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Cheesy tortellini bake combines tender, cheese-stuffed pasta with a rich, savory tomato sauce, all topped with a golden, melted cheese crust that makes it irresistibly delicious. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s as perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is for a comforting weekend feast.
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Easy Tortellini Cheesy Bake
The cheesy tortellini bake is a sumptuous feast for the senses, where each bite offers the perfect harmony of cheese-filled pasta enveloped in a savory tomato sauce, topped with a bubbling layer of mozzarella and Parmesan. Its enticing aroma, as it comes fresh out of the oven, has the power to gather the family around the dining table with eager anticipation. This dish stands out for its ease of preparation, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights when time is of the essence yet a hearty meal is desired.
The versatility of the bake allows for the incorporation of various ingredients such as vegetables, meats, or different cheeses, catering to a wide range of taste preferences and dietary needs. Children, in particular, are drawn to the colorful tortellini and the gooey cheese, making it a family-friendly option that ensures clean plates. The cheesy tortellini bake is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings warmth, comfort, and satisfaction to any dinner table.
How to Make Tortellini Bake
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons) – Adds a fruity base note and helps to sauté other ingredients, enhancing their flavors.
- Ground beef (1 lb) – Provides a hearty, meaty texture and depth to the dish, making it more satisfying.
- Onion (1) – Contributes a sweet, aromatic base that complements the savory elements of the bake.
- Garlic cloves (3) – Infuses the dish with a pungent, earthy flavor that deepens the overall taste profile.
- Dry white wine (2 tbsp) – Introduces a subtle acidity and complexity, deglazing the pan and melding the flavors.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz) – Offer a rich, tangy tomato base that forms the heart of the sauce.
- Can of tomato sauce (8 oz) – Adds a smooth, velvety consistency and concentrated tomato flavor to the dish.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon) – Brings a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, adding a classic Italian aroma and taste.
- Kosher salt (1 1/2 teaspoons) – Enhances the overall flavors of the dish, making each ingredient stand out.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 tsp) – Provides a mild heat and piquant edge that balances the richness of the cheeses and meat.
- Fresh cheese tortellini (24 oz) – Serves as the star of the dish, with its tender pasta and creamy cheese filling adding texture and richness.
- Mozzarella cheese (3 cups) – Tops the bake with a gooey, stretchy layer that becomes golden and bubbly when baked.
Use this Method
Cook vegetables. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet, sautee onions in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for addtional minute. Add the white wine to the pan to deglaze the bottom. Cook off for 3-4 minutes.
Cook Meat. Add ground beef and brown.
Add Tomatoes. Once beef is cooked stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
Combine and Bake. Stir in uncooked, fresh tortellini and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Transfer to greased casserole dish and sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes till bubbly.
Tips and Tricks for Making Pasta Bake
Pre-cook Tortellini Al Dente: Boil the tortellini just until it’s al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft when baked.
Use Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality cheeses for both the filling and topping to enhance the flavor and meltability.
Homemade Sauce: Consider making your tomato sauce from scratch with fresh tomatoes and herbs for a richer, more authentic taste.
Add Layers of Flavor: Incorporate layers of sautéed vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, and cooked meats, such as sausage or chicken, for added depth and nutrition.
Season Well: Don’t forget to season each component, including the sauce and the pasta water, to ensure the dish is flavorful throughout.
Mix Cheeses: Combine different cheeses such as mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta in the bake for a complex flavor profile and creamy texture.
Bake Until Bubbly: Bake the dish until the cheese is golden and bubbly to achieve that irresistible cheesy crust.
Broil for a Crust: Consider broiling the bake for the last few minutes to get a perfectly crisp and golden top layer.
Rest Before Serving: Let the bake sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to set up for easier serving and better texture.
Garnish: Add a fresh touch with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving to enhance the presentation and flavor.
FAQs
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used directly in the bake without thawing. Just ensure it’s cooked according to package instructions to achieve the right texture.
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with an egg and some Parmesan, or stir in a splash of cream to your tomato sauce.
Absolutely. Cooked chicken, sausage, ground beef, or even shrimp can be a great addition. Just ensure the protein is cooked before adding it to the bake.
Yes, simply skip any meat additions and consider adding more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
Properly stored in an airtight container, the tortellini bake can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Yes, the tortellini bake freezes well. Cool it completely, cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved, covered, to prevent drying out.
Yes, you can assemble the bake ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
What to Enjoy with this Tortellini Bake
Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread makes an excellent side for scooping up sauce and complementing the rich flavors of the bake.
Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing balances the richness of the tortellini bake.
Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus offer a healthy, crunchy contrast to the cheesy pasta.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Brussels sprouts roasted with a bit of olive oil and seasoning can add a deliciously caramelized flavor to the meal.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze create a refreshing side that pairs well with the Italian flavors of the bake. Try this recipe.
Italian Meatballs: Serving Italian meatballs on the side can turn the tortellini bake into a more substantial feast, ideal for meat lovers.
Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cured meats, artichokes, and cheeses can start the meal off with a variety of textures and flavors.
Sauteed Spinach or Kale: Greens sautéed with garlic add a healthful element and a pop of color to your plate.
Ratatouille: A side of ratatouille brings a medley of summer vegetables and complements the tomato base of the tortellini bake.
Red Wine: A glass of medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, can enhance the flavors of the cheese and tomato sauce beautifully.
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Cheesy Tortellini Bake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 1 Small onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp dry white wine
- 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes crushed by hand
- 8 oz can of tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt
- ¼ tsp fresh ground black pepper
- 24 oz package of fresh cheese tortellini
- 3 cups of freshly grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet, sautee onions in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for addtional minute. Add the white wine to the pan to deglaze the bottom. Cook off for 3-4 minutes.
- Add ground beef and brown.
- Once beef is cooked stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in uncooked, fresh tortellini and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer to greased casserole dish and sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
- Cover tightly with foil and baked at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Yum