If you’re craving a rich, comforting meal that tastes like it came straight from a cozy Italian restaurant, this Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini recipe is your go-to. Featuring tender, slow-braised beef cheeks simmered in a luscious sauce and paired with delicate tortellini, it’s the perfect dish for impressing family or unwinding on a chilly evening. The beauty of this recipe lies in the deep flavors developed through slow cooking combined with the satisfying bite of fresh pasta.
Braised beef cheeks might sound intimidating, but with a little patience, they transform into melt-in-your-mouth morsels that bring incredible richness to the sauce. The secret is a low and slow oven braise in red wine, tomatoes, and aromatics, coaxing out the beef’s full potential. Serve it tossed with tender tortellini to soak up every bit of the savory juices.
Inspired by classic Italian flavors yet easy enough for weeknight cooking, this dish offers a perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. Whether you’re a pasta lover or a beef enthusiast, the Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini
The first time I tried making braised beef cheeks for this tortellini dish, I was a bit hesitant because of the long cooking time, but the results were worth every minute. Watching the beef transform from a tough cut into tender, juicy pieces was so satisfying. The aroma of garlic, onion, and red wine filling my kitchen was pure comfort.
I loved how the sauce developed layers of flavor after hours in the oven, creating a rich, velvety coating that clung perfectly to the pasta. The tortellini added a soft, delicate contrast to the hearty ragout. It felt like a warm hug on a plate.
Every bite was a delight the meat was so tender it practically melted in my mouth, and the balanced sauce made it irresistible. I’m definitely making this again for family dinners and special occasions!
Ingredients Required for Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini Recipe
- 2 lbs beef cheeks, trimmed and seasoned with salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup red wine
- 1 can (14 oz) chopped tomatoes or tomato puree
- 2 cups beef stock
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 package fresh tortellini
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for pasta and drizzling)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large heavy-bottomed oven-safe pan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
- Pasta pot
- Strainer
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 3.5 to 4 hours (slow braise)
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes
Copycat Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini Recipe
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini at home
1. Season and Sear the Beef Cheeks: Pat the beef cheeks dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cheeks on all sides until they develop a rich, golden crust. Remove the beef and set aside.
2. Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until softened and golden, about 5–7 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to enhance flavor.\
3. Deglaze and Build the Sauce: Pour in the red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom to release all flavorful residue. Add chopped tomatoes or tomato puree and beef stock. Stir to combine.
4. Return Beef and Braise: Nestle the beef cheeks back into the sauce, making sure most of the meat is submerged with just a bit peeking out. Cover the pan loosely with a lid or foil and transfer to a preheated oven at 140-150°C (285-300°F). Braise for 3.5 to 4 hours until the meat is tender and falling apart.
5. Cook Tortellini: While the beef finishes cooking, boil salted water and cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Combine and Serve: Remove the beef cheeks, shred or chop into bite-sized pieces, and stir them back into the sauce. Serve the ragout over the cooked tortellini. Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for a beautiful finish.
How to Store Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini Properly?
Let the braised beef and sauce cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of stock or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
What to Pair and Serve with Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini
1. With Garlic Bread
We love pairing this hearty tortellini with warm, crispy garlic bread or Cornbread. The buttery crunch perfectly soaks up every bit of that rich beef sauce.
2. Simple Green Salad
A fresh green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing balance to the meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted carrots, Brussel Sprouts, and bell peppers bring a sweet, smoky contrast that complements the deep flavors of the braised beef.
4. Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan on top always elevates the dish adds that salty, nutty punch we can’t resist.
5. Red Wine
A glass of robust red wine, like a Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon, perfectly matches the savory intensity of the beef ragout.
6. Creamy Polenta
Sometimes, instead of tortellini, we spoon the beef cheek ragout over creamy, buttery polenta for a comforting twist.
7. Sauteed Spinach
Wilted garlic spinach on the side adds a subtle earthiness and extra greens to the plate.
8. Fresh Basil Garnish
Tossing some fresh basil leaves on top right before serving adds a burst of herbal freshness that brightens every bite.
9. Mushroom Medley
Sautéed mushrooms with thyme pair beautifully, adding an earthy depth alongside the beef.
10. Crispy Prosciutto
For an indulgent touch, we sometimes crumble crispy prosciutto over the dish salty, crispy, and utterly delicious!
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
1. Use good beef cheeks
They might be cheap, but they make the best tasty sauce!
2. Don’t rush the browning
Let the beef get nice and brown for extra flavor.
3. Cut the onions big
Big chunks of onion make the sauce yummy and not mushy.
4. Pour the wine slowly
This helps pick up all the tasty bits stuck in the pan.
5. Keep most meat under the sauce
Like little crocodiles peeking out!
6. Cook low and slow
A slow oven makes the beef soft and juicy.
7. Salt your pasta water
It helps the tortellini taste better.
8. Drizzle olive oil on pasta
This stops the tortellini from sticking.
9. Save some sauce juice
Add it to the pasta to make it even tastier.
10. Garnish with parsley
It makes the dish look nice and fresh.
FAQs on Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini Recipe.
1. Can I use other cuts of beef instead of beef cheeks?
We’ve tried this with short ribs and chuck roast, and while they’re good, beef cheeks give the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to beat.
2. How long does the beef need to braise?
From our experience, about 3.5 to 4 hours at low heat is perfect. Any less, and it won’t be as tender; any longer, it just gets more flavorful!
3. Can I make this Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld overnight. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of stock.
4. What kind of tortellini works best?
Fresh tortellini filled with cheese or meat pairs beautifully. We find fresh pasta holds the sauce better than dried versions.
5. Is red wine necessary in the recipe?
The red wine adds amazing depth and richness. If you don’t have any, a good quality beef broth works in a pinch, but the wine really makes a difference.
6. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! We freeze the ragout in portions and thaw it in the fridge overnight. Just reheat slowly to keep the beef tender.
7. What sides do you recommend with this dish?
We love simple green salads, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. They balance the rich beef ragout nicely.
8. How do I prevent the Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini from sticking?
Adding salt to the water and a drizzle of olive oil after draining really helps keep the pasta from sticking.
9. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato puree?
Yes, canned chopped tomatoes work wonderfully and add a bit more texture to the sauce, which we like.
10. What if I don’t have a Dutch oven or oven-safe pan?
You can braise the beef in a deep pan covered tightly with foil on the stovetop at low heat. It takes a little more attention but still works well!
This Olive Garden Braised Beef Tortellini recipe is a soul-satisfying meal that’s perfect for weekend feasts or special family dinners. The tender beef cheeks and rich sauce make every bite unforgettable. Don’t let the slow cooking time intimidate you the hands-off oven braise means you can relax while it works its magic. Give this recipe a try, and bring a taste of Italian comfort right to your home kitchen. Ready to impress with this delicious dish? Grab your ingredients and get cooking today your taste buds will thank you!
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