Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, family-pleasing meal that’s pretty much fuss-free, then you’re going to want to stick around for this Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish pulls together creamy cheese, savory beef, and the best pillowy tortellini all baked to bubbly perfection. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a weeknight staple you’ll turn to again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe are straightforward and easy to find, yet they come together to create layers of delicious flavor. Keep an eye out for quality marinara and fresh cheese to really elevate the dish.

• Ground beef: I prefer 80/20 for the right balance of flavor and fat, but leaner is fine if you drain well.
• Garlic: Both fresh minced and garlic powder add depth; don’t skip either if you want that rich garlic punch.
• Italian dried herbs (basil, parsley, oregano, thyme): These are essential for that classic Italian vibe; fresh herbs work great too but adjust quantity.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick that wakes the whole dish up.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade, but make sure it’s flavorful since it drives the taste.
• Frozen cheese tortellini: Running it under warm water briefly helps thaw it just enough for even cooking—trust me on this!
• Mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully and adds that perfect golden bubbly top.
• Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top for nuttiness and a little salty zing.

Variations

I love how this Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe invites creativity. Over time, I’ve tried swapping cheeses and adding veggies, and it’s always a hit. Feel free to make it your own!

• Vegetable Twist: I once tossed in some finely shredded zucchini and spinach right into the sauce—sneaky way to add nutrition without changing the taste much.
• Cheese Swap: Using provolone or a little fontina instead of mozzarella gives it a sharper flavor profile that my cheese-loving friends adore.
• Spicy Upgrade: For a more assertive kick, add diced jalapeños or double the red pepper flakes—just be ready with a glass of water!
• Chicken or Turkey Twist: Ground turkey works well if you want a lighter take; just watch the seasoning to keep it flavorful.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Build Flavor

Put a large pot over medium heat and brown your ground beef with fresh minced garlic until the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink. Breaking it up as it cooks helps it brown evenly. Drain the fat thoroughly—this will keep the dish from being greasy. Then season the beef with garlic powder, dried basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, optional red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. This combination is what gives your sauce that irresistible Italian flair.

Step 2: Stir in Sauce and Prepare Tortellini

Add your marinara sauce straight into the seasoned ground beef and stir to combine. Meanwhile, pop your frozen tortellini into a colander and run warm water over it for about a minute—this little trick helps thaw the pasta enough so it won’t remain frozen in the bakes, which can cause uneven cooking. Drain well and then stir the tortellini into your meat sauce.

Step 3: Layer Cheese and Bake to Perfection

Remove the pot from heat, then stir in half of your freshly grated mozzarella. Transfer the entire mixture to a greased 3-quart baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that extra cheesy crust. Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes. After that, take off the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn’t burn!

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. Sometimes I grate a little extra Parmesan on top when serving for that perfect savory note that ties everything together.

Side Dishes

My go-to side is a crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette to balance the richness, plus some garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to scoop up all that cheesy sauce. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans also pair really well here.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this in individual ramekins which makes it feel extra cozy and indulgent. You can also layer the tortellini mixture with some sliced fresh tomatoes or a drizzle of pesto just before serving to add a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pack leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated portions even tastier (if you can wait that long!).

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. I freeze it before baking in freezer-safe dishes or foil pans, then thaw overnight in the fridge before baking. It’s such a lifesaver to have a homemade meal ready to pop in the oven on a hectic day.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to avoid drying out the cheese, about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Microwave works too for a quick bite but the oven keeps that baked cheesy texture intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe has truly become one of my most cherished comfort foods to whip up—it’s reliable, easy, and impossible to resist. If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and scores major brownie points with family and friends, give this one a go. I promise you’ll be adding it to your dinner rotation in no time!

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