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My family goes crazy for this Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake. I whipped it up one freezing winter night, and now everyone begs for it whenever they want something comforting. There's something magical about cheese-stuffed pasta swimming in hearty meat sauce topped with stretchy, melted mozzarella that brings the whole gang running.
Our Family's Go-To Dinner
What makes this dish so perfect for busy evenings? It's got all the good stuff - rich, satisfying flavors, stretchy melted cheese, and those adorable little pasta pouches stuffed with even more cheese. I love that everything comes together in a single pan and makes everyone happy, even the fussiest kids at my table.
Your Shopping List
- Cheese Tortellini: Around 1¼ pounds cooked is just right.
- Mozzarella: Two cups shredded for that irresistible melty top.
- Fresh Basil: Quarter cup sliced adds brightness.
- Crushed Tomatoes: One big 28 oz can forms our sauce base.
- Parsley: Two teaspoons dried adds color and freshness.
- Thyme: One teaspoon dried for earthy flavor.
- Oregano: One teaspoon dried brings Italian flair.
- Garlic: One clove minced makes everything smell wonderful.
- Onion: Half cup chopped adds sweetness.
- Salt and Pepper: I don't hold back with either.
- Ground Beef: One pound lean meat creates our rich foundation.
- Olive Oil: Just a teaspoon to get going.
Simple Cooking Steps
- Take A Moment
- Let it cool slightly before digging in - trust me, it's worth those few minutes.
- Into The Oven
- Transfer everything to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella and bake around 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Mix It Up
- In a large bowl, combine your cooked tortellini with all that tasty sauce.
- Fresh Touches
- Mix in that gorgeous fresh basil and remove from heat.
- Season And Simmer
- Add oregano, thyme and parsley, warm them through, then pour in tomatoes. Let it bubble away gently for about 15 minutes.
- Add The Aromatics
- Throw in your onion and garlic, cook until softened and fragrant.
- Start The Beef
- Warm your olive oil in a large skillet, cook the beef with salt and pepper, crumbling it as you go.
- First Things First
- Preheat your oven to 375°F while you handle the stovetop work.
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Insider Cooking Tricks
Splurge on quality tortellini and mozzarella - they truly make all the difference. Cook your sauce until it's nice and thick. Don't fully cook the pasta beforehand as it'll continue softening in the oven.
Storing What's Left
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. When hunger strikes again, warm it in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, or microwave individual servings for a quick fix.
What to Serve Alongside
We can't get enough of this with buttery garlic bread and a crisp green salad. Sometimes I throw in some roasted vegetables or start with a light soup. It works with practically anything you fancy.
Prep It Early
You can get everything ready ahead of time, cover it up, and stick it in the fridge until tomorrow. Just add about 5-10 extra minutes to your baking time since it'll start out cold.
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Freezer Friendly Advice
This dish works wonders for meal prep. Just put it all together but skip the baking step, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready, let it thaw in the fridge overnight then bake about 15 minutes longer than usual.
Tasty Variations
Don't be afraid to switch things up. Ground turkey or Italian sausage work great instead of beef. I often toss in handfuls of spinach or some sliced mushrooms. And try swapping the cheese - provolone or fontina melt beautifully on top.
Crowd-Pleasing Magic
Something about this bake makes everyone show up at the table grinning. Maybe it's the stretchy cheese or those adorable pasta bundles, but it never fails to turn dinner into something special. I always make this when I've got company coming.
Aromatic Herb Boost
Fresh basil and parsley really transform this dish. Dried herbs will work in a pinch, but nothing beats the vibrant flavor of fresh ones. I always scatter extra on top just before serving.
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Smart Double Batch
I usually make two batches at once - dinner tonight and one for the freezer. It hardly takes any extra effort, and you'll feel like a genius later when you need a quick homemade meal.
Fits Every Occasion
This bake works just as well for random Tuesday nights as it does for special gatherings. It's impressive enough for guests but simple enough for everyday meals. That's why it's always in my dinner lineup.
Last-Minute Touches
Just before bringing it to the table, I sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan and some torn basil leaves on top. Carrying the hot, bubbling dish straight to the table always gets everyone excited, especially when I use my favorite blue baking dish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prep this dish early?
Sure! Cook the tortellini and make the beef sauce ahead. Assemble and bake the dish just before serving for the freshest taste.
- → What pairs nicely with this dish?
A crisp salad or buttery garlic bread works great. You could also roast some veggies for an extra side option.
- → Is it okay to use other tortellini types?
Totally! Spinach or meat-filled tortellini bring a fresh spin to the meal and taste just as good.
- → How do I save leftovers?
Store them in a sealed container in your fridge for up to three days. Heat in your oven or microwave till piping hot.
- → Can I freeze it for later?
You definitely can! Freeze it uncooked, wrapped tightly, for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake.
Conclusion
A simple baked meal packed with tortellini, rich ground beef, and melty cheese. It’s a go-to comfort food that brings warmth to the dinner table.