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Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake Recipe

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4.1 from 38 reviews

A comforting and hearty Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake featuring ground beef simmered in marinara sauce with Italian seasoning, combined with tender cheese tortellini, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This baked pasta casserole delivers a rich, cheesy, and savory meal perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Meat and Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish; then set it aside.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  4. Add Marinara Sauce: Stir the marinara or pasta sauce into the cooked beef mixture. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
  5. Cook Tortellini: Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain well.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently stir the drained tortellini into the meat sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Assemble Dish: Transfer the tortellini and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top, followed by grated Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
  9. Rest and Garnish: Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Use fresh tortellini when available for best texture and flavor.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • For a creamier version, stir in ½ cup of ricotta cheese before baking.