If you are on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings together rich flavors and gooey cheese, you will absolutely love this Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe. It’s the perfect harmony of tender cheese tortellini bathed in a savory tomato sauce, generously packed with browned ground beef and onions, then topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This dish is a celebration of textures and tastes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a satisfying option for feeding hungry family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Choosing the right ingredients for this recipe keeps things simple yet flavorful. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of taste—from the hearty ground beef to the creamy cheese in the tortellini, paired with vibrant tomato elements and aromatic seasonings that make every bite irresistible.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds a rich, savory backbone to the sauce and a satisfying meaty texture.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Brings sweetness and a subtle crunch when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses warmth and depth to the sauce with its aromatic punch.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: Provides a robust tomato base that ties all ingredients together.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained: Adds chunky tomato goodness and a fresh burst of color.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and lifting every ingredient’s flavor.
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star of the dish offering a creamy cheese filling and tender pasta texture.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a bubbly, golden crust.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty sharpness that complements the mozzarella and sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish): Provides a bright, herbaceous finish and a pop of green color.
How to Make Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking until the beef is nicely browned and the onions become soft and translucent. This caramelization gives the dish its hearty flavor base. Add the minced garlic next and cook just until fragrant, about a minute or two, taking care not to burn it.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Once your beef mixture smells wonderful, drain any excess grease if needed to keep the dish from getting too oily. Stir in the marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer gently for five minutes to allow the flavors to blend and develop fully.
Step 3: Combine with Tortellini
Now for the fun part: add the refrigerated cheese tortellini straight into the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir to coat every single tortellini with that rich, beefy tomato goodness. This ensures each bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses generously over the top. Pop your dish into the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
How to Serve Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley over the top adds a burst of color and a fresh, slightly peppery note that perfectly balances the rich, cheesy bake. It’s the simple touches that make this dish feel extra special and inviting on the plate.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake stands wonderfully on its own as a full meal, but feel free to pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans also make fantastic companions, introducing some crunch and extra nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe in individual ramekins to make it feel like a cozy, personalized treat. Alternatively, add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms before topping with cheese to surprise and delight with extra flavor and color. Either way, this dish promises a comforting experience that feels homey and impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually continue to meld overnight, making the next-day meal just as delicious. The bake will keep well for up to three days, so you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy it again.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance or save some for later, this Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but skip baking, then wrap tightly with foil and place in the freezer for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly again. To keep the pasta moist, cover with foil while reheating to prevent the cheese from drying out. A quick fresh parsley garnish brings it back to life perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just make sure to add a couple of extra minutes when mixing with the sauce to allow the frozen tortellini to thaw and cook through before baking.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes, you can easily swap out the ground beef for cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. The marinara and cheeses provide plenty of flavor to keep it delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
The basic Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe is mild, making it kid-friendly. If you like heat, try using a spicy marinara sauce or adding red pepper flakes when simmering the sauce.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and double-check marinara sauce ingredients to keep this dish gluten-free. It’s just as tasty without the gluten!
What’s the best cheese to use on top?
Mozzarella is ideal for melting and stretchiness, while Parmesan adds sharpness. Together, they create the perfect golden crust and rich cheese flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake packed with savory ground beef and rich tomato flavors, and this Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe hits all those marks beautifully. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or simply treat yourself to a hearty, satisfying meal, this dish delivers in every bite. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your recipe rotation!
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Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
A comforting and hearty Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake featuring ground beef, tender cheese tortellini, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. This easy weeknight casserole is bursting with Italian flavors and can be customized with your favorite veggies or protein substitutions.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Pasta
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once your dish is assembled.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion softens, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, enhancing the dish’s flavor.
- Drain Excess Grease: If necessary, drain excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Mix in Tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the skillet and gently stir to coat them evenly with the sauce without breaking the pasta.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef for different flavors.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Use a spicy marinara sauce if you prefer a bit of heat in your pasta bake.
