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