Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Tortellini: Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute so they stay firm for baking.
- Brown Ground Beef: While the tortellini cooks, heat a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef. Reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Drain the cooked tortellini and add it to the skillet with the meat sauce. Stir together gently until evenly combined.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour half of the tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Add the remaining tortellini mixture on top.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the assembled layers.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the dish to heat through.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese and create a bubbly, golden crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle minced fresh parsley on top for a fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Using Rao's Marinara sauce is recommended for its rich flavor, available at retailers like Costco or Thrive Market.
- For added flavor, consider browning a diced onion with the beef if not cooking for picky eaters.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian