Store-bought marinara sauce feels homemade simmered with beef and veggies in this ground beef tortellini skillet.
There are two main reasons I turn to store bought marinara sauce:
- It’s 90 degrees outside and my kitchen can’t take the heat that comes with simmering my famous Sunday gravy more than a few hours.
- I do not have the time to simmer Sunday gravy on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, etc.
Chasing a toddler this summer has taken our outdoor activity to a whole new level. Which means when we finally spend time indoors to cool off and make dinner, the last thing I want to do is cook for long periods of time. That’s when I open my pantry and pull out my favorite jar of store bought marinara!
What do I look for in my store-bought tomato sauce? First I check the ingredients label. If there are things on there I can’t pronounce or have a hard time typing into Google, I skip it. I also look at the calorie and sodium levels on the nutrition facts label. Sauces can have anywhere from 50-150 calories per ½ cup serving and as much as 500mg of sodium per ½ cup serving.
Now the kind I buy from Trader Joe’s isn’t a low-sodium option, so I make sure not to add additional salt when cooking with it. If you want to choose something lower in sodium, aim for a brand that has <15% of your recommended daily sodium intake when you look at the nutrition facts label.
Doctor-up store bought marinara sauce for this simple Ground Beef tortellini skillet! Share on X
Although my store-bought sauce isn’t considered low sodium, it definitely becomes nutrient-rich when I combine it with other foods, such as in this Ground Beef Tortellini Skillet. I know I sound like a broken record with feeding Joey Ground Beef, but when I make it with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese he can’t get enough.
And I can’t get enough knowing he’s getting the nutrients his growing body and brain needs. I also stirred in some mushrooms, onions, and zucchini to doctor-up this Ground Beef Tortellini skillet beyond the meat and pasta. Because let’s face it: If the kid will eat beef with marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese, I’m hoping we’ll have the same luck with veggies!
- 1lb. lean Ground Beef [93% lean or leaner]
- 10 to 12 ounces refrigerated whole wheat tortellini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- ½ cup cremini mushrooms, chopped
- 24 ounces jarred marinara sauce [I use this kind]
- ¼ cup water
- Parmesan cheese [grated] for serving
- Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into ¾-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings. Remove Ground Beef from skillet.
- In the same skillet add olive oil, zucchini, onion, and mushrooms. Sautee for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in water and pasta; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook 7 to 11 minutes or until pasta is almost tender. Add Ground Beef back to skillet; continue to cook 4 to 6 minutes or until pasta is tender and sauce is slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Garnish with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
I love this! So easy to make and everyone for my one year old to my picky hubs would love it! Thanks for sharing!
its 102F here, no baking or grilling outside. LOL! I’d love this though! Shall I come for dinner?
I love using good store-bought marinara sometimes, too! Busy mamas need an “easy button” for sure. 🙂 This sounds yummy and your kiddos are too cute!!
this looks awesome! I love tortellini but it’s not a complete meal, I love how you added beef for heartiness and protein!
I love quick and easy dinners. This looks perfect for hungry kiddos! 🙂
My fave packaged marinara is their Traditional Marinara. Love adding mushrooms, onions, and other peppers to it or a more balanced meal. Definitely a good option when you don’t have time – and it’s too hot – to spend hours cooking!