Description
This One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired casserole that combines juicy ground beef, tender cheese tortellini, and rich marinara sauce, all topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty dish is cooked entirely in one skillet and finished in the oven for a bubbly, golden cheese topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound cheese tortellini, refrigerated
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish after initial stovetop cooking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
- Season: Stir in the Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute to combine the flavors well.
- Add Sauces and Simmer: Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, stirring to mix. Bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat to meld all ingredients.
- Add Tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly to the skillet, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the sauce. Let cook for about 5 minutes to allow the tortellini to absorb flavors.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the tortellini and meat sauce layer.
- Bake: Transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the dish to sit for a few minutes to set before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve warm for a delicious, hearty one-pan meal.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe skillet is essential for easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a fresh finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Make sure the tortellini is refrigerated, not frozen, to ensure proper cooking time.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by cooking through step 6, then refrigerate and bake when ready.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
