Tortellini with Braised Beef and Homemade Ricotta

---

Braised Beef and Ricotta Tortellini with Caramelized Onions

Homemade tortellini is one of those dishes that transforms an ordinary evening into something special. The slow-cooked, tender braised beef paired with creamy ricotta and sweet caramelized onions creates a comforting and indulgent filling that feels like a labor of love. This is more than just pasta; it’s a culinary experience worth savoring.

Whether you’re hosting family or craving a weekend cooking project, these tortellini deliver big flavors that make the effort worthwhile. Don’t worry—while I often make my own ricotta for this recipe, store-bought ricotta works perfectly fine. If you're short on time, I’ve got another tip for you: swap out homemade pasta for egg roll wrappers to simplify the process without sacrificing taste.

This recipe lets you be as hands-on or as relaxed as you like. Braising the beef is simple and can be done in advance, ensuring it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender when it comes time to assemble the pasta. The combination of rich beef and ricotta, accented by the deep sweetness of caramelized onions, is elevated further with a sauce of your choosing. A sage brown butter sauce or a robust tomato-based sauce complements these tortellini beautifully.

Take your time, enjoy the process, and share this dish with those you love. A warm bowl of homemade tortellini always tastes better when crafted with care.

I like to serve these Braised Beef and Caramelized Onions Tortellini with my favorite Bone Marrow Tomato Sauce. RECIPE HERE!

INGREDIENTS:

• 50 egg roll wrappers (2 boxes; if frozen, thaw at least 3 hours in advance)

• 1 ½ to 2 cups ricotta

• 1 cup caramelized onions

• 1 cup grated or flaked parmesan

• 2 tbsp sea salt (or 1 tbsp table salt)

• 1 tbsp black pepper

STEP 1: BRAISE THE BEEF

• 5 lbs blade roast (or roast of your choice)

• Thickly sliced onions, carrots, celery

• Salt and pepper (for seasoning)

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. Season the roast generously with salt and pepper.

3. Place onions, carrots, and celery at the bottom of a roasting pan.

4. Lay the roast on top of the vegetables.

5. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the roast moist.

6. Cover tightly and braise in the oven for 3-4 hours until fork-tender.

7. Remove from oven, allow to cool, and shred with a fork.

STEP 2: MAKE RICOTTA

• Follow your favorite ricotta recipe or use store-bought.

RECIPE HERE

STEP 3: MAKE THE FILLING

1. Shred the braised beef finely.

2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, caramelized onions, ricotta, parmesan, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix thoroughly to create a well-balanced filling.

STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE TORTELLINI

1. Lay out the egg roll wrappers.

2. Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center of each wrapper.

3. Brush two adjacent edges with water.

4. Fold diagonally to form a triangle and seal well.

5. Wet one corner of the triangle and fold it across to create the tortellini shape.

6. Place on a lightly floured sheet pan.

7. Allow tortellini to dry slightly for easier cooking and freezing.

   WATCH VIDEO HERE

STEP 5: COOK THE TORTELLINI

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Cook tortellini in batches (about a dozen at a time) to avoid overcrowding.

3. Boil for 3-5 minutes until al dente.

STEP 6: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Transfer cooked tortellini to a large serving bowl.

2. Lightly cover with sauce to prevent sticking.

3. Grate fresh parmesan over the top before serving.

4. Snap a photo and share your creation!

Enjoy your homemade tortellini and the joy it brings to your table!

Feeding a Crowd RSS