Looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser?
Look no further than this fantastic tortellini bake!
With just four ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a cheesy, satisfying meal on the table in under an hour.
It’s perfect for busy families or nights when you just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is also a lifesaver for picky eaters.
The combination of pasta, melty cheese, and savory ground beef is a winner in most households, and the best part is it’s totally customizable!
We’ll provide some tips on how to jazz things up a bit later, but first, let’s dive into the essentials.
Gather Your Ingredients (Just 4!)
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- A jar of your favorite pasta sauce (we recommend a creamy three-cheese blend for extra indulgence)
- A package of frozen tortellini (cheese filling is classic, but feel free to experiment with different flavors!)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (because melty cheese is the best cheese, obviously)
Simple Steps, Big Flavor
Now that you have your ingredients ready, follow these easy steps to create your masterpiece:
- Boil the Tortellini: Follow the package instructions on how long to cook your tortellini. In most cases, it’ll take around 8-10 minutes for them to reach that perfect al dente texture. While the water’s heating up, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when your tortellini are ready.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown your ground beef over medium heat. Don’t forget to break it up with a spoon as it cooks! This is where you can add your favorite seasonings to personalize the flavor profile. The author suggests Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic, but feel free to get creative! Maybe you like things a little spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes! Or perhaps you’re craving a Mexican twist? Try a fajita seasoning blend. The possibilities are endless.
- Assemble and Bake! In a 9×13 inch baking dish, toss together your cooked and drained tortellini, your flavorful ground beef, and that delicious pasta sauce. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed. Finally, sprinkle the top with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Devour! Take your piping hot tortellini bake out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. You can serve it on its own, or pair it with a side salad or some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
Making it Your Own: Customization Tips
This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch! Here are some ideas:
- Veggie Power: Add chopped spinach, broccoli florets, or mixed veggies to the pan with the ground beef for an extra dose of nutrients.
- Spice it Up: Like things with a kick? Add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the ground beef or the sauce.
- Cheese Extravaganza: Don’t stop at mozzarella! Try a combination of cheeses, or add some crumbled feta or ricotta for a different flavor dimension.
- Herb Heaven: Fresh herbs like chopped basil, oregano, or parsley can add a wonderful freshness to the dish. Sprinkle them on before baking or after serving.
With a little creativity, you can easily turn this 4-ingredient wonder into a signature dish that your family will love. So next time you’re short on time but craving comfort food, give this easy tortellini bake a try!