There’s something about a cheesy, saucy pasta bake that just wraps you in a warm hug after a long day—especially when it involves tortellini stuffed with all that glorious cheesy goodness. This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is one of those dishes that feels like a treat but is actually super easy to pull off. It’s hearty, comforting, and downright delicious. The kind of meal that makes everyone at the table go quiet because they’re too busy enjoying every bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this one—it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners or casual weekend gatherings.
Why You’ll Love Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: You can switch up the protein, cheese, or sauce depending on what you’ve got in the fridge.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and still delivers big flavor.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and the oven does most of the work—perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Want more spice? Add red pepper flakes. Love extra cheese? Load it up!
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake
Here’s the beauty of this bake: it combines humble ingredients into something seriously comforting and crave-worthy.
Ground Beef: Rich, savory, and hearty—it’s the base that gives this bake its meaty goodness.
Cheese Tortellini: These little pasta pillows bring melty, cheesy magic to every bite. Fresh or frozen both work like a charm.
Marinara Sauce: Smooth, garlicky, and packed with tomato flavor—it ties everything together beautifully.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that gooey, stretchy cheese pull we all love.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty layer of flavor on top. Don’t skip it—it makes a difference.
Garlic and Onion: The flavor builders. They take the beef from basic to bold.
Olive Oil: For sautéing and adding a touch of richness.
Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of this brings in those herby, classic pasta-bake vibes.
Salt and Pepper: Because every dish needs balance and seasoning love.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.
Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until soft. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease.
Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes to let all those beautiful flavors mingle. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Grease a large baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray. Proper preparation not only prevents sticking but also makes cleaning up a breeze later on.
Combine and Assemble: In the prepared dish, add the cooked tortellini and pour the beef and marinara mixture over it. Gently stir to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese generously on top.
Cook to Perfection: Bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. The aroma will be irresistible!
Finishing Touches: Let the dish cool for about 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up perfectly and keeps you from burning your tongue in your eagerness to dig in.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a side salad or some crusty bread, this pasta bake is comfort food at its finest.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 480
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
– A crisp Caesar salad or simple green salad balances the richness of the bake.
– Garlic bread or homemade focaccia makes it a full-on feast.
– A light veggie side like roasted zucchini or sautéed spinach adds a nice touch of freshness.
– A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon for grown-up dinners.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– Want to add veggies? Toss in some baby spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when cooking the beef.
– Make it ahead by assembling everything, covering with foil, and refrigerating until ready to bake.
– Freeze leftovers in individual portions for a quick, cozy meal later.
– Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a bold flavor twist.
– Don’t overcook the tortellini—they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them slightly or cook according to package instructions before baking.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Add 5–10 extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
3. Can I freeze this pasta bake?
Yes! It freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until bubbly.
4. What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella and parmesan are classic, but feel free to mix in cheddar or provolone for a twist.
5. Is there a vegetarian version?
Sure! Just skip the beef and load up on veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
6. What kind of marinara sauce should I use?
Go with your favorite jarred sauce or homemade—just make sure it’s rich and well-seasoned.
7. Can I add extra protein?
Yes! Crumbled Italian sausage or ground turkey works great here too.
8. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
9. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and double-check your sauce and seasonings for gluten.
10. How do I keep the cheese from drying out?
Cover loosely with foil during the first part of baking if needed, then uncover to brown.
CONCLUSION
There you have it—your new favorite comfort food. This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is cozy, cheesy, and full of heart. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel like everything’s going to be okay, even on the busiest or chilliest of days. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this bake never disappoints. Go ahead, grab a fork, and dig into happiness!
Print
Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and comforting pasta bake featuring cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheese – perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Meanwhile, cook tortellini in a large pot of boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine the cooked beef, tortellini, and marinara sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to coat evenly.
- Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a flavor twist.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg