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
Scale
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.
