Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe
If you’re craving pure comfort in a casserole dish, the Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is about to become your new obsession. This dish is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: it’s hearty, loaded with flavor, and bubbling with melty cheese, all layered around pillowy cheese tortellini and savory beef. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for leftovers that actually taste better the next day, Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake checks all the boxes for easy, crowd-pleasing meals that feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake brings something special to the table, from the robust, savory beef to the gooey cheese and aromatic spices. Keeping things simple means you get maximum flavor with minimal fuss—each element plays a starring role, creating layers of taste and texture that come alive with every bite.
- Ground Beef: The hearty foundation of this dish, giving you meaty flavor and satisfying protein.
- Onion: Diced small, it caramelizes with the beef and adds a sweet, aromatic base.
- Garlic: Just two cloves, but they infuse the sauce with irresistible depth and fragrance.
- Marinara or Pasta Sauce: A jar of your favorite red sauce ties everything together with tangy richness.
- Italian Seasoning: This classic blend brings all the herbaceous notes you expect from Italian-inspired dishes.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a gentle kick, a sprinkle of these will do the trick.
- Cheese Tortellini: These stuffed pasta gems soak up the sauce and become perfectly tender in the bake.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The melty, gooey cheese layer that makes every forkful irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish and helps brown the top beautifully.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green for color and a burst of freshness right before serving.
How to Make Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, so it’s ready to work its magic. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together. As the beef browns, the onion softens and sweetens, infusing the meat with flavor. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease; this keeps the finished Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake from getting greasy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for just a minute—until it’s fragrant but not browned—then stir in your marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and (if you’re feeling bold) a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer for about five minutes to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce just a bit.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
While the sauce is simmering, get your tortellini going. Boil them for 2–3 minutes less than the package directions; they’ll finish cooking in the oven and soak up all that saucy goodness without getting mushy. Drain them well before adding them to the sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Assemble
Gently stir the cooked tortellini into the meat sauce, taking care not to break them. Pour this hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer so every bite gets a perfect balance.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Now for the best part: sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. The mozzarella gives that classic stretchy, gooey layer, while the Parmesan adds a golden, slightly crisp finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20–25 minutes. You’re aiming for a bubbly, golden top that smells so good it’s nearly impossible to wait. Let the Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake rest for a few minutes before digging in, then top with fresh basil or parsley if you like a punch of color and freshness.
How to Serve Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving takes this dish from delicious to downright stunning. Not only does it add a pop of color, but it also brings a fresh, herbal aroma that balances out the richness of the bake. For extra zing, offer a little extra grated Parmesan at the table.
Side Dishes
The Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is a meal in itself, but it truly shines alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. If you want a lighter plate, consider steamed broccoli or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon juice and olive oil.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins for dinner parties or potlucks. Layer the Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake in a deep dish for a more rustic, family-style presentation, or top each serving with a dollop of ricotta and a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake are a dream come true. Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making each reheat just as delicious as the first night.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake for future cravings! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil or a lid, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen at 350°F, adding about 15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave until piping hot, or warm larger amounts in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until heated through. Add a splash of extra marinara if it looks a bit dry, and refresh with a sprinkle of cheese or herbs before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Definitely! Spinach or meat-filled tortellini both work beautifully here, and add their own twist on flavor. Just stick to a similar size and cooking time for the best results.
What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
Feel free to stir in chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even diced bell peppers to the meat sauce. They blend right in and add color, nutrients, and extra texture to your Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the bake up to a day in advance, cover, and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.
How can I make the Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake less spicy?
Simply skip the red pepper flakes, or use just a pinch if you want a subtle warmth without any real heat. The rest of the flavors will still shine through!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free tortellini (there are several great brands out there) and double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well. The results will be just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite, give Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake a try. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and second helpings. Enjoy every cheesy, beefy bite!
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Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-American casserole featuring ground beef, cheese-filled tortellini, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the diced onion until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Cook Tortellini: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini for 2 to 3 minutes less than the package instructions indicate, so they remain slightly undercooked as they will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the tortellini carefully.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently stir the drained tortellini into the meat sauce in the skillet, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- You can swap the cheese tortellini for spinach or meat-filled tortellini for variety.
- Adding chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms into the meat sauce is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables.
- Leftovers reheat well, making this dish an excellent choice for meal prep or easy next-day dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
