesan cheese as it contains wood pulp. Blocks of Parmesan cheese are also cheaper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 492kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 557mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g