Irresistible Beefy Tortellini Bake for Cozy Nights Recipe
This Beefy Tortellini Bake is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for cozy nights in. Combining savory ground beef, tender cheese tortellini, and rich tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, it’s an easy-to-make casserole that satisfies the whole family in under an hour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking once your tortellini mixture is prepared.
- Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent. This step builds the base of flavor for the dish.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Mix Tortellini and Cheese: Stir the refrigerated cheese tortellini and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the simmering sauce, ensuring that the tortellini are well coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top to create a golden cheesy crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the dish is heated through and ready to serve.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add red pepper flakes while simmering the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute.
- Feel free to add fresh basil or parsley as a garnish for color and fresh flavor.
Keywords: beef tortellini bake, cheesy tortellini casserole, easy beef pasta bake, comfort food, weeknight dinner