Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce. This delicious dish combines tender tortellini, rich meat sauce made with ground beef or Italian sausage, and layers of creamy cheeses for that perfect gooey texture. It’s a versatile recipe that you can customize to suit your family's taste or dietary needs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish is sure to impress and create lasting memories around the table.

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Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil

For the Tortellini:

1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.

- Add minced garlic and ground beef or sausage. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook the Tortellini:

- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Combine Ingredients:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked tortellini, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix until well combined.

Layer the Dish:

- In a greased 9x13 inch (or similar sized) baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce on the bottom.

- Spoon the tortellini mixture over the sauce, and then layer the rest of the meat sauce on top of the tortellini.

Add Cheese and Bake:

- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the meat sauce.

- Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent burning) and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve:

- Once baked, remove from the oven. Allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 50 min | 6 servings