Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Beefy Tortellini Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender cheese tortellini with savory ground beef and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in under an hour, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 18 oz fresh cheese tortellini
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the fresh cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Step 4: Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Step 5: Combine the cooked tortellini with the beef and sauce mixture, then transfer everything to a baking dish.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick.
• Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different protein option.
• Mix in some fresh spinach or mushrooms before baking to add vegetables.
• Use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese for a richer topping.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water or marinara sauce to keep the dish moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Just cook it according to the package directions before combining with the beef and sauce.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. You can assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe

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4.7 from 360 reviews

Beefy Tortellini Bake is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired casserole featuring tender cheese tortellini baked with savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Cheese

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Sauce

• 18 oz fresh cheese tortellini
• 24 oz marinara sauce

Vegetables and Seasonings

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the tortellini casserole.
2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the lean ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking up the meat with a spatula.
3. Combine Sauce and Meat: Stir marinara sauce into the cooked ground beef mixture until well combined. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Cook Tortellini: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fresh cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until just tender. Drain well to prevent excess moisture in the bake.
5. Assemble Bake: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked tortellini with the beef and marinara mixture. Stir gently to evenly distribute the sauce and meat among the tortellini.
6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the assembled casserole.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and for easier portioning.

Notes

• Using fresh tortellini helps the bake remain tender and creamy.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through before serving.

Keywords: Beef Tortellini Bake, Cheese Tortellini Casserole, Italian Baked Pasta, Ground Beef Recipes, Comfort Food