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For a tasty One Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake, you will need the following: - 1 lb ground beef - 1 onion, chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 2 cups marinara sauce - 2 cups beef broth - 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish (optional) These ingredients come together to create a warm, hearty dish. The ground beef adds protein and flavor. Chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper bring a nice crunch and sweetness. The marinara sauce and beef broth form a rich base that coats the tortellini perfectly. Cheesy goodness comes from the mozzarella and Parmesan. Italian seasoning gives it a classic touch. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh basil adds brightness to the finished dish. This recipe balances flavors and textures, making it a hit at any dinner table. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. A hot oven helps the cheese melt and bubble nicely. Next, take a large oven-safe skillet. Place it on medium heat and add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook this for about 5-7 minutes. You want it to turn a nice brown color. If there is extra fat, drain it off. This keeps your dish from being too greasy. Now, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften and smell great. The onion will become clear, and the garlic will get fragrant. Pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce and 2 cups of beef broth. Stir in a package of refrigerated cheese tortellini. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything well and let it simmer gently for a few minutes. The tortellini will start to soften in this tasty mix. Once the tortellini is slightly soft, it’s cheese time! Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This will melt and create a delicious crust. Now, carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You can watch for the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown. This is when it’s ready to come out. When you take it out, let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, add fresh basil on top for a nice touch. This step adds color and flavor. Your One Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake is now ready to enjoy! To make the beef tasty, start with good ground beef. Use 80/20 beef for the best mix of flavor and fat. Browning the beef well adds depth. Drain any extra fat after cooking. This keeps the dish from being too greasy. When using tortellini, don't overcook it. Add it to the skillet and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This gives it a soft texture but keeps it firm. You want the tortellini to soak up the sauce but not fall apart. Cheese can change the taste a lot. I love mixing mozzarella and Parmesan. Try using smoked cheese for a unique twist. You can even add goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Play with different cheese types to find your favorite blend. Fresh herbs really brighten the dish. I like to use basil as a garnish. You can also stir in some fresh parsley or oregano before baking. These herbs add a nice aroma and make each bite more exciting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil or parsley right before serving enhances flavor and adds a beautiful touch to your dish. Choose the Right Skillet: Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the mixture to a baking dish. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. {{image_2}} You can switch out the ground beef for other proteins. Ground turkey works well and is leaner. Chicken is another tasty choice, giving a lighter flavor. For a hearty dish, try Italian sausage. Just cook it until browned, just like the beef. If you want a meatless meal, replace the beef with mushrooms or lentils. Both add great texture and flavor. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a similar taste. Don't forget to increase the seasoning to enhance those flavors. Cheese can change the whole dish. Try using cheddar for a sharp taste. You can mix in ricotta for creaminess. Feta adds a nice tang, while gouda brings a smokey flavor. Feel free to mix your favorites! Boost nutrition by adding more veggies. Spinach is a great choice; it wilts down nicely. Zucchini and carrots add sweetness and color. You can also toss in peas or corn for a pop of texture. Simply sauté them with the other veggies. After you enjoy your One Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake, let any leftovers cool. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This dish is great for quick meals later in the week. You can freeze the leftovers too! Portion them into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Label the containers with the date. They will stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheating is easy! You can use the microwave or oven. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm evenly. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot. Cover with foil to keep cheese from burning. Enjoy the flavors again! You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. They both work well. You can also try plant-based meat options for a vegetarian dish. Each option gives a different taste, but the recipe will still be tasty. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. It will still cook well in the marinara sauce. Frozen tortellini can be a great way to save time. To add some heat, try adding red pepper flakes. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce. For a bolder flavor, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix. Adjust to your heat level for a perfect kick. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time. Cook the beef and veggies, then combine with the sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready, just sprinkle cheese on top and bake. This makes weeknight dinners easier! This blog post covered key ingredients like ground beef, veggies, and cheese for a tasty dish. I shared step-by-step instructions to help you prepare and bake it just right. Tips on ensuring your beef is flavorful and your tortellini is perfect added extra value. Don't forget the many variations and storage tips to fit your needs. In my view, this recipe is both fun and flexible. You can easily make it your own. Enjoy cooking!

One Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake

A delicious one-pan dish featuring ground beef, cheese tortellini, and a blend of savory sauces topped with melted cheese.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
  • Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth into the skillet. Stir in the tortellini, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Once the tortellini is slightly softened (about 5 minutes), sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword bake, beef, cheese, one pan, tortellini