This Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake is a warm, cheesy, and flavorful comfort dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich tomato sauce, this baked casserole is layered with mozzarella and fresh basil to make each bite simply irresistible. It’s an easy recipe that combines classic Italian flavors with a hearty twist, making it a fantastic meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For 6 servings
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 lb (455 g) ground beef
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- ½ cup (75 g) onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 can (28 oz/795 g) crushed tomatoes
- ¼ cup (10 g) fresh basil, sliced
- 2 cups (230 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1¼ lb (565 g) cheese tortellini, cooked and drained
Preparation
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
- Prepare the meat sauce:
- In a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and brown the ground beef. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, and parsley. Push the beef to one side of the pan, then add the chopped onions and sauté until they soften.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, bring the mixture to a boil, and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Spoon a thin layer of meat sauce into the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Layer as follows: a layer of cooked tortellini, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, a few slices of fresh basil, and a portion of the meat sauce. Repeat this layering until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of cheese and basil on top.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
This Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake is the ultimate comfort food, packed with robust flavors and cheesy goodness in every bite. It’s an easy dish to put together, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal that everyone will love. Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread, and enjoy a satisfying meal that’s as hearty as it is delicious!