Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe

This Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort dish, loaded with cheesy tortellini, hearty ground beef, marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. With layers of rich flavors and creamy textures, this casserole-style dish is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Everything bakes together, making it an easy-to-clean meal.
• Comfort Food: Cheesy, warm, and hearty, this dish is pure comfort in a bowl.
• Family Favorite: Both kids and adults will love the rich flavors of this dish.
• Customizable: You can adjust ingredients or add vegetables to suit your tastes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cook the Tortellini: Start by boiling a pot of water. Cook the tortellini until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add Beef and Seasonings: Add the ground beef to the skillet, along with the diced onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cook Until Browned: Sauté the beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Drain Excess Fat: If there’s excess grease in the skillet, carefully drain it to avoid an oily dish.

Step 3: Add the Marinara Sauce

1. Pour in the Sauce: Add the marinara sauce and beef broth to the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir to combine.
2. Simmer the Mixture: Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients in the Baking Dish

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Add Tortellini and Sauce: Place the cooked tortellini in the baking dish. Pour the beef and marinara sauce mixture over the tortellini, stirring gently to coat all the pasta.
3. Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the dish.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover with Foil: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly.
2. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
3. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Let the baked tortellini rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
2. Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Serve: Dish up warm servings and enjoy with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Serving Suggestions

1. Garlic Bread: Serve alongside slices of garlic bread for mopping up extra sauce.
2. Side Salad: Pair with a crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad for a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to add more veggies to the meal.

Tips for Success

1. Use Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan have a better texture and melt than pre-shredded.
2. Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Cook just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
3. Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to add more garlic, Italian herbs, or even a pinch of chili flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.

Variations

1. Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a bit of heat.
2. Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a veggie version.
3. Add Spinach: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach into the sauce for added nutrients and color.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats and bake as directed.

2. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Just follow the package instructions for cooking, then proceed with the recipe.

3. Can I add extra veggies?
Certainly! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even chopped spinach would make great additions to this casserole.

Final Thoughts

Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef is a wonderfully comforting and hearty dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavors. This cheesy, savory casserole is perfect for busy nights when you want a warm, satisfying meal. With tender tortellini, savory beef, and layers of melted cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Yield: 6

Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe

Print

This Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort dish, loaded with cheesy tortellini, hearty ground beef, marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. With layers of rich flavors and creamy textures, this casserole-style dish is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Cook the Beef:
   In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, then add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
   
3. Add Sauce and Seasoning:
   To the skillet with the beef, add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
   
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sauce with the tortellini, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
   
5. Bake:
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.

Variations: Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.