Name: Easy Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup onion, chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 teaspoons dried parsley; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 1/4 pounds cheese tortellini, cooked and drained

Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake is more than just a weeknight meal; it’s a culinary hug in a dish, a symphony of comforting flavors that brings families together around the dinner table. We all crave those go-to recipes that are both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to whip up, and this one truly hits the mark. What makes this particular Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake so beloved? It’s the magical combination of tender ground beef, perfectly cooked tortellini swathed in a rich, savory sauce, and a generous blanket of gooey, melted cheese that browns to a delightful crisp. It’s the kind of meal that whispers of home-cooked goodness, making it a perennial favorite for busy parents and anyone seeking a delicious, no-fuss dinner that guarantees smiles all around. Prepare to discover your new favorite comfort food!

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/4 pounds cheese tortellini, cooked and drained

Preparing the Foundation: The Savory Beef Sauce

Searing the Beef

Start by placing a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the hot pan. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the 1 pound of ground beef. Break up the beef with a spoon or spatula as it begin extracts to cook. We’re looking for a nice brown crust to develop, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor to our Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake. Continue to cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. This process typically takes about 8-10 minutes.

Draining and Seasoning

Once the beef is thoroughly cooked, it’s time to drain off any excess fat. You can tilt the pan carefully and spoon out the fat, or if your pan has a spout, use that. Getting rid of most of the fat will ensure our tortellini bake isn’t too greasy. Now, season the browned beef generously with salt and pepper to your personal taste. Remember, this is the base of our flavor, so don’t be shy!

Building the Aromatics

To the skillet with the seasoned ground beef, add the 1/2 cup of chopped onion. Cook the onion with the beef, stirring frequently, until it becomes translucent and softens, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the entire dish with a sweet, savory aroma. Next, add the 1 clove of minced garlic to the pan. Garlic has a tendency to burn easily, so stir it in and cook for just about 30-60 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much.

Introducing the Herbs and Tomatoes

Now, it’s time to introduce the dried herbs that will elevate our sauce. Add the 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 2 teaspoons of dried parsley to the skillet. Stir these into the beef and onion mixture for about 30 seconds, allowing their flavors to bloom in the heat. Following the herbs, pour in the 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – those are packed with flavor!

Simmering to Perfection

Bring the tomato and beef mixture to a simmer. Once it’s bubbling gently, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. For an even deeper taste, you can let it go for up to an hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Assembling and Baking the Ultimate Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake

Incorporating Freshness and Tortellini

After the sauce has simmered and developed its wonderful flavors, stir in the 1/4 cup of fresh basil, sliced. The fresh basil will add a bright, aromatic note that complements the richness of the beef and tomatoes. Now, gently fold in the 1 1/4 pounds of cooked and drained cheese tortellini. Ensure each tortellini is well-coated with the savory beef and tomato sauce. Be gentle when mixing to avoid breaking the tortellini.

Layering with Cheese

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little cooking spray or butter. Spoon half of the tortellini and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle about half of the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over this layer. Now, spoon the remaining tortellini and sauce mixture on top of the cheese layer. Finally, generously sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring an even coating.

Baking to Golden Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has a beautiful golden-brown color. You want to see those edges starting to crisp up slightly. If you prefer a more deeply browned and bubbly cheese topping, you can finish it off under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, keeping a very close eye on it to prevent burning.

Resting and Serving

Once your Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake is out of the oven, resist the urge to dive in immediately! Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the bake to set up, making it easier to serve and preventing the cheese and sauce from being too runny. This final step ensures every bite is perfectly balanced and delicious. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting goodness!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a delicious and comforting Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake that’s sure to become a family favorite! This dish is a fantastic weeknight meal because it’s easy to assemble and the oven does most of the work. The rich, savory beef and creamy cheese sauce, all mingled with tender tortellini, creates a truly satisfying experience. We hope you enjoy preparing and devouring this delightful bake as much as we do. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

For serving suggestions, this Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake is wonderful on its own, but a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli would complement it perfectly. For variations, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or mixing in some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for added texture and flavor. Don’t be afraid to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover your favorite way to enjoy it!

Frequently Asked Questions about Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake:

Q: Can I make this Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can assemble the entire Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, and you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze it! If freezing, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: What kind of cheese is best for the Beef Cheese Tortellini Bake?

While the recipe calls for a blend of mozzarella and cheddar, feel free to customize! A mix of Monterey Jack and Colby is also delicious. For a richer flavor, you could incorporate some Parmesan cheese into the sauce itself, or sprinkle it on top before baking. The key is to use good melting cheeses that will create that wonderful, gooey texture.