Description

This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake is a comforting and delicious family-friendly dinner featuring tender cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, and a creamy marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, it’s a perfect easy meal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

1 lb ground beef

Pasta

1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini

Sauce

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheeses

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
Cook tortellini: While the beef cooks, prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
Assemble the bake: In a large baking dish, mix together the cooked tortellini, browned ground beef, and the sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
Add the cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the assembled tortellini and beef mixture.
Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a comforting family meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make a lighter version.
Use a low-fat cream or milk to reduce fat content, but the texture might be less creamy.
Fresh or frozen tortellini can be used, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
For extra veggies, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the beef mixture.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.