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Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortelloni Recipe

If Olive Garden’s braised beef and tortelloni are calling your name, you’re about to discover how easy-peasy it is to prepare at home!

This dish is all about the richness of tender beef paired with soft, cheese-filled tortelloni, brought together with a luscious Marsala cream sauce.

One thing I’ve learned is that browning the beef thoroughly before braising really enhances the flavor of the dish.

For the tortelloni, fresh or refrigerated varieties hold up beautifully and soak in just the right amount of sauce.

Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves is so delish!

How to Make Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortelloni

olive garden braised beef and tortelloni recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 lb Beef Short Ribs (or Sirloin)
  • 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 1 White Onion (diced)
  • 1 can Tomatoes (14 oz.)
  • 8 oz. Portobello Mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup Flour
  • 1 cup Marsala Wine
  • 1 1/2 cups Beef Stock
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/3 cup Basil (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over high heat.

Toss the beef with flour.

Add it to the pan and sear all sides until browned.

Step 2:

Reduce the heat to low.

Add minced garlic and diced onions to the pan.

Cook and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3:

Add sliced mushrooms and diced tomatoes.

Stir in the Marsala wine and beef stock.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 4:

Simmer the beef mixture until the meat is tender.

Stir in the heavy cream for a rich texture.

Add basil for additional flavor.

Step 5:

Serve the braised beef over cooked tortelloni.

Garnish with extra basil to enhance presentation and flavor.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

olive garden braised beef and tortelloni in a pan

Choose the Right Beef

Opt for beef short ribs or sirloin for the best taste and texture.

While both cuts work beautifully, slow cooking enhances the flavor.

Select Quality Wine

It’s important to use real Marsala drinking wine rather than cooking wine from the supermarket.

The flavor will be richer and more authentic.

Simmer Slowly

Allowing the beef to simmer slowly helps the meat become tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors.

If possible, let it cook for a tad longer to enhance tenderness.

Don’t Rush the Searing

Make sure you sear the beef properly, as this locks in the juices.

It adds depth to the flavor and makes all the difference in the final dish.

Garnish with Care

Adding fresh basil just before serving can uplift the presentation and provide a fresh aroma.

What to Serve with Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortelloni

Mashed Potatoes

When you serve Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortelloni, a side of mashed potatoes works wonderfully to absorb the savory sauce.

You’ll find that the creamy texture provides a great balance to the rich flavors of the braised beef.

Simply make them with a bit of butter and cream for extra smoothness!

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a colorful and nutritious option to pair with your dish.

Choose from carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts, which roast beautifully and develop caramelized edges.

Their flavors meld perfectly with the braised beef, and they add a vibrant visual flair to your plate.

Garlic Bread

A crispy slice of garlic bread can soak up every bit of the tasty sauce from the braised beef.

Brush your favorite bread with olive oil and minced garlic, then pop it in the oven.

You’ll love how the bread complements the dish’s richness.

Creamed Spinach

For a twist, try serving creamed spinach alongside your braised beef and tortelloni.

It’s indulgently creamy and offers a bit of greenery that pairs unexpectedly well with the meat.

Go ahead and experiment with a touch of nutmeg when preparing the spinach for a unique flavor.

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is another delectable choice that adds some crunch and freshness.

The slight char and smoky flavor from the grill make it a fun addition to your meal.

Serve the asparagus with a drizzle of lemon juice to enhance freshness and zing.

Variations and Substitutions

When you’re ready to mix things up, consider trying a different cut of beef!

Short ribs are classic, but beef sirloin works too for a leaner option.

Instead of Marsala wine, red wine adds richness and depth without overpowering the dish.

For a non-alcoholic version, try beef broth with a splash of balsamic vinegar to mimic the wine’s tangy notes.

Pasta Options

Swap the tortelloni with ravioli for a similar texture and flavor experience.

If you prefer a simpler approach, fettuccine or spaghetti would work beautifully with the braised beef.

For a gluten-free twist, use rice or gluten-free pasta, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish!

Vegetable Medley

You can replace mushrooms with zucchini or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.

Adding spinach at the end of cooking introduces fresh color and nutrients.

Personalize it by incorporating seasonal veggies from your local market!

How to Store Leftover Braised Beef and Tortelloni

Storing leftover Braised Beef and Tortelloni properly can keep the dish fresh and ready for your next meal.

Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, but make sure it doesn’t sit out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Once cooled, you should transfer the leftovers into airtight containers to preserve the flavor and prevent moisture from getting in.

Refrigeration

If you plan to enjoy this meal in the next few days, place the airtight container in the refrigerator.

Stored in the fridge, Braised Beef and Tortelloni can last for about three to four days.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the Braised Beef and Tortelloni.

Divide the dish into individual portions and store each in a freezer-safe container.

Tortelloni with beef can remain in the freezer for up to two months without losing its delightful flavor.

Labeling and Thawing

Don’t forget to label the containers with the date to track freshness with ease.

When you’re ready to eat, move the frozen portion to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight for the best texture.

With these steps, you’ll always have delicious Braised Beef and Tortelloni on hand!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Properly Searing the Beef

Make sure to really take your time when searing the beef to lock in those flavors!

If you skip this step or just quickly brown it, you’ll miss out on a lot of tastiness.

Heat the oil up nicely in your pan before tossing the beef in, or you’ll end up with underwhelming results.

Overcooking the Tortelloni

Don’t let the tortelloni get mushy by overboiling them.

They should be al dente, just a bit firm when you bite into them, so watch them closely.

Throw them into the pan with the beef just for a quick turn to soak up some of that delightful sauce, but not too long!

Ignoring the Garlic

Use fresh garlic cloves so that each bite has that aromatic kick, but be careful not to burn it!

Stir the garlic just for a minute in the pan to avoid that unpleasant bitterness that can come with overcooked garlic.

Trust me; you’ll notice the difference in flavor!

olive garden braised beef and tortelloni recipe

Olive Garden Braised Beef and Tortelloni Recipe

If Olive Garden’s braised beef and tortelloni are calling your name, you’re about to discover how easy-peasy it is to prepare at home!
This dish is all about the richness of tender beef paired with soft, cheese-filled tortelloni, brought together with a luscious Marsala cream sauce.
One thing I’ve learned is that browning the beef thoroughly before braising really enhances the flavor of the dish.
For the tortelloni, fresh or refrigerated varieties hold up beautifully and soak in just the right amount of sauce.
Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves is so delish!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Course Main Course
Servings 4
Ingredients
  
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 lb Beef Short Ribs or Sirloin
  • 2 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 1 White Onion diced
  • 1 can Tomatoes 14 oz.
  • 8 oz. Portobello Mushrooms sliced
  • 1/4 cup Flour
  • 1 cup Marsala Wine
  • 1 1/2 cups Beef Stock
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/3 cup Basil chopped
Instructions
 
  • Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over high heat.
  • Toss the beef with flour.
  • Add it to the pan and sear all sides until browned.
  • Reduce the heat to low.
  • Add minced garlic and diced onions to the pan.
  • Cook and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add sliced mushrooms and diced tomatoes.
  • Stir in the Marsala wine and beef stock.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing flavors to meld together.
  • Simmer the beef mixture until the meat is tender.
  • Stir in the heavy cream for a rich texture.
  • Add basil for additional flavor.
  • Serve the braised beef over cooked tortelloni.
  • Garnish with extra basil to enhance presentation and flavor.

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Passionate chef, in love with everything related to food and cooking it to perfection!
Michael Cook
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