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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- 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.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic to the browned meat, sautéing until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Incorporate dried oregano, thyme, and parsley into the meat mixture, allowing the herbs to release their aromatic flavors for about one minute.
- Pour tomatoes into the skillet, stirring thoroughly and allowing the sauce to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to develop rich, deep flavors.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in freshly chopped basil, creating a vibrant and aromatic meat sauce.
- Transfer cooked tortellini into the meat sauce, gently mixing to ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated with the savory sauce.
- Spread the tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top of the pasta, covering the surface completely.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.
- 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