I’ve been baking tortellini for years, and this cheesy, meaty version never fails to bring smiles around my dinner table. Beefy Tortellini Bake is a one-pan wonder that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with savory ground beef and marinara, all topped with melted mozzarella. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and has everyone gathered around the counter asking when it’ll be ready.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Beefy Tortellini Bake
I always start with quality ingredients for this recipe because they truly make a difference in the final dish. My go-to is fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section, though frozen works perfectly when fresh isn’t available. The key is building layers of flavor that complement each other beautifully.
- 1 lb ground beef (I recommend 85/15 for the best flavor without excess grease)
- 12 oz cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (my preference is a good quality store-bought with Italian herbs)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (I usually buy blocks and shred them myself for better melting)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best in my experience)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic makes such a difference here)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (yellow onions add the perfect sweetness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
In my experience, the key to this recipe is getting each layer of flavor right before moving to the next step. I recommend having all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking for a smoother process.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, then add ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains and the meat develops a nice golden-brown color.
Step 3: Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. You’ll notice the sauce thickening slightly and smelling absolutely delicious.
Step 4: While the sauce simmers, cook tortellini in a separate pot (at least 4-quart) according to package directions until al dente. Fresh tortellini typically needs 3-4 minutes while frozen takes 5-7 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Step 5: Combine the cooked tortellini with your meat sauce, stirring gently until every piece is coated. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 6: Top generously with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly and the sauce doesn’t run when you scoop portions.
Perfect Pairings for Beefy Tortellini Bake
This hearty bake pairs beautifully with lighter sides that provide textural contrast and fresh flavors.
Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft tortellini.
Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing cut through the richness of the cheese and beef, providing a refreshing balance to your meal. For a twist, try serving with a grilled chicken broccoli bowl on the side for extra vegetables.
Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans roasted with olive oil and garlic add nutritional value while their slight char complements the savory flavors of the bake. You could also try sheet pan sausage and veggies for a heartier option.
Fresh Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette offers a light, bright contrast that cleanses your palate between bites.
Creamy Tortellini Soup: For a complete tortellini feast, start with this soup as an appetizer before serving the bake as your main course.
Steamed Asparagus: Simple steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon provides an elegant, healthy side that doesn’t compete with the main dish’s bold flavors.
Keeping It Fresh
Store leftover Beefy Tortellini Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better the next day.
For reheating, I recommend using the oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This method keeps the tortellini from drying out and helps the cheese get bubbly again. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, though the texture won’t be quite as perfect.
This bake is incredibly versatile for different occasions. Serve it family-style at casual gatherings, portion it into individual servings for meal prep, or make it ahead for potlucks since it travels well and reheats beautifully. If you love this pasta bake style, try my dump and bake meatball casserole for another easy option.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes, you can substitute with ravioli, large shells, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and ensure whatever pasta you choose can hold the sauce well.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Assemble the entire dish up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if putting it directly from the fridge into the oven.
Can I freeze Beefy Tortellini Bake?
Absolutely. Freeze the assembled unbaked dish for up to 3 months, or freeze leftovers in portions. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Beefy Tortellini Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains and meat develops a golden-brown color.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then reduce heat to low. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- While the sauce simmers, cook tortellini in a separate pot (at least 4-quart) according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Combine the cooked tortellini with your meat sauce, stirring gently until every piece is coated. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Top generously with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
