Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake Recipe
A comforting and creamy Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake featuring tender cheese-filled tortellini, savory ground beef, and a rich marinara cream sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Meat
Pasta
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce & Dairy
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the bake from becoming greasy.
- Prepare the tortellini: Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until evenly mixed to create a creamy, flavorful sauce base.
- Combine ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix the cooked tortellini, browned ground beef, and the prepared sauce together. Stir thoroughly so everything is coated evenly with the creamy marinara sauce.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Make sure to drain the cooked beef well to avoid excess grease in the bake.
- Use fresh Parmesan if possible for enhanced flavor.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated; bake when ready.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: cheesy beef tortellini bake, baked pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, creamy tortellini, Italian casserole