One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe

If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful dinner that comes together with ease and minimal cleanup, this One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe is absolutely the way to go. It’s packed with juicy ground beef, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich tomato sauce all baked together under a gooey blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Every bite feels like a warm, comforting hug, and the best part? Only one pan to wash afterward, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights or even casual weekend dinners with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe plays an essential role, contributing layers of flavor, inviting textures, and a vibrant color palette that makes this dish as delightful to look at as it is to enjoy. Plus, they’re all simple pantry and fridge staples you probably already have!

• Olive oil: Adds just the right touch of richness to sauté the aromatics and brown the beef.
• Medium onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce with its natural sugars.
• Garlic, minced: Infuses the beef mixture with a warm, fragrant kick that wakes up the palate.
• Ground beef: The hearty base protein that makes this dish satisfying and filling.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, seasoning the beef and the sauce perfectly.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity without overpowering the dish.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a classic Mediterranean aroma and flavor.
• Canned diced tomatoes, undrained: Supplies acidity and freshness to balance the richness of the beef.
• Tomato sauce: Thickens the sauce and gives it that smooth, comforting texture.
• Beef broth: Deepens the meaty flavor and ensures the sauce stays luscious.
• Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Soft, pillowy pasta pockets stuffed with cheese, the star that holds everything together.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a bubbly, stretchy topping that’s pure indulgence.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish that elevates each bite.
• Fresh basil, chopped: Adds a bright, herbal note and a splash of green that makes the dish pop.

How to Make One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you a hot environment ready to cook that cheesy top to bubbly perfection after all the stovetop magic.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large oven-safe skillet, warm the olive oil on medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and garlic, letting them soften and release their sweet aromas, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This base layer of flavor sets the stage for every other ingredient to shine.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula so it crumbles evenly—around 5 to 7 minutes. Season now with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with savory notes.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine well, creating a rich, meaty tomato sauce that’s about to become cozy with the pasta.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Tortellini

Next, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini right into the skillet and mix gently so each tortellini is nestled into the sauce, ready to absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 6: Simmer

Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, cooking uncovered for about 5 minutes and stirring occasionally. This softens the tortellini and thickens the sauce, bringing everything together beautifully.

Step 7: Layer with Mozzarella

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top. This layer will melt, bubble, and brown into a cheesy blanket over your pasta bake.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt fully and the flavors to meld into a cohesive, sumptuous bake.

Step 9: Broil for a Golden Finish

For that irresistible golden crust, switch your oven to the broil setting for 2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning—it should turn perfectly bubbly and browned.

Step 10: Final Touches

After removing the skillet from the oven, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil over the top. These final touches add layers of flavor and a fresh, vibrant color to your finished dish.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Let your One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake rest for a few minutes before serving. This pause allows the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to settle, making each bite even more delightful.

How to Serve One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves visually brighten the dish while lending a sweet herbal aroma that complements the rich tomato and beef flavors perfectly. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving can also add a silky finish and enhance the mouthfeel.

Side Dishes

Since this One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe is so filling and flavorful, serving it alongside a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Crispy garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette slices also make fantastic partners to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping generous portions into shallow bowls and topping them with additional Parmesan and fresh basil springs for an inviting presentation. For a fun twist, serve this pasta bake family-style directly in the skillet on the table, encouraging everyone to dive in and share the comfort and joy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! Cool it completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or return the whole skillet to a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered loosely with foil, for about 20 minutes. Add a sprinkle of extra mozzarella cheese on top before reheating if you want to revive the bubbly top.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini bring a wonderful cheesy surprise inside, you can substitute with ravioli, gnocchi, or even small pasta shapes like penne or shells. Just adjust the cooking time to make sure the pasta cooks through without overboiling.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth keeps the richness, making this dish friendly for vegetarians without sacrificing flavor.

Do I need an oven-safe skillet to make this?

An oven-safe skillet is ideal since you start the recipe on the stove and finish it in the oven. If you don’t have one, cook everything on the stovetop and transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can prepare all the stovetop steps, cover the skillet or transfer the mix to a baking dish, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, bring it to room temperature, then top with cheese and bake as directed.

What’s the best way to get a crispy cheese topping?

For a perfectly crispy topping, broiling the dish uncovered for the last 2 minutes is key. Just watch carefully, as cheese can go from beautifully golden to burnt very quickly under the broiler.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe has quickly become a beloved staple because it delivers big, comforting flavors without complicated steps or multiple pots and pans. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a special occasion but is simple enough for any day. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it brings joy and warmth to your own dinner table!

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