Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with savory ground beef, flavorful marinara sauce, and a gooey, melted cheese topping. It’s a perfect choice for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow preparation, this dish delivers big on flavor and is sure to become a favorite on your dinner table.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set the tortellini aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Introduce the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 6: Stir in the marinara sauce with the beef mixture and let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Step 7: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked tortellini with the beef and marinara sauce mixture. Mix everything together evenly.
Step 8: Sprinkle the top of the dish with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 9: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 10: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
COOKING Note:
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red pepper flakes for some heat or extra Italian seasoning if you want a more pronounced herbal flavor. Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy dish. Feel free to use any favorite marinara sauce, whether store-bought or homemade.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this cheesy, delicious bake hot with a side of garlic bread to soak up the sauce and a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. This pairing balances the richness of the dish, providing a complete, satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the dish ahead of time, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, simply bake in the oven until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.
- Vegetarian Twist: Replace ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini for a vegetarian version.
- Extra Creaminess: Mix a bit of ricotta or cream cheese into the beef sauce for a creamier texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 500 kcal per serving
- Protein: 24g
- Sodium: 850mg
FAQs:
Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
A1: Absolutely! While cheese tortellini adds a nice cheesy bite, you can substitute it with any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Adjust the baking time slightly to ensure the pasta is fully heated through.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare and assemble it ahead of time, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Q3: What other types of cheese can I use?
A3: You can experiment with different cheeses. Try using a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even gouda for a different flavor profile. Gruyère would add a deliciously nutty taste to the dish.
Q4: How can I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave portions as needed.
Conclusion:
Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together the satisfying flavors of cheesy pasta, hearty beef, and tangy marinara sauce. Its simplicity and versatility make it an excellent option for a quick weeknight dinner or a family gathering. Customize it to your liking, and enjoy a dish that warms your heart and fills your stomach.
Print
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once done, drain and set the tortellini aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Introduce the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 6: Stir in the marinara sauce with the beef mixture and let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Step 7: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked tortellini with the beef and marinara sauce mixture. Mix everything together evenly.
Step 8: Sprinkle the top of the dish with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 9: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Step 10: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
COOKING Note:
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red pepper flakes for some heat or extra Italian seasoning if you want a more pronounced herbal flavor. Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy dish. Feel free to use any favorite marinara sauce, whether store-bought or homemade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sodium: 850mg
- Protein: 24g