Hearty Beef & Cheese Tortellini Bake Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this mouthwatering beef cheese tortellini bake that promises to satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Tender cheese tortellini nestled in a rich, savory beef sauce creates a hearty meal that screams home-cooked deliciousness.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of pasta, meat, and melted cheese that will make dinner feel like a celebration.

Weeknight meals rarely get this exciting, with layers of flavor packed into every single bite.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that disappears faster than you can say “seconds.” Families and hungry friends will gather around the table, eager to dive into this irresistible culinary creation.

Prepare to be the dinner hero with this one-pan wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner protein option and will still taste delicious in this recipe.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love cheesy pasta dishes, and the mild seasonings make this meal appealing to children.

• How do I know if the beef is fully cooked?

The beef should be brown throughout with no pink color and reach an internal temperature of 160°F for food safety.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake Comforts

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This beef cheese tortellini bake brings everyone together with its hearty, comforting flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy families looking for a delicious, stress-free meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out herbs, add extra vegetables, or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the dish's core deliciousness.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and a single baking dish mean less cleanup, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and spend with loved ones.

Ingredients for Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake

• Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Tortellini: Delicate pasta pockets that serve as the base of this comforting bake.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A melty topping that creates a golden, stretchy cheese layer.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a deep, savory flavor base for the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: A bright herb that adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

• Oregano, Thyme, Parsley: Classic herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile of the beef sauce.
• Tomatoes: A key ingredient that creates the rich, tangy sauce for the tortellini.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
• Cooking Oil: Used to sauté the beef and vegetables, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.

How to Make Tortellini Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Turn the oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Warm a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in ground beef, sprinkling with salt and pepper.

Break up the meat as it cooks, creating delicious crispy bits.

Cook until the beef turns a rich golden brown and no pink remains.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Slide chopped onions and minced garlic into the beef.

Stir and cook until onions become translucent and garlic releases its mouth-watering fragrance.

Step 4: Enhance with Herbs

• Dried oregano
• Fresh thyme
• Chopped parsley

Let the herbs dance with the meat for a minute, releasing their incredible flavors.

Step 5: Create Robust Sauce

Pour in crushed tomatoes, stirring thoroughly.

Allow the sauce to simmer gently, letting flavors meld together for 10-15 minutes.

The kitchen will start smelling incredible!

Step 6: Finish Sauce with Fresh Herbs

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in freshly chopped basil.

This adds a bright, fresh note to the rich sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, fold cooked tortellini into the meat sauce.

Ensure every pasta pocket gets completely coated with the delicious mixture.

Step 8: Assemble the Bake

Transfer the pasta-meat mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a tempting cheesy blanket.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and make cutting easier.

Tips for Cheesy Tortellini Bake

• Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust on the meat, which adds deep flavor to the dish.
• Cook tortellini just until al dente to prevent mushy pasta when baking, ensuring a satisfying bite in every spoonful.
• Let the cheese cool for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier without losing its gooey appeal.
• Add fresh herbs like basil at the end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities.
• Allow the tomato sauce to reduce slowly, concentrating the flavors and creating a rich, robust base for the tortellini bake.

Tortellini Bake Variations and Twists

• Vegetarian Cheese Tortellini Bake: Replace beef with plant-based ground meat or diced mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Bake: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap oregano for za'atar seasoning to give the dish a Mediterranean touch.

Serving Cheesy Tortellini Bake

• Pasta Party Platter: Arrange the tortellini bake on a large wooden board with fresh basil leaves scattered around for a rustic, inviting presentation.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve directly from the baking dish with warm garlic bread and a crisp green salad to create a complete, satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy together.
• Gourmet Garnish Boost: Top with extra fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated parmesan, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving to elevate the dish's flavor and visual appeal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich beef and cheese flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to create a restaurant-quality dining experience at home.

Storing Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake

• Store any leftover Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
• Wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for freezer storage up to 2 months. Separate individual portions for easier reheating.
• Warm refrigerated portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best texture, use an oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes to maintain the cheese's crispy top.
• Consume within 24-48 hours for optimal taste and texture. Pasta tends to absorb sauce and become softer over time, so enjoy while fresh for the best eating experience.

Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef cheese tortellini bake delivers Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with rich, melted cheese and savory ground beef. Pasta lovers will savor this simple yet satisfying casserole that brings warmth and deliciousness to your evening meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 1/4 pounds cheese tortellini, cooked and drained

Cheese and Herbs:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef, breaking it into crumbly pieces while seasoning with salt and pepper.
3. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the browned meat, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant.
4. Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and parsley into the meat mixture, allowing the herbs to release their aromatic flavors for about one minute.
5. Pour tomatoes into the skillet, stirring thoroughly and allowing the sauce to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to develop rich, deep flavors.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in freshly chopped basil, creating a vibrant and aromatic meat sauce.
7. Transfer cooked tortellini into the meat sauce, gently mixing to ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated with the savory sauce.
8. Spread the tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
9. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top of the pasta, covering the surface completely.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.
11. Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Fresh herbs can dramatically elevate the flavor profile, so use them generously when possible.
• Consider adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more texture in the bake.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg