If you are craving a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious meal, this Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini mingling with a rich, savory beef and tomato sauce, all baked until bubbly and topped with a golden, cheesy crust. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress friends with minimal fuss. This recipe brings together texture, flavor, and warmth in one pan, making it a new favorite you’ll want to keep coming back to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that combine effortlessly for remarkable flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the rich ground beef to the creamy cheese tortellini and the zesty tomato sauce.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein providing a hearty and savory base.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant aroma and kick.
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: A rich tomato foundation for the sauce.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained: Adds texture and bursts of juicy tomato.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean herb flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle hint of heat and balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle spicy note.
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: Pillowy pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stringy perfection on top.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Offers a bright, fresh contrast at the end.
How to Make Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the flavorful meat sauce
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks until perfectly crumbly and browned. Once done, drain the excess grease to keep the bake from becoming too oily. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until they soften and infuse the meat with irresistible aroma. Stir in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and, if you like a touch of heat, crushed red pepper flakes. Let this simmer gently for about 5 minutes so all those flavors come together beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the tortellini just right
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini but stop 2 to 3 minutes before package directions so they stay firm; they will finish cooking later in the oven, soaking up the sauce’s flavors. Drain the tortellini and immediately add them to your meat sauce, folding everything gently together. This ensures every pasta pillow is coated with rich, meaty goodness.
Step 3: Assemble and bake to perfection
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly and transfer your tortellini and beef mixture into it, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top generously. Slide the dish into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly, golden, and inviting. Don’t forget to let it rest for 5 minutes after baking—that perfect gooey texture settles beautifully and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness. You can also add a little extra grated Parmesan at the table for an extra cheesy touch that everyone will love.
Side Dishes
This bake is wonderfully filling on its own, but for a well-rounded meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers to brighten the plate. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are also excellent choices to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or family gatherings, serve the Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe in individual ramekins for cute personal portions, or layer the bake with fresh basil leaves for an added burst of herbal aroma between layers. You can even add a drizzle of good quality olive oil and cracked pepper at the end to elevate presentation and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the next day’s meal even tastier and just as satisfying.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to keep the cheese from drying out and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until bubbly again. This way, every bite tastes freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated for this Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! If you use frozen tortellini, just cook them a bit longer before mixing with the sauce to ensure they are fully cooked but still firm enough to hold up during baking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. The marinara and cheeses provide plenty of flavor to keep it hearty and satisfying.
Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Definitely. Stir in fresh spinach, zucchini slices, or bell peppers before baking. These additions add nutrition, color, and make the dish even more vibrant.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
Just a mild warmth comes from the 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, but you can always omit or adjust to your personal heat preference for a milder or more spicy version.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are great alternatives that bring a similar nutty and salty flavor to the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe is truly a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its combination of rich meat sauce, tender tortellini, and cheesy topping makes for an effortless yet impressive dinner. I encourage you to try it out, and once you do, it might just become one of your all-time go-to recipes for busy nights or special occasions.
Print
Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is a comforting Italian-American main course featuring a savory mix of ground beef, tender cheese tortellini, and rich marinara sauce, all melted together with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this cheesy pasta casserole is flavorful, filling, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the pasta casserole.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef while breaking it apart. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in the marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook the tortellini: Meanwhile, boil a large pot of water and cook the cheese tortellini for 2–3 minutes less than package directions to prevent overcooking, as they will finish baking in the oven. Drain well.
- Combine tortellini with sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the meat sauce in the skillet and stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the bake: Transfer the tortellini and meat sauce mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For added veggies, stir in fresh spinach or zucchini slices before baking to boost nutrition and flavor.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it convenient for meal prep.
