Creamy Tomato Ground Beef Tortellini Bake

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. 3 Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, dried basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
4. 4 Add tortellini to the skillet, ensuring it's mostly submerged in sauce. Simmer gently for about 8 minutes until tortellini is almost cooked.
5. 5 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
6. 6 Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
7. 7 Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.
8. 8 Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Spatula

Variations

• Add a can of drained and rinsed white beans for extra protein and fiber.
• For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Substitutions

• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
• Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce fat content.

Pairings

• Garlic bread
• Steamed broccoli
• Sparkling water with lemon

Nutrition

Tips

• For a richer flavor, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil before adding ground beef.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce for an extra 5 minutes before adding tortellini.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in a 350°F oven until hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Pairs well with garlic bread on the side.

FAQ