One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe

If you are craving a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious meal that comes together with minimal fuss, then this One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender cheese tortellini bathed in a rich, savory marinara sauce studded with perfectly browned ground beef and aromatic garlic and onions, all topped with a golden, bubbly blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a super convenient one-pan wonder that saves you time on cleanup and effort in the kitchen. Let me take you through this delightful recipe that has become a beloved favorite for cozy dinners and busy weeknights alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the secret to this recipe’s irresistible flavor and satisfying texture. Each element plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of meaty richness, cheesy creaminess, and bright herbal notes that make this dish shine.

• Olive oil: A little drizzle to beautifully brown the beef and soften the onions without sticking.
• Ground beef: The hearty protein base that brings juicy, savory depth to the bake.
• Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and bite to balance the beef’s richness.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth that smells irresistible as it cooks.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that enhances the sauce with classic Mediterranean flavors.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to elevate all the other ingredients.
• Marinara sauce: The heart of the dish, providing tangy tomato goodness and a saucy base for the tortellini.
• Beef broth: Adds moisture and extra savory complexity to keep the tortellini tender and flavorful.
• Cheese tortellini: Refrigerated pasta pockets stuffed with creamy cheese, offering a lovely chewy texture.
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into a luscious, stringy topping that perfectly blankets the bake.
• Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nutty, salty finish that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
• Fresh basil or parsley: Optional but highly recommended for a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness.

How to Make One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to melt the cheese to golden perfection later on. Meanwhile, gather all your ingredients so everything is within easy reach.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. Continue browning until there are no pink bits left and the beef is beautifully caramelized, bringing out its natural, juicy flavor.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir often and cook until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step builds the aromatic base that makes every bite so comforting.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Stir everything together and let the spices meld for an extra minute, allowing their flavors to bloom and coat the beef and onion evenly.

Step 5: Add Sauces and Simmer

Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, stirring to combine them with the browned meat mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce thicken slightly and flavors marry.

Step 6: Incorporate the Tortellini

Carefully nestle the cheese tortellini into the sauce, turning them gently so they are thoroughly coated. Let it all cook together for about 5 minutes, ensuring the pasta begins to soften and soak up that rich sauce.

Step 7: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the tortellini, then dust with grated Parmesan cheese. This layer promises a bubbly, melty, and slightly crispy topping once baked.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is gloriously bubbly and turning a beautiful golden brown. This final step brings everything together in warming, cheesy goodness.

Step 9: Rest and Garnish

Remove the skillet from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the bake to thicken just enough for easy serving. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil or parsley for that vibrant finishing touch.

How to Serve One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe

Garnishes

Adding fresh basil or parsley is more than just eye candy. These green herbs brighten the rich, cheesy bake with a lively herbal aroma and a subtle touch of freshness. Feel free to sprinkle them on right before serving for that extra pop of color and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

This bake is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables makes it even better by adding refreshing crunch and variety. Garlic bread or a simple baguette also work wonderfully to sop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish family-style right from the skillet at the table to keep the warm, cozy vibe going. Alternatively, portion it out into individual ramekins for a charming single-serving presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties or meal prepping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious if not better.

Freezing

This One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe freezes well, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and cheese is melty again, about 15 minutes. You can also microwave single servings, just cover loosely to avoid drying out and heat in 1-2 minute increments for best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! If using frozen tortellini, just add a few extra minutes during the stovetop step to ensure they’re fully cooked before baking. The texture will still be lovely and tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, swap out the ground beef for a plant-based alternative or extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian version that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

No worries. After cooking the beef and sauce on the stovetop, transfer everything to a baking dish for the oven step. Just be sure to use a dish that fits your amount of tortellini comfortably.

Can I prepare this recipe without baking it?

You could skip the oven and top with cheese while still warm, but baking gives that essential bubbly and golden crust that elevates this dish beyond a regular skillet meal.

How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?

This recipe is mild by default, perfect for most palates. If you crave a little kick, add crushed red pepper flakes when you add the Italian seasoning for subtle heat that complements the flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe is a true kitchen hero—comforting, delicious, and surprisingly simple to pull off. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy meal for yourself, it delivers big flavor without a lot of fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to comfort dish that always brings smiles to the table.

One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 20 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This One-Pan Beefy Tortellini Bake is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired casserole. Ground beef, aromatic onions, and garlic are simmered in a savory marinara sauce, then combined with cheese-filled tortellini and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Baked to golden perfection in a single skillet, this dish offers a deliciously cheesy, hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth

Pasta and Cheese

• 1 pound cheese tortellini, refrigerated
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
2. Cook Beef: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula for even cooking.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Add Seasoning: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute to blend the flavors.
5. Simmer Sauce: Pour in marinara sauce and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer to meld the flavors together.
6. Combine Tortellini: Add cheese tortellini to the skillet, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes to soften the pasta slightly.
7. Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the tortellini for a rich, cheesy crust.
8. Bake: Transfer the oven-safe skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish sit for a few minutes to set before serving.
10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter option.
• Fresh basil or parsley can be added before baking for more intense herb flavor.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer everything to a baking dish before adding cheese and baking.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian