If you’ve ever dined at Olive Garden, you know that their Braised Beef and Tortellini is a flavor-packed comfort dish that’s hard to forget. Tender short ribs simmered to perfection, served over fresh cheese-filled tortellini, and finished with a rich, creamy sauce it’s Italian indulgence at its finest.
Recreating this recipe at home means you can enjoy that restaurant-quality taste any night of the week, and maybe even impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. The best part? You control the quality of ingredients and the level of seasoning.
Today, I’m walking you through an Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini Recipe that captures the essence of the original, but with a homemade touch. So grab your apron it’s time to turn your kitchen into your own Italian bistro.
Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini
The first time I tasted Olive Garden’s Braised Beef and Tortellini, I knew I had to figure out how to make it myself. There’s something about that melt-in-your-mouth beef combined with pillowy tortellini that just speaks to my soul.
My wife had been making her own version for years, and honestly, she has perfected it. Still, I couldn’t resist giving it my own spin especially with homemade tortellini and a sauce rich enough to make any pasta proud.
Every time I cook this dish, the smell fills the kitchen with a warm, savory aroma that instantly makes me hungry. It’s a labor of love, but every bite is worth it.
Ingredients Required for Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this AOlive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini Recipe
- 2 lbs beef short ribs
- ½ cup chopped basil
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 1 large Vidalia onion, cubed
- 1 cup Marsala wine
- 1 ½ cups beef stock
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Salt & pepper
- 2 cups bread flour
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1–2 pinches chopped parsley
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 portobello mushroom, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp beef fat or olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Dutch oven
- Stand mixer with dough hook
- Pasta roller attachment
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
Prep Time: 1 hour (including dough rest time)
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: ~3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Copycat Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini Recipe
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini at home
Step 1. Sear the Beef: Season beef short ribs generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, sear ribs on all sides for about 2 minutes each, then remove and set aside.
Step 2. Build the Flavor Base: In the same pot, sauté cubed Vidalia onion for 2–3 minutes. Add thyme and basil, then deglaze with Marsala wine. Simmer 4 minutes to reduce. Return beef to the pot, add water and beef stock, cover, and braise in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 2 hours.
Step 3. Prepare Tortellini Dough: Mix bread flour, eggs, olive oil, and salt in a stand mixer. Knead until smooth (about 10 minutes), wrap, and rest for 30 minutes. Roll dough into thin sheets, cutting into 1½–2 inch squares.
Step 4. Make the Filling: Combine ricotta, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pipe a small amount onto each pasta square, moisten two edges with water, fold, and shape into tortellini.
Step 5. Cook the Sauce: Heat beef fat or olive oil, sauté mushrooms and tomatoes for 2–3 minutes, then deglaze with balsamic vinegar. Make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in beef braising liquid, simmer until thickened, then stir in cream, shredded beef, and mushroom-tomato mix.
Step 6. Cook & Serve: Boil tortellini in salted water until they float (2–3 minutes). Plate pasta, top with braised beef and sauce, and garnish with basil.
How to Store Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini Properly?
Store leftover beef and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep cooked tortellini separate to prevent sogginess. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of stock or cream if needed.
What to Pair and Serve with AAOlive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini
1. With a Warm Garlic Bread Loaf
Every time I make this dish, I serve it with a crusty garlic bread loaf. It’s perfect for mopping up that rich sauce trust me, not a drop should go to waste.
2. Alongside a Fresh Caesar Salad
A crisp Tomato Mozzarella Salad balances the richness of the beef beautifully. I love the crunch of the romaine with the creamy dressing next to that tender meat.
3. With Roasted Asparagus
I’ve paired it with roasted asparagus drizzled in olive oil and lemon juice, and the fresh zing really lifts the flavors.
4. With a Glass of Red Wine
A full-bodied Cabernet or Chianti makes the dish feel like a restaurant experience at home.
5. As a Family-Style Platter
Sometimes I serve it in one big platter for everyone to dig in it feels so warm and communal.
6. With Truffle Oil Drizzle
A tiny drizzle of truffle oil on the tortellini makes it feel extra indulgent.
7. Paired with Bruschetta
I once served it with tomato-basil bruschetta as a starter, and guests still talk about that meal.
8. With Roasted Potatoes
For an ultra-comforting combo, roasted potatoes on the side are unbeatable.
9. Over a Bed of Spinach
Serving the beef and sauce over fresh spinach slightly wilts the greens and adds freshness.
10. As a Date Night Dinner
This dish has been my go-to for date nights at home it’s elegant, filling, and always impresses.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
1. Season your beef well.
Salt and pepper are your friends. Don’t be shy they make the beef taste so good.
2. Get your pot nice and hot.
Hot oil means your beef will get a yummy brown crust. That crust adds flavor.
3. Don’t skip the onions.
They make the sauce sweet and tasty. Cook them until they smell amazing.
4. Be patient with the braising.
Two hours might feel long, but that’s how the beef gets soft and juicy.
5. Rest your pasta dough.
This makes it easier to roll out and shape into tortellini.
6. Use just a little filling.
Too much filling makes it hard to seal, and it can leak out when cooking.
7. Seal your tortellini tight.
Press the edges well so they don’t open in the water.
8. Keep your sauce gentle.
After adding cream, don’t boil it hard just warm it so it stays smooth.
9. Taste before serving.
Try the sauce and add more salt or pepper if you need to.
10. Serve right away.
Tortellini tastes best when it’s hot and fresh.
FAQs on Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini Recipe.
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! I’ve tried chuck roast when I couldn’t find short ribs. It’s still tender, though short ribs have more flavor.
2. Do I have to make homemade tortellini?
Not at all. Fresh store-bought tortellini works great if you’re short on time. I’ve done both and the sauce makes either taste amazing.
3. What if I don’t have Marsala wine?
I’ve swapped it with red wine or even beef broth in a pinch. The flavor changes a little, but it’s still delicious.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and honestly, the flavors deepen overnight. I just reheat the beef and sauce gently on the stove.
5. How do I keep my tortellini from opening?
Press the edges really well and don’t overfill them. I’ve learned that a tiny bit of water helps seal them shut.
6. Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! I’ve made it with gluten-free pasta dough, and it worked just fine just a little more delicate.
7. Can I freeze the Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini?
Absolutely. I freeze them on a tray first, then store in a bag. They cook straight from frozen.
8. What can I serve on the side?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies have all been big hits in my house.
9. Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes just add a bit more roux or let it simmer longer. I’ve done both depending on my mood.
10. Does this taste like the Olive Garden version?
Honestly, yes and in my opinion, even better because it’s fresh, rich, and made with love.
This Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortellini Recipe is a restaurant-worthy dish you can proudly serve at home. From the rich, tender beef to the delicate homemade tortellini, every bite feels like a warm Italian embrace. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out for you! Share your photos, tag me on social media, and don’t forget to pass this recipe along to other pasta lovers in your life. Buon appetito!
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