Description
This Beefy Tortellini Bake is a comforting and hearty pasta casserole that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, this easy-to-make baked dish offers rich flavors with an Italian touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking for the bake.
- Sauté Aromatics and Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they turn translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and ground beef; cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it up while cooking.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the beef mixture. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors together.
- Cook Tortellini: Meanwhile, cook the cheese-filled tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
- Combine Tortellini and Meat Sauce: Mix the cooked tortellini with the beef and sauce mixture until all the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer this combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the dish is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option.
- If fresh tortellini is unavailable, frozen works very well.
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Adding fresh basil or parsley as garnish can enhance the flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Beef Tortellini Bake, Baked Pasta, Italian Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe
