Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: A Family Favorite Dinner Recipe
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake is a comforting, family-friendly dinner that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with savory ground beef and a creamy marinara sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
- Author: reem
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Meat and Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 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
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Cook the tortellini: While the beef cooks, prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Combine ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix the cooked tortellini, browned beef, and sauce mixture until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce and beef.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce may be less rich.
- Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken as an alternative to ground beef.
- Adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
- Make sure to drain excess beef fat to reduce greasiness.
- If you prefer a spicier bake, add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6th of the dish)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake, family dinner, baked pasta, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, creamy pasta bake