Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the tortellini casserole.
- 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.
- Combine Sauce and Meat: Stir marinara sauce into the cooked ground beef mixture until well combined. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the assembled casserole.
- 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.
- 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