Indulge in Cheesy Baked Tortellini: A Quick and Delicious Meal!

When it comes to comfort food that’s sure to satisfy, Cheesy Baked Tortellini is a true winner. This easy-to-prepare pasta dish combines tender cheese-filled tortellini, seasoned ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce for a meal that’s both indulgent and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, Cheesy Baked Tortellini is sure to become a new favorite.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Tortellini

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting pasta bake:

• 1 (20oz) container of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 (24oz) jar of pasta sauce
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan
• Seasoning to taste (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Baked Tortellini

Preparing Cheesy Baked Tortellini is a breeze, and the end result is well worth the minimal effort. Follow these simple steps to create this comforting pasta dish:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Sauce and Cream Cheese: Stir in the pasta sauce and cubed cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Season with your desired spices.
4. Combine with Tortellini: Gently fold the tortellini into the sauce mixture until the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Assemble: Transfer the cheesy tortellini mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
6. Bake: Bake the Cheesy Baked Tortellini uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting and delicious pasta bake!

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cheesy Baked Tortellini

To elevate your Cheesy Baked Tortellini even further, consider these helpful tips and tricks:

• Vegetable Addition: Stir in some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Protein Variations: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based protein for a different twist.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Leftovers: Cover and reheat leftover Cheesy Baked Tortellini in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Baked Tortellini

To round out your Cheesy Baked Tortellini meal, consider serving it with any of these delicious accompaniments:

• Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect pairing for this creamy pasta dish.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad or Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy tortellini.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus make for a tasty and nutritious side dish.
• Crusty Bread: Serve the Cheesy Baked Tortellini with a warm, crusty bread for sopping up every last bite of the creamy sauce.

Nutritional Information for Cheesy Baked Tortellini

While Cheesy Baked Tortellini is undoubtedly a comforting and indulgent dish, there are ways to make it a bit healthier:

• Calorie Content: A single serving of this recipe contains approximately 550 calories, with the majority coming from the cheese, pasta, and ground beef.
• Macronutrients: Each serving provides around 35g of carbohydrates, 30g of protein, and 25g of fat.
• Modifications: To reduce the calorie and fat content, consider using low-fat cream cheese and shredded cheese, or opt for a leaner ground meat like turkey or ground chicken.
• Portion Control: Enjoy this dish in moderation, as the rich and creamy nature can make it easy to overindulge.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine with Garlic Cajun Butter
• Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta
• Crockpot Chicken Tortellini
• Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese

FAQs About Cheesy Baked Tortellini

Can I use fresh, frozen, or store-bought tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese tortellini for this recipe, whether it’s fresh, frozen, or store-bought. The key is to ensure the tortellini are cooked according to the package instructions before adding them to the sauce mixture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time and bake it later?

Absolutely! Cheesy Baked Tortellini is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.

Is it possible to make a vegetarian or vegan version?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian or vegan. Instead of ground beef, use a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or sautéed mushrooms. For the cheese, opt for vegan shredded mozzarella and parmesan alternatives.

Can I add extra vegetables or protein to the dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the Cheesy Baked Tortellini by adding extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also incorporate additional protein sources, such as ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based meat substitute.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Tortellini is a comforting and delicious pasta dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender tortellini, and savory ground beef, this casserole-style meal is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special gatherings. By following the simple steps and customizing the recipe to your liking, you can create a truly satisfying and irresistible pasta bake that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Looking for more tasty ideas? Visit Elena’s Fast & Flavorful Recipes on Pinterest for a treasure trove of easy meals, comforting bakes, and fun kitchen inspiration!

Print