Introduction

This irresistibly cheesy beefy tortellini bake is perfect for cozy nights when you want something comforting and easy. Packed with ground beef, tender tortellini, and melted mozzarella, it’s a satisfying one-dish meal the whole family will love.

A white plate filled with a rich pasta dish featuring multiple layers of tortellini cooked in a thick, reddish-orange meat sauce. The tortellini are plump with a yellow, slightly shiny texture, and are mixed evenly with ground meat that is browned and crumbly. The top layer is sprinkled with fresh green parsley leaves that add a touch of color and freshness. The sauce looks smooth and slightly oily, covering parts of the pasta while pooling gently on the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
12 oz cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned.
Step 3: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until al dente, then drain well.
Step 5: Combine the cooked tortellini with the meat sauce until everything is well coated.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

For added nutrition, mix in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms with the meat sauce before baking.
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
If you prefer a spicier bake, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in shorter bursts to avoid drying out.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with tortellini pasta covered in a rich brown meat sauce with ground meat, topped with melted cheese and scattered fresh green parsley leaves. The pasta has a yellowish color with soft, rounded shapes, sitting in a thick sauce that looks smooth and hearty. The white marbled surface in the background adds brightness to the image, highlighting the warm colors of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, frozen tortellini works well; just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions before mixing it with the beef sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the bake and refrigerate it overnight, then bake as directed when ready to serve. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.

Irresistible Beefy Tortellini Bake for Cozy Nights Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 83 reviews

This Irresistible Beefy Tortellini Bake is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy nights. It combines savory ground beef, cheese-filled tortellini, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese baked to golden perfection. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this bake is ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Pasta

1 lb ground beef
12 oz cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)

Sauce and Seasoning

2 cups marinara sauce
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped

Cheese and Toppings

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Others

1 tbsp olive oil
Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing baking dish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Sauté Onions and Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent. Add the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the cooked beef mixture. Allow it to simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Cook Tortellini: Meanwhile, cook the cheese-filled tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well to remove excess water.
Combine Tortellini and Meat Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the meat sauce and toss well to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the tortellini and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value.
Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use fresh tortellini for a softer texture or frozen for convenience.
Make sure to drain the tortellini well to avoid a watery bake.
For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Keywords: Beef tortellini bake, cheesy tortellini casserole, easy comfort food, baked pasta dish, ground beef recipes, cozy dinner ideas