Baked Cheesy Tortellini w/ Meat Sauce
Tonight’s dinner inspiration was absolute 10/10 🔥🙌🏽
Ingredients:
1 packet cheese tortellini of you choice (I used Trader Joe’s brand)
2 1/2 cups of your choice marinara sauce (I used Prego)
1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup heavy cream
Shredded Mozzerella and Colby Jack cheese (your hearts desired amount)
Grated Parmesan (For garnish)
dried Parsley
dried Thyme
Garlic powder
Dried basil
2 tsp grated garlic
Red pepper flakes (adjust to your liking)
Salt&Pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°
Take an 8x8 glass dish and lightly spray with oil Olive
Take a big pot and bring water to a rolling boil, salt and add packaged cheese tortellini and cook about 4 mins. After 4 mins, strain and set aside.
In the same pot, add about 1 tsp of olive oil and once hot, add the ground beef. Mash up till little to clumps of meat. As this cooks add some salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, grated garlic and garlic powder, dried thyme and basil and mix till well combined. After about 5-6 mins, as oil releases, strain the excess oil. Once meat is 95% cooked. Add marinara sauce and heavy cream and mix till combined, then add in the tortellini.
Add half the mixture into the glass dish and add about 1/8 cup each of Colby and mozzarella cheese. Add remaining pasta and add now your desired amount of each cheese. Cover with aluminum, and bake 375° for 12 mins. Remove foil and broil on low for additional 4 mins. Garnish w/ parsley and grated Parmesan and pair with your garlic toast 🙌🏽🔥
If you're on the hunt for a family-friendly dinner option, Baked Cheesy Tortellini w/ Meat Sauce is an excellent choice that combines the richness of cheese with the heartiness of beef and pasta. This comforting dish easily adapts to your preferences – you can substitute proteins or use veggies for a vegetarian twist. For added flavor, consider experimenting with different marinara sauces or cheese blends, ensuring you've got the perfect balance of creaminess and zest. Tortellini, a stuffed pasta hailing from Italy, offers various fillings ranging from cheese to meat, making it versatile for any meal. Many grocery stores stock both dried and fresh options, so you'll have no trouble finding your preferred version. Pair this dish with a side salad or garlic bread to enhance your meal. Don't forget to personalize the toppings based on your taste – try fresh basil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for those who crave heat. This recipe not only satisfies the taste buds but also fits seamlessly into busy weeknight routines, making it a must-try for any pasta lover!
Definitely going to try this!