Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: A Family Favorite Dinner Recipe
If you’re searching for a soul-warming, crowd-pleasing meal that absolutely nails comfort food, look no further than this Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: A Family Favorite Dinner. With tender cheese-filled tortellini, juicy seasoned beef, a creamy tomato sauce, and a blanket of gooey, golden cheese, this dish is as easy as it is irresistible. Every bite tastes like pure dinnertime happiness, and the whole family will be clamoring for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to fall in love with how straightforward and forgiving this ingredient list is. Every component plays a crucial role—bringing flavor, texture, and comfort to your Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: A Family Favorite Dinner.
- Ground Beef: Browning the beef builds savory depth as the meaty base for the bake—use lean for less grease or regular for richer flavor.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: These pillowy pasta pockets cook in minutes and deliver a cheesy, tender bite in every forkful.
- Marinara Sauce: A good-quality jarred sauce brings tomato sweetness and herbaceous notes without fuss—pick your favorite brand here!
- Heavy Cream: Just a splash transforms the sauce into a decadent, velvety blanket that hugs the tortellini beautifully.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that magical melty, stretchy cheese layer on top—don’t skimp!
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty pop that balances the sauce and boosts cheesy flavor.
- Garlic Powder: For an instant hit of garlicky aroma and warmth.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs amplifies the classic Italian comfort vibe.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—taste and adjust as you go.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A shower of chopped parsley just before serving brings freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: A Family Favorite Dinner
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Let it sizzle and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until there’s no pink left. This step is where you begin building that savory foundation, so take a moment to inhale the aroma as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep your dish balanced.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
While the beef is browning, get your tortellini into a pot of boiling water. Follow the package instructions—they only need a few minutes! Don’t overcook; you want them just tender, since they’ll bake more in the oven. Drain and set aside—resist sneaking a bite (or two).
Step 3: Make the Sauce Mixture
Now for the sauce magic: In a big mixing bowl, combine your marinara sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until smooth. The cream mellows the tangy tomato and transforms the sauce into something truly decadent.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Grab a large baking dish and add in your drained tortellini, browned beef, and creamy tomato sauce mixture. Toss it all together gently but thoroughly, making sure every pasta piece is cozied up in that luscious sauce.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the mozzarella in an even layer over the top of the mixture. Next, add the shredded Parmesan for that mouthwatering cheesy crust. Don’t be shy here—cheese is the heart and soul of any Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: A Family Favorite Dinner!
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Slide your dish into the oven at 375°F (190°C), uncovered. Let it bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melted and golden brown, and everything is bubbling with anticipation. Trust your nose—when it smells too good to wait, it’s ready!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
As soon as it emerges from the oven, scatter fresh parsley over the top if you like a burst of color and freshness. Dish up generous scoops while it’s hot, and get ready for the chorus of “mmm!” at your table.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: A Family Favorite Dinner
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way! Bright green parsley brings some needed freshness and a beautiful contrast to all that gooey cheese. You can also add a few shavings of extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat, or even some basil ribbons for a burst of summery flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish truly shines alongside a simple green salad, providing just the right crispness to balance rich, cheesy pasta. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up every drop of the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli are other fantastic, colorful sides that round out your Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: A Family Favorite Dinner beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you feel like shaking things up, try spooning the bake into individual ramekins for single servings—a hit at dinner parties! Or, serve with a fun toppings bar: bowls of extra cheese, chopped herbs, or chili flakes let everyone customize their own slice of comfort. Leftovers also make amazing lunchboxes, so pack up a warm portion for school or work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: A Family Favorite Dinner is a lifesaver for busy nights! Just transfer cooled portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors meld and deepen, making every reheated bite taste just as special as the first.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the bake—just let it cool completely, then wrap tightly with foil or use a freezer-safe container. Label with the date and enjoy within 2 to 3 months for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for weeknight ease.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave until hot, or pop larger portions back in the oven at 350°F, covered, until everything is steamy and bubbly. Add a splash of cream or marinara if the pasta looks a little dry, and don’t forget your fresh parsley for a just-baked finish.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef?
Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still delivers plenty of flavor. Just season well and follow the same browning steps—it’s a quick and delicious twist on the classic Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: A Family Favorite Dinner.
Do I have to use refrigerated tortellini, or can I use frozen?
Frozen tortellini work perfectly fine—simply cook them according to the package instructions before adding to the recipe. If using dried tortellini, make sure they’re fully cooked and tender before assembling your bake.
What types of cheese tortellini work best?
Any type of cheese-filled tortellini shines in this dish, whether it’s classic ricotta, a blended 3-cheese mix, or even spinach-ricotta for an extra burst of color and nutrients. Choose your favorite, and don’t be afraid to experiment!
Can I assemble Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: A Family Favorite Dinner ahead of time?
You sure can! Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
How do I prevent the cheese from over-browning?
If you notice your cheese getting too dark before the bake is bubbling, simply tent the dish loosely with foil for the remaining time. This ensures that the cheese stays melty and golden without burning—everyone loves that perfect cheesy crust!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to serve up big, happy smiles around your dinner table, this Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: A Family Favorite Dinner is the answer. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious—sure to become your own family’s new favorite. Give it a whirl, and don’t be surprised when it gets requested again and again!
Print
Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake: A Family Favorite Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake is a comforting and delicious family favorite dinner that combines cheesy tortellini with savory ground beef in a creamy marinara sauce, topped with a gooey layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
For the Tortellini:
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
For the Sauce:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Topping:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Cook the Tortellini: Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix marinara sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Combine and Bake: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked tortellini, beef, and sauce mixture. Stir to evenly coat. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- This bake reheats well, making it a great option for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake, Tortellini Casserole, Family Dinner Recipe
