If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s easy to throw together any night of the week, you’ve hit the jackpot with this Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe. I absolutely love how this one combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with savory, seasoned ground beef and gooey melted mozzarella, all baked to bubbly perfection. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite—perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Stick around, because I’m sharing all the tips you need to nail it every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Made Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something cozy without fuss.
- Flavor-Packed Meat Sauce: Seasoned ground beef mingles with garlic, herbs, and marinara for a rich base that tastes homemade.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: The combination of melty mozzarella and sharp Parmesan creates that irresistible cheesy crust everyone goes crazy for.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this dish hits all the right notes and can be customized easily.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to give you that perfect balance of savory, cheesy comfort with every bite. When shopping, I recommend grabbing good-quality marinara and fresh mozzarella if you can—they’ll really up your flavor game.
- Ground Beef: Go for 80/20 for the best flavor and moisture balance; leaner can dry out the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves add a fragrant punch beyond just garlic powder.
- Dried Herbs: A blend of basil, parsley, oregano, and thyme gives the sauce that classic Italian vibe.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but just a pinch adds a subtle, warming heat I adore.
- Marinara/Pasta Sauce: A jar of your favorite marinara keeps things simple and delicious.
- Frozen Cheese Tortellini: Using frozen means no waiting to boil first, but thawing under warm water helps them blend better with the sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully and makes the dish so cheesy you’ll want seconds.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for that golden, flavorful crust everyone loves.
Variations
I love putting my personal spin on this Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe depending on what I have in my fridge or the season. Feel free to make it your own!
- Swap the Meat: Sometimes I use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier kick, and it’s fabulous.
- Veggie Boost: Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even grated zucchini into the sauce is a sneaky way to get extra nutrients in.
- Cheese Choices: Mixing in some provolone or fontina with the mozzarella can add complexity and a creamier texture.
- Herb Freshness: If you have fresh basil or oregano, toss in three times the amount instead of dried herbs for brighter flavor that pops.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor
Start by heating up your pan over medium heat and adding the ground beef along with freshly minced garlic. I like breaking the meat into small crumbles with my spatula so it browns nicely and cooks evenly. Drain out the fat once it’s no longer pink—this keeps the dish from getting greasy. Then season the meat with garlic powder, dried herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little warmth. Don’t forget salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper—it really wakes up the flavor.
Step 2: Mix in Sauce and Tortellini
Pour your marinara sauce into the browned beef and stir it all together over medium heat. This is where your kitchen will start smelling incredible. Meanwhile, grab your frozen cheese tortellini and rinse it under warm water for about a minute to thaw just enough so it’s pliable—not mushy. Drain well, then gently stir tortellini into the beefy sauce. This step prevents your tortellini from sticking together and helps it soak up all those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Layer with Cheese and Bake
Remove the pot from heat and fold in half of your grated mozzarella cheese—this makes the sauce wonderfully cheesy inside. Transfer everything into a greased 3-quart baking dish, then sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella evenly on top. Don’t forget the Parmesan! Cover with foil to keep things moist, then bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Pull off the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on top. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese has melted fully and the edges are lightly browned.
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe
- Warm the Tortellini Slightly: I learned rinsing frozen tortellini under warm water prevents clumping and helps them absorb sauce better during baking.
- Don’t Skip Draining: Draining excess fat after browning the beef keeps the sauce from getting greasy and helps the cheese melt perfectly.
- Layer Cheese Thoughtfully: Mixing mozzarella into the sauce and sprinkling some on top creates a gooey middle and a golden crust.
- Use Foil Cover Wisely: Covering the dish at first locks in moisture and prevents drying; removing foil later lets the cheese brown nicely.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe
Garnishes
I like topping my portions with freshly chopped basil—it adds such a bright, fresh contrast to the rich cheese and beef. A little extra grated Parmesan on top right at the table is also a simple way to fancy it up. Sometimes just a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you’re in the mood for a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is my go-to side, balancing out all the richness. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls make perfect companions to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus also pair beautifully and add color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinners, I serve it straight from the baking dish—it’s warm and inviting that way. But for special occasions, I like scooping individual portions into small oven-safe ramekins, topped with a little extra cheese and broiled until bubbly for an elegant touch. It’s a fun way to impress guests and keeps portions neat and cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying dinner, I let the leftover tortellini cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it stays great for up to 3 days. When it comes out, the flavors have had time to deepen, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times by packing cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers. It freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the texture intact.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat is in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly. This keeps the cheese melty and prevents it from drying out, unlike microwaving which can sometimes leave it rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use refrigerated cheese tortellini instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Refrigerated tortellini works just as well. Since it’s already thawed, you can skip the warm water rinse step and add it directly to the sauce before baking.
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What if I want to use dried tortellini?
If you’re using dried tortellini, be sure to boil and drain it according to the package directions before mixing it with the sauce and baking. This prevents undercooked pasta in your final dish.
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Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or meat alternative crumbles. Season the sauce similarly for full flavor.
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How spicy is the dish with crushed red pepper flakes?
Just a pinch adds a subtle warmth but nothing overly spicy. You can omit or adjust the amount to suit your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Easy to make, thoroughly satisfying, and endlessly comforting, I’m confident you’ll love making it your own. So, heat up that oven and get ready to serve up bowls of bubbly, cheesy goodness to your family or friends—trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds!
Print
Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Baked Tortellini recipe features a delicious combination of ground beef, savory herbs, marinara sauce, and cheesy tortellini baked to perfection. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a satisfying meal with layers of rich flavors and gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Sauce and Pasta
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara/pasta sauce
- 1 (22-ounce) package frozen cheese tortellini
Cheeses
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 3-quart baking dish to prevent the tortellini from sticking while baking and set it aside for later use.
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up into smaller pieces and stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. Once browned, drain off the excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Season the Meat: Add garlic powder, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes if desired, and salt and black pepper to taste. Mix well to evenly distribute the herbs and spices throughout the meat.
- Add Sauce and Tortellini: Stir in the marinara sauce into the seasoned beef mixture. Pour the frozen tortellini into a colander and rinse with warm water for about a minute to slightly thaw and separate the pieces. Drain well and fold the tortellini into the meat sauce gently to combine.
- Add Cheese and Transfer: Remove the pot from heat and stir in half of the grated mozzarella cheese. Then transfer this tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil from the dish and continue baking for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Once done, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- If you have fresh herbs, substitute dried herbs using three times the amount for a fresher flavor.
- You can add grated vegetables such as zucchini or carrots to the meat sauce for added nutrition and texture.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini can be used instead of frozen, just no need to thaw.
- If using dried tortellini, boil and drain according to package instructions before combining with the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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