Baked Tortellini (Tomato & Meat Sauce)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
50 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
417 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Baked Tortellini (Tomato & Meat Sauce)
Description
This baked tortellini dish starts with sautéed onions and garlic, adding lean ground beef that is browned and drained if needed. The cooked beef is combined with marinara sauce and uncooked refrigerated cheese tortellini in a casserole dish, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. Topped with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, the casserole is covered and baked at 375°F until the pasta cooks through and the cheese melts.
The result is a warm, substantial meal where the tender tortellini retains a soft texture against the rich, seasoned meat sauce. Baking allows flavors to meld while the cheese topping provides creaminess and mild sharpness. The shredded cheese mix also helps bind the components during baking.
This dish can serve 6 to 8 people depending on portions, making it suitable for family dinners or gatherings. Serving it with a side salad or steamed vegetables can balance the richness. The recipe notes recommend using refrigerated tortellini since it cooks well in the sauce; dried tortellini should be pre-cooked to maintain the proper texture.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 1 pound ground beef lean
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce (one 24 oz. jar)
- 2 (9 ounce) packages cheese tortellini see note, uncooked refrigerated
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
- Add the oil and onion to a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté for 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the beef and garlic and continue cooking, breaking the meat up with your spoon as you go along, until the beef has browned (about 8-10 minutes). Spoon out excess fat if there's a lot, and then transfer the cooked beef to a 9x13 casserole dish.
- Add the marinara sauce, cheese tortellini, and some salt & pepper to the casserole dish, then toss it all together and spread it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the cheeses over top, then cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the tortellini is cooked and the cheese has melted. Optional: take the foil off once it's done, then broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese up a bit.
Notes
- Use refrigerated tortellini to ensure proper cooking time in the casserole; if using dried tortellini, boil it first as per package instructions.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste when combining the sauce and tortellini.
- Optionally broil uncovered for a few minutes after baking to brown the cheese topping.
- This recipe serves 6-8 and can be complemented with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 417 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 417kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 85mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 972mg | 41% |
| Potassium | 539mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 634IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 283mg | 28% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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