Description
Beefy Tortellini Bake is a comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini combined with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, this baked casserole offers a rich and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, delivering hearty flavors with gooey cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
Aromatics and Cooking Oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they turn translucent. Add minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet, cooking until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the browned beef mixture. Allow this to simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook Tortellini: Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Combine Meat Sauce with Tortellini: Mix the cooked tortellini with the meat and sauce mixture, ensuring all pasta is evenly coated.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the tortellini-beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Notes
- For added nutrition and flavor, consider mixing in vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms when sautéing the onions.
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation of this dish.
- If preferred, use fresh tortellini for a softer texture, but frozen tortellini works perfectly when cooked to al dente.
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes along with Italian seasoning.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
