Description
This Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake is a comforting, flavorful casserole featuring tender cheese tortellini smothered in a rich meat sauce, then topped with bubbly melted mozzarella. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this dish combines the best of pasta and cheese with savory ground beef in a single, easy-to-make bake that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil, sliced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 lb cheese tortellini, cooked and drained
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Add Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases its aroma.
- Season and Simmer:
- Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, and parsley, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Stir in the sliced fresh basil, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Combine with Tortellini:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the meat sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Transfer the tortellini mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes