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- 12 oz beef tortellini (cooked) - 1 lb ground beef - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To make this dish, you need specific ingredients. First, you need beef tortellini, which adds a lovely texture. You'll also want ground beef for its rich flavor. Crushed tomatoes provide a nice sauce base. Ricotta cheese makes it creamy, while mozzarella and Parmesan add that cheesy goodness we all love. Don't forget garlic, oregano, and basil for extra flavor. Salt and pepper enhance everything, making it taste just right. Finally, fresh basil leaves make the dish look pretty and fresh. These ingredients come together to create a delicious meal that warms the soul. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Step 2: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. - Step 3: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep it lean. - Step 4: Add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until it smells nice. - Step 5: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. - Step 6: Mix the cooked tortellini with the beef sauce. Make sure every piece is coated well. - Step 7: In a separate bowl, fold together the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Stir until smooth. - Step 8: In the greased baking dish, spread half of the tortellini mixture in an even layer. Use a spatula for a flat surface. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture on top. Then, add the rest of the tortellini on top of that. - Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over everything. - Step 10: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. - Step 11: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Look for bubbly and golden cheese. - Step 12: Once baked, let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. - Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor: Fresh basil and oregano make a big difference. They add brightness and depth to your dish. - Do not overcook tortellini before baking: Cook them just until al dente. They will finish cooking in the oven. Overcooked tortellini can turn mushy. - Tips for a crispier top layer: Broil the dish for a minute after baking. This gives a golden, crunchy layer of cheese. - Not draining excess grease from beef: Leave the fat in, and it will make the dish greasy. Always drain well for a cleaner taste. - Skipping the simmering step: This step melds the flavors together. Do not rush; let it simmer for perfect taste. - Pairing with garlic bread or a side salad: Garlic bread is a classic choice. A fresh salad balances the richness of the dish. - Best wines to complement the dish: A medium-bodied red wine works well. Look for Chianti or Merlot to enhance your meal's flavors. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese can elevate the flavor of your baked tortellini dish. Customize Your Meats: You can substitute ground beef with turkey, sausage, or even a plant-based meat alternative for different flavor profiles. Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like gouda or provolone for a unique twist on the classic flavors. {{image_2}} You can easily change the meat in this dish. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This swap keeps the dish light and tasty. It can also lower the fat content. For cheese lovers, you can switch it up too. Try using gouda or cheddar instead of mozzarella. This change will give your baked beef tortellini a whole new flavor. You don’t have to stick to the oven. A slow cooker can be a great option. Cook the ground beef and add the sauce. Then layer everything in the slow cooker. Let it cook on low for about 4 hours. For those who love quick meals, try the Instant Pot. Cook the ground beef and add the sauce. Combine with tortellini and cook for just 5 minutes. Both methods create a warm, cheesy meal. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free tortellini. Many brands make delicious choices that work well. You can also make a vegetarian version. Use meat substitutes like lentils or mushrooms. They add texture and flavor without meat. This way, everyone can enjoy this cheesy comfort meal. To keep your Baked Beef Tortellini fresh, first let it cool. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy those cheesy leftovers later. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it at 375°F (190°C) until hot and bubbly. Baked Beef Tortellini lasts up to three days in the fridge. In the freezer, it can stay fresh for three months. For the best taste, eat it within those time frames. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Proper storage helps keep your meal safe and delicious! Baking beef tortellini takes about 35 to 40 minutes. First, you preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, bake covered for 25 minutes. After that, bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the cheese time to bubble and turn golden. Yes, you can prepare Baked Beef Tortellini in advance. Cook the beef and mix it with the tortellini. Layer the dish as usual, but do not bake it right away. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked Beef Tortellini pairs well with several side dishes. Consider serving garlic bread for a crunchy contrast. A fresh green salad also adds a bright touch. You can even offer steamed vegetables for a healthy side. Absolutely! Store-bought tortellini saves you time and effort. Many brands offer tasty options. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to your dish. This keeps the flavors intact and ensures a great meal. If your dish turns out watery, don’t worry. First, check if you added too much sauce or liquid. To fix it, let it bake longer without foil. This helps evaporate some moisture. You can also add a bit of extra cheese on top to absorb some liquid. This blog covered how to make a delicious Baked Beef Tortellini. You learned about the key ingredients, steps to prepare, and tips to get it just right. I shared variations, storage info, and FAQs to help you adapt this dish. Whether you stick to the basics or get creative, you can impress anyone with this meal. Enjoy making and sharing it with loved ones. It’s easy and tasty, and you’ll feel proud of your cooking skills!

Baked Beef Tortellini Delight

A delicious baked dish featuring beef tortellini, ground beef, and a blend of cheeses.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz beef tortellini
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
  • Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir and let simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the tomato-beef sauce. Mix well until the tortellini is evenly coated.
  • In a separate bowl, fold together ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
  • In the greased baking dish, spread half of the tortellini mixture in an even layer. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture on top, then add the remaining tortellini on top of that.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Once baked, let it cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Keyword baked pasta, beef, tortellini