This Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake is the ultimate comfort food. Tender cheese tortellini and savory beef are smothered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, topped with melty cheese, and baked to golden perfection. It’s quick to prepare, hearty, and perfect for a cozy dinner that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Cheesy Goodness: Layers of melty Parmesan and mozzarella make this dish irresistible.
- Easy and Satisfying: A no-fuss meal that’s packed with flavor and feeds a crowd.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the cheese, or try a spicy twist.
Ingredients
Here’s a preview of what you’ll need:
- Cheese tortellini for a soft and cheesy pasta base
- Ground beef for a hearty, protein-packed filling
- Fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese to flavor the creamy sauce
- Mozzarella for that perfect bubbly, golden topping
Check out the full ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings to make the sauce. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine the sauce with the cooked tortellini and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overcook the tortellini: Cook it just shy of al dente since it will bake further in the oven.
- Grate your own Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a richer flavor.
- For extra flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the sauce.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
- Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
- Use Alfredo sauce instead of cream for a richer flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Wine Pairing: A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp white like Chardonnay pairs beautifully.
- Perfect for Potlucks: This dish travels well and is always a hit at gatherings.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions.
- Freezing: Assemble the dish without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
2. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Just boil it according to package directions before adding it to the bake.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
4. What’s the best cheese for the topping?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses also works well.
Conclusion
This Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake is the perfect recipe for those cozy nights when you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and sure to become a family favorite.
Check the recipe card below for all the details and enjoy this cheesy, comforting delight tonight!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake is a hearty, cheesy casserole that combines tender beef, flavorful tortellini, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a satisfying and delicious meal in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the beef; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes.
- In a separate small saucepan, heat heavy cream over low heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the creamy mixture to the marinara-beef sauce and mix well.
- Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and add the tortellini to the sauce, stirring gently to coat.
- Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a flavor variation.
- Use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of making the cream sauce for a quicker version.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg