Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried parsley, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
6. Stir in the fresh basil, then remove the skillet from heat.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained cheese tortellini with the meat sauce, stirring until the tortellini is evenly coated.
8. Transfer the tortellini mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.

Tips and Variations

1. Use high-quality tortellini: Fresh or frozen tortellini works best in this recipe.
2. Customize with your favorite cheese: Mix in some shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or ricotta cheese for added flavor.
3. Add some spice: Mix in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an added kick.
4. Use lean ground beef: Choose lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
5. Make it a one-pot meal: Add some frozen peas and carrots or chopped bell peppers to make it a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

– Calories: 420
– Protein: 35g
– Fat: 25g
– Saturated Fat: 10g
– Cholesterol: 60mg
– Carbohydrates: 20g
– Fiber: 2g
– Sugar: 5g
– Sodium: 400mg