There are some meals that just feel like a big, warm hug, and this Beefy Tortellini Bake is definitely one of them. Imagine tender cheese tortellini nestled in a rich, savory beef sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese—this dish is the definition of comfort food. It’s hearty, satisfying, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing something to impress at a dinner gathering, this bake has you covered. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to throw together, making it a perfect weeknight winner!
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Why You’ll Love Beefy Tortellini Bake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or a laid-back gathering with friends, this dish fits any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Comforting and Hearty: The combination of tender tortellini, ground beef, and rich marinara sauce makes for the ultimate comfort meal.
Quick and Easy: You don’t need to be a master chef to pull this off. This dish is simple, straightforward, and ready in no time, with minimal prep required.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’ve got picky eaters at the table or seasoned foodies, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and has that perfect balance of savory goodness.
Make-Ahead Friendly: If you want to prep ahead, you can assemble it and refrigerate it, then bake it when you’re ready. This makes it an excellent option for busy nights or when you want to prepare something in advance.
Ingredients
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this Beefy Tortellini Bake so irresistibly good. You probably already have most of these staples in your kitchen!
Cheese Tortellini: The star of the show. Tender, cheesy, and absolutely perfect for soaking up all the rich sauce.
Ground Beef: The hearty, flavorful base that gives this bake its comforting, savory taste. Ground turkey or sausage also works if you’re looking for a twist.
Marinara Sauce: Rich and tangy, it brings the entire dish together. You can use store-bought or homemade—whatever you have on hand!
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty goodness that makes everything come together with that golden, bubbly topping.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a bit of sharpness and depth to the dish—don’t skip it!
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. It gives the dish that classic Italian flavor that everyone loves.
Onion and Garlic: For that essential flavor base that makes every bite taste like it’s made with love.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to put together this tasty, comforting bake:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. This ensures everything bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown top.
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to meld all those flavors together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Tortellini: While the beef mixture is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain.
Assemble the Bake: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked tortellini, then top with the beef mixture. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil, then bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set, making it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!
How to Serve Beefy Tortellini Bake
This Beefy Tortellini Bake is great on its own, but you can also pair it with a few extras to make the meal even more special:
Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the richness of the bake.
Garlic Bread: Soft, warm garlic bread is always a winner. Perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, serve it with roasted carrots, zucchini, or broccoli.
Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top right before serving for that added cheesy goodness.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh tortellini works beautifully here, but frozen or dried also work if that’s what you have.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the beef and add in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even a mix of roasted vegetables to keep it hearty and satisfying.
Prep Ahead: Assemble the dish earlier in the day, cover it with foil, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It’s an excellent make-ahead option!
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or mix in some spicy sausage for a kick.
Store Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Freeze It: You can also freeze the assembled dish before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, bake it directly from frozen, adding a bit more time to the cook time.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of pasta?
A1: Yes, you can swap the tortellini for other types of pasta like penne or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble it the night before, then bake it when you’re ready. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish.
Q3: Can I use a different kind of meat?
A3: Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage would work wonderfully in this recipe.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the assembled bake before cooking. When ready, bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?
A6: Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version. Just ensure the other ingredients are also dairy-free.
Q7: Can I add more vegetables?
A7: Absolutely! Add spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra veggies and flavor.
Q8: Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
A8: Yes! Homemade marinara sauce will work just as well as store-bought and will add extra flavor.
Q9: How do I make it less greasy?
A9: Make sure to drain the beef well before adding the sauce, and use lean ground beef or turkey for a less greasy dish.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
This Beefy Tortellini Bake is a true crowd-pleaser, bringing together the perfect mix of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. It’s everything you want in a cozy, hearty meal and will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy night or making it ahead for an easy dinner later in the week, this bake is always a win. So, grab your ingredients, get that oven preheating, and get ready for a cheesy, beefy masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy!
Print
Beefy Tortellini Bake
- Prep Time: undefined
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Description
This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is a comforting and cheesy casserole loaded with ground beef, marinara sauce, and layers of mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s baked to perfection with a golden cheese crust on top—perfect for a hearty family dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 2 anchovies (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Add ground beef and cook until browned, 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer the beef to a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add onions, mushrooms, carrots, and anchovies (if using). Cook until soft, 7-10 minutes. Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce and blend until smooth using an immersion blender or food processor.
- Simmer Sauce: Add cooked beef to the marinara sauce. Bring to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble: Spread 1 cup of the sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Layer with half of the tortellini, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to create two layers.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and the sauce is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 55mg