When comfort food cravings hit, nothing satisfies quite like a Beefy Tortellini Bake. This dish combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with a rich, savory beef sauce and a blanket of gooey melted cheese—all baked to golden perfection. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for a cozy Sunday dinner.
I first made this when I wanted a pasta bake that was simple but full of flavor. Once, I added a little cream cheese to the sauce for extra richness, and it turned out absolutely decadent. Whether served straight from the oven or reheated the next day, this tortellini bake delivers the kind of cheesy, saucy comfort that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Irresistible Beefy Tortellini Bake combines all the best parts of Italian comfort food—savory beef, cheesy pasta, and a luscious sauce—into one easy dish. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights or hearty weekend dinners.
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Irresistible Beefy Tortellini Bake: Cheesy, Comforting, and Family-Approved
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish loaded with tender cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, and rich marinara sauce — an irresistible comfort meal that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Meanwhile, cook tortellini according to package directions, but reduce cooking time by 1–2 minutes (it will continue cooking in the oven). Drain well.
- In the baking dish, layer half of the beef sauce, then all the tortellini. Spoon ricotta over the pasta in small dollops. Pour remaining beef sauce on top.
- Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes if you want a golden, crispy top. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef for extra flavor.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce for a veggie boost.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and refrigerated — just bake for an extra 10 minutes when ready to serve.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) – Soft, cheesy pasta that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Ground beef – Adds savory richness and meaty depth to the dish.
Olive oil – Helps brown the beef and prevents sticking.
Onion (diced) – Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the sauce.
Garlic (minced) – Infuses the dish with warm, savory flavor.
Marinara or pasta sauce – The heart of the bake; choose your favorite brand or homemade version.
Italian seasoning – Enhances the flavor of the sauce with herbs like oregano and basil.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a touch of heat for balance.
Cream cheese or heavy cream (optional) – For an extra-creamy sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts into gooey perfection on top.
Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty, salty depth.
Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish and color.
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Add the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes. If desired, stir in cream cheese or heavy cream for a rich, creamy texture.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, toss the cooked tortellini with the beef sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble the bake: Spread half the mixture into the prepared dish, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, then add the remaining tortellini and top with more cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot with garlic bread or a simple salad.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people and takes about 40 minutes total—15 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for baking. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a family or a small gathering.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. You can also freeze the baked or unbaked dish for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating or baking.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Beefy Tortellini Bake
Add cream cheese or Alfredo sauce to the marinara for a richer, creamier version.
Spicy Italian Style
Mix in spicy Italian sausage or extra crushed red pepper flakes for a bold flavor.
Vegetable-Packed Version
Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrients.
Cheesy Supreme Bake
Top with a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and cheddar for an ultra-cheesy finish.
Bacon Ranch Tortellini Bake
Stir in crumbled bacon and a touch of ranch seasoning for a flavorful twist.
Make-Ahead Freezer Bake
Assemble the dish ahead of time, freeze, and bake when needed for an effortless dinner.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just boil it for a few minutes longer according to package instructions.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely—ground turkey or chicken are lighter alternatives that still taste great.
3. Can I use a different sauce?
Yes, Alfredo or vodka sauce both work wonderfully for a creamier option.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
5. Do I need to cover it while baking?
No, bake it uncovered so the cheese gets bubbly and golden.
6. Can I add vegetables?
Yes—spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms pair perfectly with the beef and cheese.
7. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, double the amount of fresh herbs for the same flavor impact.
8. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
9. What’s the best cheese for melting?
Mozzarella is perfect, but provolone or Monterey Jack also work beautifully.
10. What can I serve with this dish?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent sides.
Conclusion
Irresistible Beefy Tortellini Bake is everything a comfort meal should be—cheesy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. With its tender tortellini, rich beef sauce, and melted cheese topping, it’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite. Whether for a family dinner, potluck, or cozy night in, this easy baked pasta is sure to become one of your all-time favorites.
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