Introduction

This Beefy Tortellini Bake is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cozy nights. Filled with savory ground beef, tender cheese tortellini, and bubbling mozzarella, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to satisfy.

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 lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until translucent. Add the minced garlic and ground beef, cooking until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 4: Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain well.
Step 5: Combine the cooked tortellini with the beef and sauce mixture, stirring until well coated.
Step 6: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Tips & Variations

For extra nutrition, add chopped spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture before baking.
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
If you prefer a spicier bake, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
Use fresh tortellini for a more delicate texture or frozen for convenience.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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 a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Yes, you can substitute with other cheese-filled pasta or small shapes like ravioli or even cooked penne, though the texture and cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it okay to prepare the bake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the dish in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Irresistible Beefy Tortellini Bake for Cozy Nights Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 132 reviews

This Irresistible Beefy Tortellini Bake is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy nights. Featuring ground beef, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich marinara sauce, all baked with a golden layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

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 Aromatics

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil

Pasta and Sauce

12 oz cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Cheeses

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.
Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and ground beef, cooking and breaking up the meat until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes.
Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, mixing well. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Cook Tortellini: Prepare tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess water in the bake.
Combine Pasta and Meat Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the meat sauce and stir until all pieces are evenly coated.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

For added nutrition, consider mixing in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms before baking.
Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Ensure tortellini is well-drained to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
Use fresh or frozen tortellini as preferred; just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Keywords: beef tortellini bake, baked pasta, cozy dinner, easy beef casserole, Italian comfort food, cheesy tortellini bake