Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe
There’s something utterly satisfying about a comforting casserole, and the Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is one of those beloved recipes I return to over and over again. Loaded with tender cheese tortellini, seasoned ground beef, rich marinara, and a blanket of gooey cheeses, it’s everything you want in a family-friendly dinner—simple, cheesy, and irresistibly hearty. This one-pan wonder comes together in under an hour, making it a go-to weeknight classic that feels like a big, cheesy hug with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake lies in its handful of essential ingredients, each bringing a special something to the dish. Every element plays a role, whether it’s depth of flavor, a burst of color, or that all-important cheesy stretch.
- Olive oil: A drizzle gets the sauté off to a fragrant, flavorful start.
- Ground beef: The heart of the bake, providing richness and satisfying protein.
- Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and melts into the beef for extra depth.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic punch—don’t skimp on those cloves!
- Italian seasoning: This blend provides a savory herb backbone that feels authentically Italian-American.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every bite perfectly.
- Black pepper: A little heat for balance and flavor complexity.
- Marinara sauce: Rich tomato goodness that ties everything together.
- Beef broth: Adds depth and keeps the bake luxuriously saucy.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: These little pillows deliver creamy, cheesy delight in every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to golden, bubbly perfection across the top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty finish that’s classically Italian.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley: Just before serving, these herbs bring freshness and a lovely pop of color.
How to Make Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake
Step 1: Get That Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s always a win to get the oven nice and hot so your Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake finishes with that gooey, golden cheese crust. While the oven heats, grab an oven-safe skillet or sauté pan—using a single pan makes cleanup a total breeze!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onion
Heat the olive oil over medium in your pan. Add in the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the beef as it cooks. After about 5–7 minutes, once the beef is nicely browned and the onion is soft, your kitchen will already start smelling amazing. This is the base layer of flavor that makes the whole dish sing.
Step 3: Layer on Garlic and Seasoning
Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let them mingle with the beef and onion for just a minute—this quick step unlocks the earthy, herbal character and that next-level aroma that sets the tone for the Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake.
Step 4: Add Marinara, Broth, and Tortellini
Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, scraping any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the cheese tortellini, making sure each little morsel is coated in sauce. Bringing it to a gentle simmer lets the flavors blend before baking.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Bake
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Slide the whole pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is gorgeously bubbly and golden. The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen!
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let your Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake rest for 5 minutes after it comes out of the oven (if you can wait that long!). This helps it set and makes it easier to serve. Just before dishing up, shower on some fresh basil or parsley for color and a hit of fresh flavor.
How to Serve Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh basil or parsley over the top not only adds gorgeous color but also brightens up the flavors beautifully. For extra zing, you might add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dusting of extra Parmesan—the choice is yours, so don’t be shy!
Side Dishes
This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread takes it totally over the top. If you’re in the mood for veggies, roasted broccoli or a platter of marinated tomatoes also make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving individual portions in small oven-proof dishes makes for an extra-special presentation, especially for dinner parties. Or go family-style right from the skillet for a rustic, comforting feel—there’s something timeless about everyone digging in together around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, and in my book, those cheesy leftovers are almost as good as the first round!
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe dish. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Just know that thawed tortellini can be a bit softer, but the flavors hold up beautifully.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep the cheese moist, until everything is warmed through—about 20 minutes. For a quick lunch, you can also microwave single servings until heated, but baking preserves that perfect cheese-laden top.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just add a few minutes to the simmering time before baking, so the tortellini heats through completely. There’s no need to thaw beforehand—just make sure they’re fully coated in the sauce.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Feel free to swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage if you want to shake things up. Each brings its own personality, but all work beautifully in the Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake.
Is it okay to add extra veggies?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach are classic options. Sauté them with the onion and beef for bonus color and nutrition without changing the spirit of the dish.
Can I assemble the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can put the Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake together up to a day in advance, refrigerate covered, then just bake when ready. Add a couple extra minutes to the baking time to account for the cold start.
What’s the best way to make this dish extra creamy?
If you’re after a richer sauce, stir 1/4 cup of heavy cream into the mixture just before topping with cheese and baking. It takes the whole casserole up a notch in decadence!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, you truly can’t go wrong with Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but has all the flavor and spirit of a Sunday supper. Give it a try, and I promise—it’ll become a regular request at your table!
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Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake, a hearty and cheesy one-pan pasta dish that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. With a blend of ground beef, tortellini, and gooey cheeses, this Italian-American bake is sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Beefy Pasta Bake:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook beef: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil, then cook ground beef and onion until browned.
- Season and sauce: Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper. Stir in marinara sauce and beef broth.
- Add tortellini: Mix in tortellini and bring to a simmer.
- Cheese and bake: Top with mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest, garnish with herbs, and serve.
Notes
- For added richness, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream before baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
