Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake
Ingredients:
- 2 packages cheese tortellini
- 1 pound ground beef
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (as much as desired)
- 1 block cream cheese
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Italian seasoning, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the jar of marinara sauce and the block of cream cheese to the cooked ground beef. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined with the beef.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Gently toss until the tortellini is evenly coated.
- Transfer the beef and tortellini mixture to a baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Note: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding additional ingredients such as diced vegetables, chopped herbs, or even different types of cheese according to your taste preferences.
Here are some tips to make your Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake even more delicious:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cheese tortellini, lean ground beef, fresh marinara sauce, and good-quality mozzarella cheese for the best flavor.
- Season Well: Season the ground beef generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor of the dish. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Brown the Beef Properly: Make sure to brown the ground beef properly to develop flavor and texture. Break up any large chunks of meat while cooking for even browning.
- Drain Excess Grease: After cooking the ground beef, drain any excess grease to prevent the final dish from being too oily.
- Mix the Sauce Thoroughly: When adding the marinara sauce and cream cheese to the cooked ground beef, ensure they are well combined. This helps to create a creamy and flavorful sauce that coats the tortellini evenly.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini just until al dente according to the package instructions. Overcooking can result in mushy pasta after baking.
- Use a Generous Amount of Cheese: Don’t skimp on the shredded mozzarella cheese. A generous layer of cheese on top adds richness and creates a golden, gooey crust when baked.
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding additional ingredients such as garlic, onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Garnish Before Serving: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil over the baked dish just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Let it Rest: Allow the Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and satisfying Cheesy Beef Tortellini Bake that’s sure to become a family favorite
