Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially when I need a quick and satisfying meal. I remember the first time I made it for a potluck – the aroma of simmering marinara and baking cheese filled my kitchen, and everyone raved about it! This easy beef tortellini bake casserole is truly a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly cheesy, and so simple to put together. If you’ve ever wondered how to make irresistible beef tortellini bake that your whole family will devour, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake
- Amazing Taste: It’s a flavor explosion of savory ground beef, tangy marinara, and creamy ricotta, all topped with gooey, melted mozzarella.
- Quick Prep: You can have this dish ready for the oven in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour this comforting pasta bake; it’s a guaranteed hit with all ages.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, common ingredients, this recipe is kind to your wallet without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile: This cheesy beef tortellini bake recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.
- Satisfying Meal: It’s hearty and filling, providing a complete and comforting meal in one dish.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or a pinch of spice to make this cheesy beef tortellini bake recipe your own.
Ingredients for Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating your new favorite ground beef tortellini bake with ricotta. I love how accessible everything is!
- 1 pound ground beef – the savory base of our bake
- 1 onion, chopped – for a touch of sweetness and depth. Onions are a nutritional powerhouse! Learn more about their benefits.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for that classic Italian flavor
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce – choose your favorite for a rich tomato base. You can also make your own homemade tomato sauce.
- 1 (19 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini – the star of the show!
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese – this adds incredible creaminess and helps bind everything together in our ground beef tortellini bake with ricotta
- 1 egg, beaten – acts as a binder for the ricotta mixture
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a salty, nutty kick
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that screams comfort food
- Salt and pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – for that irresistible, bubbly, cheesy topping
How to Make Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake
Let’s get this delicious meal into the oven! This beef tortellini bake oven recipe is straightforward and promises a fantastic result.
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect golden-brown topping. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and have it ready.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of ground beef and the chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it’s nicely browned. Drain off any excess grease – we want rich flavor, not greasiness!
- Step 3: Stir in the 2 cloves of minced garlic into the skillet with the beef and onions. Cook for just about 1 minute more until you can smell that wonderful garlicky aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
- Step 4: Pour in the 24 ounce jar of marinara sauce. Give it a good stir to combine with the beef mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors. This is where the magic starts for our beef tortellini bake oven recipe.
- Step 5: While the sauce simmers, grab a separate bowl. Combine the 15 ounce container of ricotta cheese, the 1 beaten egg, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until smooth and creamy.
- Step 6: Gently stir the ricotta mixture into the simmering marinara sauce in the skillet. It will create a lusciously creamy sauce that coats everything beautifully.
- Step 7: Now, add the 19 ounce package of refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the sauce. Stir carefully to coat all the tortellini without breaking them.
- Step 8: Pour this glorious mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Step 9: Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the entire top. You want full coverage for maximum cheesy goodness.
- Step 10: Carefully place the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. You’ll see the tortellini are tender and the sauce is bubbling around the edges of this beef tortellini bake oven recipe.
- Step 11: Once it’s out of the oven, let this delicious beef tortellini bake casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the cheese and sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Pro Tips for the Best Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake
I’ve made this bake countless times, and these little tricks really elevate it from good to absolutely fantastic. Follow these tips for perfection!
- Don’t overcook the tortellini in the sauce before baking; they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
- For an extra layer of flavor, use a good quality marinara sauce or even homemade.
- Make sure your ricotta mixture is well-seasoned before adding it to the sauce.
- Letting the bake rest after it comes out of the oven is key for it to set up properly.
What’s the secret to perfect Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake?
The secret to a truly perfect beef tortellini bake is the balance of creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and perfectly cooked tortellini. Using good quality ingredients and not over-baking ensures a delightful texture and flavor. This is what makes a good beef tortellini bake truly exceptional.
Can I make Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for busy days. Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. It truly is a family favorite beef tortellini bake that saves time!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake?
A common pitfall is overcooking the tortellini, making them mushy. To avoid this, only simmer them briefly in the sauce. Also, ensure your ricotta mixture is well-combined and seasoned before adding it. Following these simple steps guarantees a delicious, simple beef tortellini bake recipe every time.
Best Ways to Serve Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake
This hearty bake is practically a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. For a truly complete and delicious beef tortellini bake casserole experience, I love serving it with a crisp green salad. A simple vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta and cheese perfectly. You could also add some crusty garlic bread on the side for soaking up any extra sauce – talk about indulgence! For a lighter option, steamed or roasted broccoli or green beans are fantastic complements that add a touch of freshness.
Nutrition Facts for Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake
When you’re craving something hearty and delicious, this Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake hits the spot. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutrition per serving, so you know what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake.
How to Store and Reheat Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake
One of the best things about this hearty beef tortellini bake casserole is how well it keeps! Once your bake is out of the oven, let it cool down completely on a wire rack. This usually takes about an hour. Once cooled, portion the leftovers into airtight containers. You can store these in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more, making the leftovers just as delicious as the first serving!
If you want to keep this Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, I usually transfer a frozen portion to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Then, you can reheat it gently in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. If reheating from the fridge, you can often go straight to the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake
What makes this Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake so special?
This recipe stands out because it perfectly balances rich, savory ground beef with creamy ricotta and tangy marinara, all wrapped up in tender tortellini, then baked to cheesy perfection. It’s designed to be both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make, making it a top contender for the best beef tortellini bake recipe.
Can I use different types of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is classic for this irresistible beef tortellini bake, feel free to experiment. Spinach tortellini or even meat-filled tortellini can add a different dimension to the dish. Just ensure they are refrigerated and ready to go!
What other pasta shapes work in this bake?
While tortellini are the star, you could adapt this to other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. However, for the ultimate irresistible beef tortellini bake experience, tortellini are hard to beat!
How can I make this bake even cheesier?
If you’re a cheese lover, you can definitely amp up the cheese factor! Add an extra half cup of mozzarella or even some provolone to the topping. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese mixed into the ricotta filling also adds another layer of cheesy goodness to this delicious beef tortellini bake casserole.
Variations of Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake You Can Try
This Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake is fantastic as is, but I love experimenting with ways to switch it up! Here are a few ideas to make this family favorite even more exciting.
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the beef and sauté some mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers with the onion and garlic for a hearty meatless option. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a creamy beef tortellini bake casserole without the meat.
- Spicy Sausage Twist: Swap the ground beef for spicy Italian sausage. The added kick of fennel and chili flakes brings a whole new level of flavor to this dish.
- White Sauce Wonder: Instead of marinara, try a creamy béchamel sauce for a richer, more decadent experience. This creates a wonderfully creamy beef tortellini bake casserole that feels extra special.
- Slow Cooker Simplicity: For an even easier prep, layer your ingredients (minus the mozzarella) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Top with cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for the last 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
Amazing 15-min Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake is a comforting and easy casserole featuring tender beef, cheesy tortellini, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a family favorite perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (19 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Stir the ricotta mixture into the simmering marinara sauce.
- Add the refrigerated tortellini to the sauce and stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortellini are tender.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving this delicious beef tortellini bake casserole.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture.
- This Irresistible Beef Tortellini Bake can be assembled ahead of time and baked later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the bake
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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