Who doesn’t love a warm, cheesy pasta bake, especially when it’s loaded with beefy goodness and savory tortellini? This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food imagine tender tortellini swimming in a rich, meaty sauce, all topped with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or a cozy meal when you’re craving something indulgent!

Why You’ll Love Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake

This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake isn’t just delicious it’s super easy to make and packed with everything you love about Italian comfort food. Here’s why it’s destined to become one of your favorites:

Versatile: Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this pasta bake fits any occasion. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad and some garlic bread for the ultimate meal.

Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and store-bought tortellini make this dish affordable, yet it tastes like something you’d get at a cozy Italian restaurant.

Quick and Easy: With a total time of just under an hour, you’ll have a comforting, filling dish ready to go with minimal effort.

Customizable: Want to add veggies? Throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also switch up the cheese for your favorites like mozzarella or provolone.

Crowd-Pleasing: With its cheesy, meaty layers and tender tortellini, this bake is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s a dish that everyone can enjoy!

Ingredients

Ingredients in Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake

This hearty dish comes together with just a few ingredients, but the combination is truly a match made in heaven. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: The base of the sauce, adding rich, savory flavor. Brown it up to perfection, and it becomes the heart of the dish.

Tortellini: These little pasta pockets filled with cheese or meat make this dish extra comforting. They hold the sauce so beautifully, giving each bite an irresistible texture.

Marinara Sauce: A classic choice for pasta dishes, the marinara sauce brings that tangy, tomatoey goodness we all love.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a fragrant, savory depth to the sauce. It’s the perfect complement to the beef.

Onion: A sautéed onion adds sweetness and balance to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

Italian Seasoning: The secret ingredient for that perfect herby, aromatic touch. Italian seasoning ties the whole dish together.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella adds that golden, gooey cheese layer on top, making this bake extra indulgent.

Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan brings some extra sharpness and umami to the dish, complementing the mozzarella perfectly.

Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, creating that savory base for the sauce.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick spray. This ensures your pasta bake won’t stick and makes cleanup easier.

Cook the Beef and Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce

Once the beef is browned, add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook the Tortellini

While the sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Assemble the Pasta Bake

In your prepared baking dish, layer the cooked tortellini and beef sauce mixture. Spread it out evenly so that every bite gets a little bit of everything. Top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Bake to Perfection

Bake the pasta in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. This step allows all the flavors to come together and creates that beautiful cheesy crust on top.

Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This pasta bake is perfect on its own or with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
(Note: These values are approximate and can vary.)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake

This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• A fresh, tangy side salad with Italian dressing is a perfect complement to the richness of the bake.
• Garlic bread or a warm baguette is great for soaking up all that yummy sauce.
• Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli work well as a light and healthy side dish.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• For an extra cheesy version, add some extra shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
• You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the beef sauce for a bit of extra flavor and texture.
• To make the bake even more indulgent, add a layer of ricotta cheese between the tortellini and sauce for extra creaminess.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce while it’s simmering.

FAQs

1 Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute tortellini with any pasta you prefer, such as penne or rigatoni. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.

2 Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven.

3 Can I use a different type of meat?
Ground turkey, chicken, or pork would work well as a substitute for the ground beef. You can also use a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.

4 Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled pasta bake before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then cook as directed.

5 Can I add cheese to the sauce?
Absolutely! You can stir some ricotta or cream cheese into the beef sauce for added creaminess and richness.

6 How can I make this dish spicier?
Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef sauce to give it an extra kick.

7 Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone, gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.

8 How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

9 Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce will work just as well as store-bought and can add an extra layer of flavor.

10 Can I add veggies to the pasta bake?
Yes! You can add spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the beef sauce before layering it with the tortellini.

Conclusion

This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is the perfect dish for any occasion. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding the family or serving up something special for guests, this dish will satisfy every craving. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and get ready to enjoy a comfort food classic that’s sure to be a hit!

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