Description

This Easy Baked Tortellini recipe combines ground beef, aromatic herbs, and frozen cheese tortellini baked with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a hearty, comforting Italian-inspired dish that comes together quickly and easily.

Ingredients

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Meat and Seasonings

1 pound ground beef
3 large cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried parsley
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Pasta

1 (24-ounce) jar marinara/pasta sauce
1 (22-ounce) package frozen cheese tortellini

Cheese Topping

8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 3-quart baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside while you prepare the ingredients.
Cook Ground Beef and Garlic: Place a large pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef along with the minced garlic. Break the meat up as it cooks and stir frequently until no pink remains. Drain excess fat from the pot.
Season the Meat: Add garlic powder, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried thyme, optional crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the browned meat. Stir to combine all the flavors evenly.
Add Sauce and Tortellini: Pour the marinara sauce into the cooked meat mixture. Rinse the frozen tortellini briefly under warm water to slightly thaw, then drain well. Stir the tortellini into the meat sauce mixture.
Mix in Cheese and Transfer to Baking Dish: Remove the pot from heat and stir half of the grated mozzarella cheese into the tortellini and meat sauce. Transfer everything into the prepared baking dish. Evenly top with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish firmly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.

Notes

If you prefer fresh herbs, substitute them for the dried herbs using about three times the quantity since fresh herbs are less potent.
You can add grated vegetables such as zucchini or carrots to the meat sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Refrigerated cheese tortellini can be used instead of frozen without altering any cooking steps.
If using dried tortellini, be sure to cook it according to package directions, then drain before mixing with the meat sauce and baking.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
Calories: 490 kcal
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg