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Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake Recipe

Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake Recipe


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4.5 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 55-62 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty beef and cheese tortellini bake brings comfort and Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table. Cheesy layers of tender tortellini and seasoned ground beef create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound cheese tortellini, cooked and drained
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1 cup fresh basil, sliced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Aromatics and Sauce:

  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounces) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium flame, drizzling olive oil to coat the surface.
  2. Crumble ground beef into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until thoroughly browned, breaking meat into small fragments.
  3. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle dried herbs including oregano, thyme, and parsley into the meat mixture, stirring to distribute evenly and release aromatic oils.
  5. Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to integrate with meat. Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer for 12-15 minutes, developing rich flavor complexity.
  6. Fold fresh basil into the sauce, then remove skillet from heat source.
  7. Transfer cooked tortellini into a mixing bowl, gradually folding meat sauce to ensure complete pasta coverage.
  8. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish, carefully spreading tortellini and sauce mixture to create an even layer.
  9. Generously scatter mozzarella cheese across the surface, creating a complete cheese blanket.
  10. Position dish in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, baking for 22-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges turn golden brown.
  11. Extract from oven and permit 5 minutes resting time before serving to allow sauce and cheese to set.

Notes

  • Pasta Selection: Choose fresh or frozen tortellini for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they’re well-drained to prevent a watery dish.
  • Meat Matters: Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, or swap with ground turkey for a lighter protein option that still packs plenty of flavor.
  • Cheese Flexibility: Mix different cheeses like parmesan or provolone with mozzarella to create a more complex, rich cheese profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready – perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep enthusiasts.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-42 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 590 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg