Marinara Ground Beef Tortellini Bake

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
3. 3 Add garlic, basil, and oregano to the beef, and cook for another minute.
4. 4 Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. 5 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
6. 6 Mix cooked tortellini, beef mixture, and spinach in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. 8 Sprinkle with mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
9. 9 Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is golden.
10. 10 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish (9x13 inch)
• Large pot

Variations

• Add cooked Italian sausage to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
• Use whole wheat tortellini for a healthier twist.

Substitutions

• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Use store-bought pesto in place of fresh spinach for a different flavor profile.

Pairings

• Garlic bread
• Italian wine like a Chianti

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra flavor, sauté the spinach with a bit of garlic before mixing it in.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake covered at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp Caesar salad.
• Serve with warm, crusty bread.

FAQ