Beefy Tortellini Bake: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Beefy Tortellini Bake: Prepare to experience a symphony of flavors and textures in every single bite! Imagine tender, cheese-filled tortellini mingling with savory ground beef, all enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato sauce and baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a comforting hug on a plate.

While the exact origins of a “Beefy Tortellini Bake” are difficult to pinpoint to a specific region or historical event, it’s a delightful evolution of classic Italian-American comfort food. Tortellini, of course, boasts a rich history in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, where it’s traditionally served in broth. This baked version, however, showcases the adaptability of Italian cuisine, blending traditional pasta with familiar American flavors.

What makes this Beefy Tortellini Bake so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of convenience and indulgence. It’s a relatively quick and easy meal to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce, the cheesy tortellini, and the hearty beef create a satisfying and flavorful experience that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Get ready to add this to your regular rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Beefy Sauce:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Tortellini:
• 2 (20 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
• For the Cheese Topping:
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparing the Beefy Sauce

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Make sure you get a nice sear on the beef for maximum flavor!
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become. I usually aim for at least 45 minutes.
4. Add Fresh Parsley: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley during the last 5 minutes of simmering. This will brighten up the sauce and add a fresh, herbaceous note.

Cooking the Tortellini

1. Cook the Tortellini: While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Usually, this involves boiling them in salted water for a few minutes until they float to the surface. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
2. Drain the Tortellini: Once the tortellini are cooked, drain them well in a colander. Set aside.

Preparing the Cheese Topping

1. Combine the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This mixture will add a creamy and cheesy layer to the bake.

Assembling the Beefy Tortellini Bake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Ingredients: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the beefy sauce on the bottom of the dish. This will prevent the tortellini from sticking.
3. Add Tortellini Layer: Arrange half of the cooked tortellini in a single layer over the sauce.
4. Spread Ricotta Mixture: Spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the tortellini, spreading it evenly.
5. Add More Sauce: Pour half of the remaining beefy sauce over the ricotta cheese mixture.
6. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers with the remaining tortellini, ricotta cheese mixture, and beefy sauce.
7. Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the bake. This will create a golden and bubbly crust.

Baking the Tortellini Bake

1. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This will help to heat the bake through without burning the cheese.
2. Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on it to prevent the cheese from burning.
3. Rest: Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to set slightly and make it easier to slice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh parsley or basil, if desired. This Beefy Tortellini Bake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
• Use Different Cheese: You can substitute the mozzarella cheese with other cheeses, such as provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Meat Variations: Italian sausage or ground turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
• Make it Ahead: You can assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Freezing Instructions: Assemble the bake in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

Conclusion:

This Beefy Tortellini Bake isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy meal that’s destined to become a weeknight staple. From the rich, savory beef sauce to the tender, cheese-filled tortellini, every bite is an explosion of deliciousness. The bubbly, golden-brown cheese topping seals the deal, creating a truly irresistible experience. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a satisfying and crowd-pleasing dinner.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat. Ground turkey or Italian sausage would be fantastic substitutes for the ground beef. For a vegetarian option, you could easily replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Comfort: Serve it as is with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for dipping into that luscious sauce.
* Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
* Veggie Boost: Sneak in some extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, onions, or carrots into the sauce.
* Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese into the tortellini before baking for an extra layer of creamy goodness.
* Gourmet Touch: Sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top after baking for a pop of color and freshness.
* Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

I’ve made this Beefy Tortellini Bake countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a cozy weekend dinner. The recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s so simple to make that even beginner cooks can master it. The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine, and the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s baking is pure heaven.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please, give this Beefy Tortellini Bake a try and let me know how it turns out. Share your photos and comments below – I’m eager to see your creations and hear about your experiences. Happy cooking! I am sure you and your family will enjoy this recipe as much as mine does.