Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
521 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
Description
Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce features cheese tortellini cooked until just tender, then coated in a flavorful meat sauce made from sautéed onions and 90% lean ground beef simmered briefly in marinara sauce. The mixture is combined and placed in a greased baking dish before being topped with shredded mozzarella cheese. Baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit melts the cheese to a golden finish, enhancing the dish's richness. The sauce and pasta meld together during baking, creating a hearty meal that balances creamy cheese and savory meat flavors.
The flavors are straightforward, with the tomatoes offering acidity and sweetness to complement the beef and cheese. The onion provides a mild caramelized note, while the parsley sprinkled on top adds freshness. The dish is served hot as a satisfying entrée. It works well paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
For best results, shred your own mozzarella cheese to promote better melting, as pre-shredded options may contain anti-caking agents that inhibit smooth texture. Ensure the tortellini is well coated with sauce and cheese before baking to prevent dryness. The use of lean ground beef helps reduce grease while maintaining meat flavor.
Ingredients
- 18 ounces cheese tortellini (2 10-ounce packages or 1 family size 20-ounce package)
- 1 ounce container marinara sauce
- cooking spray
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion white, diced
- 1 pound ground beef I use 90% lean
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a 6 cup or larger baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions.
- While you wait for the water to boil and tortellini to cook, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the pan and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until done, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Pour the marinara sauce into the pan with the beef and heat until warmed through.
- Drain the pasta and return to the pot. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss to coat.
- Spoon the pasta into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the cheese over the top. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Use your preferred jarred marinara or prepare a homemade marinara sauce for a more personalized flavor.
- Choose 90% lean ground beef to keep the dish flavorful without excess grease.
- Make sure the tortellini is well coated with sauce and cheese before baking to maintain moisture.
- Shred fresh mozzarella rather than using pre-shredded to achieve better melting and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 521 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 521kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 37g | 12% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 110mg | 37% |
| Sodium | 653mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 271mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 250IU | 5% |
| Calcium | 318mg | 32% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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