Description
Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake is a rich and comforting pasta casserole made with tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, savory ground beef, and a seasoned tomato sauce, all smothered in melted mozzarella and baked to bubbly perfection. This family-friendly dish delivers bold Italian-inspired flavors and a creamy, cheesy finish, making it an easy go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or pasta sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the diced onion until soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Cook the tortellini according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and gently stir the tortellini into the meat sauce until fully coated.
Transfer the tortellini and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
This bake can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to cook. If baking from cold, add an additional 10 minutes to the bake time. You can substitute beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. For extra richness, stir a few tablespoons of ricotta or cream cheese into the sauce before baking. Leftovers reheat well and make great next-day lunches.