Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare, this baked tortellini casserole with ground beef and marinara sauce is the perfect choice! It’s a comforting dish that combines tender cheese tortellini with flavorful meat sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound ground beef
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 6-8
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the beef, stirring to combine.
4. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
5. Arrange half of the uncooked tortellini over the sauce.
6. Top with half of the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortellini, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 3: Combine with Marinara Sauce
Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir well to combine and heat through.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will prevent the tortellini from sticking.
Step 5: Layer the Tortellini
Arrange half of the uncooked cheese tortellini evenly over the sauce in the baking dish.
Step 6: Add More Sauce and Cheese
Top the tortellini with half of the remaining meat sauce. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Step 7: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layers with the remaining tortellini, followed by the remaining meat sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
Step 8: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
Step 9: Bake Uncovered
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 10: Let it Rest
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly for easier serving.
Notes
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This casserole can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Brown the Ground Beef
Cooking the ground beef until it’s browned develops flavor through the Maillard reaction, giving it a rich, savory taste.
Deglazing the Skillet
After browning the ground beef, draining the excess fat helps to create a cleaner sauce while retaining the flavorful bits in the skillet that can be stirred into the marinara sauce.
Layering Ingredients
Arranging the tortellini and sauce in layers allows for even distribution of flavors and ensures that every bite has a balance of cheese, meat, and pasta.
Covering with Foil
Covering the baking dish with foil during the initial bake helps to trap steam, cooking the tortellini through without drying out the cheese.
Baking Without Foil
Removing the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking allows the cheese to brown and bubble, creating a deliciously crispy top layer.
Letting It Rest
Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving helps it to set, making it easier to cut and serve while retaining its layers.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat alternative.
What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
You can use any pasta sauce, such as Alfredo or pesto, for a different flavor profile.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden, and the pasta is tender.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the layers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Conclusion
This delicious casserole combines the rich flavors of ground beef, marinara sauce, and creamy mozzarella with tender cheese tortellini, making it a satisfying and hearty meal for any occasion. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Beef and Mushroom Tortellini Bake
Substitute half of the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Spinach and Cheese Tortellini Casserole
Incorporate fresh spinach layers between the tortellini and meat sauce to add a nutritious twist.
Italian Sausage and Tortellini Skillet
Replace ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, more seasoned dish.
Pesto Chicken Tortellini Bake
Try using shredded rotisserie chicken and mix in some pesto sauce for a fresh herby flavor.
Vegetarian Marinara Tortellini
Use a meat substitute like lentils or chickpeas and add various vegetables to create a hearty vegetarian option.
Cheesy Tortellini Alfredo
Switch the marinara sauce for an Alfredo sauce for a creamy, indulgent variation.
Mexican Inspired Tortellini Bake
Incorporate taco seasoning, black beans, and corn for a fun twist on the traditional Italian dish.
