Pesto Ground Beef Tortellini Bake

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini
• 1 jar (8 ounces) prepared pesto
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 In a large skillet, cook ground beef in olive oil over medium heat until browned; drain fat.
3. 3 Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. 4 In a separate pot, cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente; drain.
5. 5 In a large bowl, mix pesto, marinara sauce, and heavy cream until smooth.
6. 6 Combine cooked tortellini and ground beef with the pesto mixture.
7. 7 Spread half the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. 8 Dot with spoonfuls of ricotta, sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
9. 9 Add remaining tortellini mixture, then top with remaining cheeses.
10. 10 Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking dish (9x13 inches)
• Mixing bowls

Variations

• Add cooked chicken for extra protein.
• Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a kick.

Substitutions

• If ricotta isn't available, substitute with an extra 1/2 cup of mozzarella.
• Use fresh basil instead of dried if preferred.

Pairings

• Red wine such as a Chianti or Pinot Noir.
• Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing drink.

Nutrition

Tips

• For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or an extra cup of marinara sauce.
• Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.

Storage

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

Freezing: This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat covered at 350°F for 30-40 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp Caesar salad.
• Pair with garlic bread for a hearty meal.

FAQ