Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake

I made this cheesy beef tortellini bake one night when I needed to clean out the fridge and was too tired to cook from scratch so I had some ground beef, a half bag of tortellini, and a little marinara left and I decided to throw them all together with cheese and bake it and when it came out bubbling and golden I knew it was something worth making again

Now it’s one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it’s fast hearty and totally satisfying and the way the cheese melts over the beef and pasta always gets everyone excited for dinner plus it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just having delicious leftovers the next day

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground beef – Adds richness and protein to the dish
• Cheese tortellini – The pasta base that brings extra flavor and texture
• Marinara sauce – Coats everything in savory tomato goodness
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully on top for that golden bubbly finish
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty nutty bite to balance the richness
• Onion – Builds the base flavor when browned with the beef
• Garlic – Infuses the beef mixture with savory depth
• Olive oil – Helps sauté the aromatics and beef
• Fresh parsley – A bright fresh touch for garnish
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the beef and sauce

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet – To brown the beef and build the sauce base
• Saucepan – For boiling the tortellini until tender
• Strainer – To drain the tortellini quickly before baking
• 9×13 baking dish – Perfect size for layering and baking the casserole
• Mixing spoon – For stirring together the beef and sauce
• Cheese grater – If you want to use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan

Instructions

Step 1

I start by boiling the tortellini in salted water according to package instructions then I drain and set it aside

Step 2

While the pasta cooks I heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the chopped onion and garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant

Step 3

Next I add the ground beef and cook it until browned breaking it apart as it cooks and seasoning with salt and pepper

Step 4

Once the beef is cooked I stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors blend

Step 5

Then I gently mix the cooked tortellini into the skillet or combine everything in a bowl to coat the pasta with the beef and sauce mixture

Step 6

I transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan over the top

Step 7

I bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling and lightly golden on top

Step 8

After baking I let it cool slightly and garnish with chopped parsley before serving

Tips

You can swap beef for ground turkey or sausage depending on your preference

Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version or some spinach for extra veggies

Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven

Make it ahead and refrigerate then bake when you’re ready to eat

Ways to Serve

I like serving this with a fresh Caesar salad or garlic bread on the side

A glass of red wine like Merlot or Chianti pairs perfectly with the cheesy beef flavors

It also works great as a potluck dish just double the recipe and bake in a larger pan

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini for cheesy beef tortellini bake?

Yes just boil it first according to the package instructions before adding to the casserole

Can I freeze cheesy beef tortellini bake?

Absolutely assemble it and freeze before baking or freeze leftovers in individual portions

Do I need to cook the tortellini before baking cheesy beef tortellini bake?

Yes partially cooking the tortellini ensures it stays tender and doesn’t overcook in the oven

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this cheesy beef tortellini bake a try! It’s warm hearty and full of flavor and perfect for busy nights or holiday comfort food cravings. Let me know how it turns out for you and don’t forget to save the recipe for later

Happy Cooking!

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