Irresistible Beefy Tortellini Bake for Cozy Nights Recipe
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.
- 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
