Description
A hearty and comforting Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake that combines savory ground beef with tender cheese tortellini, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, baked to golden bubbly perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is flavorful, easy to prepare, and sure to satisfy pasta and meat lovers alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini (about 9 oz)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil 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 and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Cook Tortellini: Meanwhile, cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the tortellini thoroughly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked tortellini with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly spread shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and sauce mixture.
- Bake the Dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Use fresh basil to add a burst of freshness just before serving.
- Make sure to drain the tortellini well to avoid watery pasta bake.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- To make it lower fat, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey and reduce the cheese amount.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
