Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake

Looking for a comforting, cheesy, and filling dinner that’s sure to please the whole family? Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is the perfect dish to satisfy those cravings. Packed with tender cheese-filled tortellini, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this pasta bake has all the components of a delicious and hearty meal in one easy-to-make casserole. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a special family gathering, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake

Comfort Food at Its Best

There’s something about a pasta bake that just feels like home. With tender tortellini, seasoned beef, and a rich marinara sauce, this dish brings together all the comforting flavors we love. It’s a perfect blend of cheesy, meaty goodness that will leave you satisfied after every bite.

Easy to Make

This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare. Most of the work is just browning the beef and mixing the ingredients together before layering them in the baking dish. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hot, bubbly casserole in no time.

Customizable to Your Taste

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences. Add more vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition, swap in a different type of cheese, or even use a different kind of pasta if tortellini isn’t your thing. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!

Perfect for Leftovers

Like most baked pasta dishes, Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake makes great leftovers. In fact, it might taste even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. It’s a great meal prep option or something to make ahead and reheat when you’re in the mood for a quick dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot enough to bake the pasta and melt the cheese to perfection.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once they are cooked al dente, drain and set them aside. Be sure to reserve a small amount of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the beef and set aside.

Step 4: Combine the Meat and Sauce

To the browned beef, add the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Pasta Bake

In a large baking dish (9×13-inch works well), layer the cooked tortellini, followed by the beef and marinara sauce mixture. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Be sure to cover the entire surface with cheese for that perfect gooey, cheesy top!

Step 6: Bake the Pasta

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top. If you like a crispier top, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the pasta bake is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, and enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness!

Tips for the Best Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake

• Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce: Since marinara sauce is a key ingredient in this dish, choose a good-quality store-bought sauce or use your favorite homemade recipe for the best flavor.
• Add Veggies: To make this dish a bit heartier and more nutritious, try adding some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef mixture. They’ll add extra flavor and texture to the bake.
• Cheese Variations: While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you can mix in other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even ricotta for a creamier texture. The more cheese, the better!
• Make It Ahead: This pasta bake is perfect for meal prepping. Assemble it a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
• Freeze for Later: You can also freeze this pasta bake for a future meal. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Conclusion

Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of rich marinara, hearty beef, tender tortellini, and melty cheese into a one-dish wonder. It’s quick to prepare, totally customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a weekend family gathering, or as a dish to feed a crowd, this pasta bake is sure to be a hit. The next time you’re craving something cheesy, savory, and filling, this recipe is your answer.

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