Description
This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is a hearty and comforting Italian-American casserole featuring ground beef, cheese tortellini, and a flavorful marinara sauce, baked until bubbly and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy family dinner, it combines tender pasta and savory beef with a cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prepare the beef mixture and pasta.
- Cook the beef and aromatics. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef together with the diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add sauces and seasonings. Stir in the marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook the tortellini. Meanwhile, cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, reducing the boiling time by 1–2 minutes to avoid overcooking. Drain the tortellini thoroughly.
- Combine pasta and beef sauce. Gently stir the drained tortellini into the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Assemble in baking dish. Transfer the beef and tortellini mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake until bubbly. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Rest and garnish. Allow the pasta bake to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
- For added nutrition, stir in fresh spinach or chopped zucchini before baking.
- If fresh tortellini is unavailable, frozen tortellini works well too—adjust the cooking time accordingly.
