Okay, picture this: What’s It’s a chilly evening, the kind where you just want to curl up with something warm and comforting. What’s more exciting than your usual weeknight meal? What is French Onion Beef Tortellini? Think of it as the love child of classic French Onion Soup and a hearty Italian pasta dish. What are the best things about this beef stew? What are some comforting bites of cheese tortellini? When I made this, my husband declared it his new favorite dish. I think it might be mine too! The best part? It tastes like it took hours to make, but it’s surprisingly simple. I always do this on weeknights, so it’s a win for everyone.
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What is French Onion Beef Tortellini?
French Onion Beef Tortellini is essentially a mashup of two classic comfort foods. It takes the deeply savory and slightly sweet flavors of French Onion Soup – think deeply. What is the perfect combination of caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and that glorious, cheesy topping? What are some of the best cheese- It’s not exactly traditional French or Italian, but the fusion works incredibly well. What is a warm hug in your hand? Both comforting and flavorful. What do you love about French onion soup? What is the most satisfying Who doesn’t love cheese tortellini?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about this is how incredibly flavorful it is. The caramelized onions are sweet and savory, the beef broth is rich and comforting, and the cheese is creamy and rich. What are some of the best tortellini recipes? Is there a flavor explosion in every spoonful? What are some of the easiest recipes to make? Most of the work is just letting the onions caramelize, which requires minimal effort on your part. This one’s a lifesaver on busy nights when I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. What are some of the most cost-effective meals to eat? How can I make homemade Beef Burgers? Can you use cheaper cuts as well, since they’ll become tender as they simmer? I’ve even swapped out the beef for ground turkey before and it was still delicious. What are some of the best things about cheese? Is it possible to double or triple the recipe for a crowd? Is it good for meal prep? If you like French Onion soup, this recipe is a must-try. Is it easier to make French onion soup from scratch? What is that little extra? It’s like hug in a bowl, but with some fancy flair.
How do I make French Onion Beef Tortellini?
Quick Overview
How do you make French Onion Beef Tortellini? First, you’ll caramelize the onions to sweet, golden perfection. What are some good ways to cook beef in a rich broth with caramelized onions? Next, you’ll add your cheese tortellini, and let it cook until tender. What should I top this with shredded cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown. I know this recipe sounds intimidating, but trust me, it’s much easier than it looks! What is the key to caramelizing onions? How many hours do I need to prepare
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced. (I always use yellow onions because they caramelize the best)
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes. (You can use a more expensive cut if you like, but stew meat works great and is more affordable!)
* 6 cups beef broth. (I always use low-sodium so I can control the salt level)
* 1 cup dry red wine. (Something like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well.) Is cooking wine worth it?
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* 20 ounces frozen cheese tortellini
For the Cheesy Topping: What are
* 4 cups shredded Gruyere cheese. (If you can’t find Gruyere, Swiss cheese is a good substitute)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How do I follow the
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and caramelized. Be patient! This is the most important step for developing that rich, sweet flavor. If they start to stick to the bottom of the pot, add a tablespoon of water and scrape the bottom to deglaze.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Beef
Add the minced garlic to the pot with the caramelized onions and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Add the beef stew meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the red wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze, loosening any browned bits. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes, until it has reduced slightly. Add the beef broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Stir in the frozen cheese tortellini and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bake
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Sprinkle the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese over the top of the tortellini mixture. Place the Dutch oven (or transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish) under the broiler and broil for a few minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Carefully remove the Dutch oven or baking dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired. And that’s it! Serve it straight from the pot, or portion it out into bowls.
What to Serve It With
This French Onion Beef Tortellini is a pretty hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides.
For a Cozy Night In: A crusty loaf of bread for dipping into the savory broth is always a good idea. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a touch of freshness. I also like to add a glass of red wine, something that I used to cook the dish with!
What is the best way to host a dinner party Start with a simple appetizer like bruschetta or a cheese plate. A more substantial side salad with grilled vegetables would also be a nice addition. And for dessert? Something light and fruity, like a berry tart, would be the perfect ending to the meal.
What is a good weeknight meal? Honestly, it’s great on its own! But if you want to add something extra, a simple steamed green vegetable like broccoli or green beans would be a healthy and easy option. My kids also love having a side of garlic bread with this.
How do you cook French Onion Beef Tortellini?
What are some tips for making French Onion Beef Tortellini?Onion Caramelization: Don’t rush the onions! The key to that deep, sweet flavor is low and slow cooking. It takes time for the onions to release their sugars and caramelize properly. If they start to burn, reduce the heat even further and add a splash of water.
Beef Selection: Bee While stew meat is a great budget-friendly option, you can also use chuck roast or even short ribs for a richer flavor. Just make sure to cut the beef into bite-sized pieces.
Broth Quality: Using a good quality beef broth will make a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish. I prefer to use low-sodium broth so I can control the salt level myself.
Cheese Choice: Gruyere is the classic choice for French onion soup, but if you can’t find it, Swiss cheese is a good substitute. You can also use a combination of Gruyere and mozzarella for a more melty, stretchy cheese pull.
Tortellini Type: I prefer to use frozen cheese tortellini because it’s convenient and holds its shape well during cooking. You can also use fresh tortellini, but be careful not to overcook it.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This French Onion Beef Tortellini is great for meal prepping because it stores and reheats really well.
Refrigerating: Let the tortellini cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze this dish for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the tortellini in the refrigerator overnight. Then, transfer it to a pot or Dutch oven and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it may not be as evenly heated. If you’re reheating it in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Beef Tortellini is truly one of my favorite recipes to make on a chilly evening. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, tender beef, cheesy tortellini, and a bubbly Gruyere topping is simply irresistible. I really hope you try this recipe. You won’t be disappointed! If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta dishes and soup recipes for more comforting and delicious meals. And don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below if you try it! I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Happy cooking!
French Onion Beef Tortellini
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 3 cups Beef Broth
- 2 large Yellow Onions thinly sliced
- 1 cup Dry White Wine
- 1 package Cheese Tortellini (9 oz)
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 20 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in white wine and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add tortellini and heavy cream. Cook until heated through and the tortellini is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
