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Tortellini Pasta Bake Recipe by Mr. Make It Happen
Introduction
If you’re searching for a comforting and flavorful meal that will please the whole family, look no further! This Tortellini Pasta Bake is a delicious blend of cheese-filled tortellini, savory Italian sausage, ground beef, and a rich, cheesy tomato sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner or for feeding a crowd, this dish combines all your favorite flavors into one satisfying bake. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive into this recipe!
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your pasta bake is hot and bubbly when it comes out of the oven.
Dice the onion and basil and measure out your remaining ingredients.
Next, cook your Italian Sausage and slide to the side of your skillet, then add in the ground beef.
While the meat is cooking, cook the 3 cheese Tortellini per package instructions in salted water.
What Is Three Cheese Tortellini?
Three cheese tortellini is a type of stuffed pasta, traditionally shaped like small rings or navel shapes. The filling is typically made from a mixture of cheeses, which often includes ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The pasta itself is usually made from a simple dough of flour and eggs.
Cheeses Used in Three Cheese Tortellini:
- Ricotta: This creamy, soft cheese adds a rich texture and mild flavor to the filling. It’s known for its light and fluffy consistency.
- Mozzarella: This cheese contributes a smooth, melty texture and mild taste. It helps bind the filling together and provides a nice gooey texture when cooked.
- Parmesan: This aged, hard cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses. It also helps enhance the overall flavor profile of the tortellini.
Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook the chicken Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the tomato sauce, heavy cream, oregano, red pepper flakes, and all-purpose seasoning. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and stir to combine.
Assemble the Bake
In a large baking dish (about 9×13 inches), spread a thin layer of the meat sauce mixture on the bottom. Add a layer of tortellini on top of the sauce, then pour over more of the meat sauce mixture. Repeat the layers until all the tortellini and sauce are used, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the Tortellini Pasta Bake cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Tips for Success
- Customize Your Meat: Feel free to substitute or add other meats, such as ground turkey or pork, depending on your preferences.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: For added nutrition, you can include vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them with the onion before adding them to the sauce.
- Make-Ahead Option: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
This Tortellini Pasta Bake is a delightful and hearty meal that combines rich flavors with cheesy goodness. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a comforting dish that’s sure to please a crowd. Enjoy!
