Are you looking for a comforting and delicious family dinner? Look no further than this Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake! With gooey cheese, savory beef, and tender tortellini, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. It combines familiar flavors that everyone loves into one hearty meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in no time, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients at home already!
- Perfect for Family Gatherings: This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that can feed a group and please everyone.
- Comfort Food: The blend of cheese and beef warms your heart and fills your belly.
- Versatile: You can easily adapt it by adding different vegetables or using different types of cheese.
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake stands out for its rich flavor and creamy texture, making it a cozy meal that brings everyone together.
Ingredients Needed
For the base:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
For the sauce:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake
- Preheat the Oven: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you finish preparing the dish.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep your bake from being greasy.
- Prepare the Tortellini: While the beef is cooking, prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside once cooked.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
- Combine Everything: In a large baking dish, mix the cooked tortellini, browned beef, and sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve the Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake straight from the oven for the best cheesy experience. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven until hot.
Helpful Notes
- Add Veggies: Feel free to include some cooked spinach or bell peppers in the mix for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Variations: Swap out mozzarella for provolone or add ricotta for a creamier texture.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake is a winner for any family dinner! Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to bring smiles to your table. If you try this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to share your variations on Pinterest or Facebook. What flavors do you like to add? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the tortellini well but still pourable. Adjust with more cream or marinara if necessary.
Print
Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comforting and delicious family dinner featuring gooey cheese, savory beef, and tender tortellini, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, then drain excess fat.
- Prepare the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring well.
- In a large baking dish, mix the cooked tortellini, browned beef, and sauce until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Notes
Feel free to include some cooked spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. Substitute mozzarella with provolone or add ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg