One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake

$For the One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake, you will need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup beef broth - 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil, for garnish Using fresh tortellini makes the dish light and tender. Fresh pasta cooks quickly and absorbs flavors better. On the other hand, frozen tortellini offers convenience and still tastes great. Both options work well in this recipe. If you choose frozen, just add a minute or two to the cooking time. If you want a change, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. These options are leaner and still very tasty. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian twist. Each substitute will give a different flavor but will still work well in this dish. Remember to adjust the cooking time if needed. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup beef broth - 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish Make sure the onion is finely chopped and the garlic is minced. This helps them cook evenly. If using frozen tortellini, set it out to thaw a bit. This will help with cooking later. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it turns brown. Drain any extra fat. This step keeps the dish from being greasy. Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them in and cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become soft and clear. This brings out the sweet flavor of the onion and the aroma of garlic. Now, pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth. Mix it all together and bring it to a simmer. This step makes the sauce rich and tasty. Once the sauce is simmering, add the cheese tortellini. Gently stir to coat the tortellini with the sauce. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the tortellini. This adds creaminess to the bake. Lastly, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. After that, remove the cover and bake for another 10-15 minutes. The cheese should be bubbling and golden. Let it sit for a few minutes before you serve it. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake! To get that gooey, dreamy cheese melt, follow these steps. First, use fresh mozzarella for the best taste. Shred the cheese yourself for a better melt than pre-shredded cheese. When you sprinkle it on top, spread it evenly. Cover the dish while baking helps keep the moisture in. Once the time is up, remove the cover and bake until golden. This creates a crispy top and a soft, melty layer underneath. You can easily prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the beef and veggies as directed. Then, layer everything in your skillet, but do not bake it yet. Cover the skillet and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to eat, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it's cold. This dish pairs well with several sides. A simple green salad adds freshness and crunch. Garlic bread is a classic choice that complements the flavors. You can also serve steamed broccoli or green beans to add nutrition. For a fun twist, try a side of roasted vegetables. Each side brings something special to the table, making your meal even better. Pro Tips Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh tortellini will give your dish a delightful texture and flavor. If using frozen, ensure they are fully cooked before adding to the sauce. Season Generously: Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick! Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve. Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, consider adding spinach or bell peppers to the skillet when sautéing the onion and garlic. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken. Both options offer a lighter taste. Ground turkey is lean and great if you want fewer calories. Ground chicken has a mild flavor that pairs well with cheese and sauce. Just brown the turkey or chicken in the skillet first, just as you would with beef. The cooking times remain the same, making it a simple swap. If you want a vegetarian dish, use meat substitutes like lentils or chickpeas. They add protein and texture. Cook them the same way you would prepare the beef. You can also try plant-based ground beef. These options keep the dish filling while being meat-free. Just ensure to adjust the salt, as some meat substitutes are saltier. Adding veggies boosts nutrition and flavor. You can mix in spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Chop them small so they cook quickly. Sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the sauce. This method adds color and health benefits to your One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake. You can also top it with fresh basil for a pop of flavor. To store your One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake, let it cool first. Once cooled, put it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well, so it does not dry out. When you want to reheat your dish, the oven works best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tortellini bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until hot. You can also use the microwave. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the cheese from getting tough. You can freeze this dish for later. It’s great for meal prep! To do this, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Be sure to label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, it stays tasty and ready to enjoy! Yes, you can! Feel free to mix and match cheeses. Try using provolone or gouda. Both melt well and add great flavor. Just keep in mind that mozzarella gives a classic touch. Ricotta adds creaminess. Using a blend makes it fun and tasty! You have many choices! A fresh salad pairs well with this dish. Consider a simple green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers. Garlic bread is also a great side. It soaks up the sauce nicely. You can even serve it with steamed veggies for extra nutrition. This recipe takes about 50 minutes in total. You need about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients. Cooking the dish in the oven takes around 35 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for busy nights! In this article, we explored how to make a delicious One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake. We discussed the fresh ingredients needed and the importance of using frozen tortellini. I shared steps for cooking and tips for achieving a great cheese melt. We looked at variations and storage options, plus answered common questions. This dish is easy, tasty, and perfect for busy nights. Try it out and enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you'll impress your family!$

One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring beef, cheese tortellini, and a rich marinara sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup beef broth
12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large, oven-safe skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
Stir in the marinara sauce and beef broth, mixing until combined. Bring to a simmer.
Add the cheese tortellini to the skillet and gently stir to coat them in the sauce.
In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the tortellini in the skillet.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Keyword bake, beef, cheese, one-pan, tortellini