There’s something magical about a dish that combines tender tortellini, hearty beef, and bubbling cheese. The aroma wafts through the house, making you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket of comfort. That’s where our Beefy Tortellini Bake comes in to save the day – and your dinner plans! For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Beefy Tortellini Bake</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- What cheese works best for topping?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every time I prepare this dish, I can’t help but smile as my family gathers around the table, eagerly waiting for that first bite. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this flavor explosion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Beefy Tortellini Bake is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The layers of cheese and savory meat create a mouthwatering flavor profile
- Visually stunning with its golden crust and colorful ingredients, it’s sure to catch everyone’s eye
- Plus, it’s versatile enough for customization with your favorite veggies or sauces
I remember the first time I made this Beefy Tortellini Bake; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! They were practically licking their plates clean.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Beef Mince: Choose lean ground beef for a rich flavor without excess grease.
Fresh Tortellini: Opt for cheese-filled tortellini for a delightful burst of flavor.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for convenience and taste.
Shredded Cheese: A mix of mozzarella and parmesan melts beautifully while adding richness.
Italian Seasoning: This blend elevates the dish with classic Italian flavors like oregano and basil.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build a flavorful base that makes everything taste better.
Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil enhances the overall flavor while preventing sticking.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning each component to perfection.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Beefy Tortellini Bake
Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure an easy cleanup later on.
Sauté Aromatics with Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté diced onion until translucent and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes. Then add minced garlic for an additional minute.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, stirring occasionally to break up any large chunks, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Marinara Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in marinara sauce along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined; allow it to simmer for 5 minutes to meld those fantastic flavors.
Combine Tortellini with Meat Sauce: Gently fold in the fresh tortellini into the meat sauce mixture until evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix; we want that tortellini intact!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Transfer everything into your prepared baking dish. Top generously with shredded cheese. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Now you have a comforting Beefy Tortellini Bake that brings joy on every plate! Enjoy serving this delightful meal that will soon become a family favorite!
You Must Know
- This Beefy Tortellini Bake is a crowd-pleaser that combines hearty flavors with gooey cheese
- The delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds
- Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s simple enough to whip up in no time while still impressing your guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the beef first, then cook the tortellini while preparing the sauce for seamless timing and delicious flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Beefy Tortellini Bake is a hit, use high-quality cheese for creamy goodness
- Avoid overcooking the tortellini to maintain its delightful texture
- Adding fresh herbs right before serving elevates the dish’s flavor profile significantly
Cooking this Beefy Tortellini Bake reminded me of family game nights where we would gather around, laughing and eating until our bellies were full.
FAQ
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini works wonderfully and saves you some prep time.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of meat-based options.
What cheese works best for topping?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but feel free to mix in some Parmesan for added flavor!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Beefy Tortellini Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Beefy Tortellini Bake is a comforting one-dish meal that combines tender tortellini, hearty ground beef, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. This easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With layers of flavor and a beautiful golden crust, it’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Customize it with your favorite veggies or sauces for an even more delightful experience!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 18 oz fresh cheese tortellini
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Gently fold in the tortellini until coated in the meat sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg