Name: Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Get ready for the kind of dinner that makes you want to grab a second helping before you’re even done with the first! This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is hearty, cheesy, saucy, and just downright comforting. Picture tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and a rich marinara sauce all bubbling together under a blanket of gooey melted cheese. Yep it’s basically a hug in casserole form.

This is the kind of meal you pull out of the oven and everyone magically appears in the kitchen. It’s cozy, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer on those busy weeknights or when you need something that feels like love on a plate.

Why You’ll Love Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Great as a standalone meal or paired with a side salad and garlic bread. It fits weeknights and weekends alike.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or freezer.

Quick and Easy: Comes together with minimal prep and no fancy techniques just layer and bake.

Customizable: Swap in different types of tortellini, add veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your crew.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake

This dish brings together bold, classic flavors with everyday ingredients:

Cheese Tortellini: These little pasta pockets are filled with cheesy goodness and get perfectly tender in the oven.

Ground Beef: Brings savory, hearty flavor and satisfying protein to every bite.

Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet, mellow base to your beef mixture.

Garlic: Freshly minced for that unmistakable punch of flavor.

Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or go homemade it’s the rich tomato base that ties everything together.

Italian Seasoning: Adds depth and herby notes with minimal effort.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little kick of heat if you like it spicy.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melts like a dream and gives that irresistible cheesy top layer.

Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, umami-rich finish.

Fresh Basil or Parsley (Optional): Adds a pop of color and a fresh bite right before serving.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot to get that cheese bubbling and golden.

Combine Ingredients

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Assemble the Dish

Add the uncooked tortellini to the baking dish, then pour the beef and marinara mixture over the top. Stir gently to coat the pasta. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly.

Cook to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Finishing Touches

Let the pasta bake rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps everything settle and makes serving easier.

Serve and Enjoy

Top with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Dish it up hot and dig into that melty, beefy, cheesy goodness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~480

(Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on brands and ingredient substitutions.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette for balance
Toasty garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
Steamed green beans or broccoli for a veggie boost
A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing sip

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Use frozen tortellini if needed just thaw before baking
Want more veggies? Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers
Make it ahead and refrigerate just increase bake time slightly
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a twist
Double the batch and freeze one for later it reheats beautifully!

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just thaw it before assembling to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. What other meats can I use?
Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all work well.

4. Can I freeze this?
Yes freeze after baking and let cool. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F.

5. How do I reheat leftovers?
Microwave individual portions or bake covered at 350°F until warmed through.

6. Can I use a different pasta?
Sure, but tortellini adds a cheesy richness. Penne or rigatoni also work.

7. What kind of cheese is best on top?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but provolone or fontina are great too.

8. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Try sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

9. Is this kid-friendly?
Very! It’s cheesy, meaty, and full of familiar flavors most kids enjoy.

10. How long will leftovers last?
Stored in the fridge, leftovers will keep for up to 4 days.

Conclusion

This Beefy Tortellini Pasta Bake is the definition of comfort food made easy rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every forkful. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for more. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this bake has your back. Go ahead, make a double batch you’ll be glad you did.