Description: This Creamy Beef & Tortellini Alfredo Bake is the ultimate comfort food dish. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection under a blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, yet elegant enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (a good quality blend is key)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 (15 oz) jar high-quality Alfredo sauce (or homemade, if you prefer!)
- 1 (9 oz) package fresh cheese tortellini, cooked according to package directions and drained. (Consider using spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini for extra flavor)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (low-moisture, part-skim works well to prevent excessive grease)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (fresh basil also works wonderfully)
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break the beef apart with a spoon as it cooks. This will ensure even cooking and prevent large clumps.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics: Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess grease. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will infuse the beef with a lovely garlic flavor.
Step 3: Season the Beef: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Remember that the Alfredo sauce will also add salt, so don’t over-salt the beef.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients: Pour the Alfredo sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine. Gently fold in the cooked tortellini, ensuring they are evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour the beef and tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. If desired, sprinkle ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.
Step 6: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why you will love this recipe
This Creamy Beef & Tortellini Alfredo Bake is a recipe you’ll make again and again for several reasons:
- Effortless Comfort: It’s the ultimate comfort food, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that soothe the soul. The rich Alfredo sauce, savory beef, and cheesy tortellini create a truly satisfying experience.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare. Using pre-made Alfredo sauce and cooked tortellini significantly reduces prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. The familiar flavors and comforting texture appeal to a wide range of palates.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Experiment with different types of tortellini, add vegetables, or use different cheeses.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the bake ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for entertaining or meal prepping.
- Budget-Friendly: Using ground beef and store-bought Alfredo sauce makes this recipe relatively inexpensive to make.
- Adaptable: The recipe is easily adaptable to different dietary needs. You can use gluten-free tortellini, lower-fat ground beef, or dairy-free Alfredo sauce.
- Satisfying: The combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats makes this dish incredibly filling and satisfying.
- Impressive Presentation: The bubbly, golden-brown topping and fresh parsley garnish make this bake visually appealing.
- Delicious Leftovers: If you happen to have leftovers, they are just as delicious the next day.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad or a Caesar salad to add some freshness and balance to the richness of the bake.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up all the delicious Alfredo sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would be a healthy and flavorful side dish.
- Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty Italian bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
- Red Wine: A glass of light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Chianti, pairs well with the flavors of the dish.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as they can become mushy. Cook them according to package directions, and drain them well before adding them to the sauce.
- Use High-Quality Alfredo Sauce: The quality of the Alfredo sauce will greatly affect the flavor of the bake. Choose a high-quality store-bought sauce or make your own from scratch.
- Brown the Beef Well: Browning the ground beef properly is essential for developing rich flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and allow the beef to brown on all sides.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the beef and Alfredo sauce mixture before adding the tortellini, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add vegetables to the bake, such as sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone, fontina, or Asiago.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a touch of heat.
- Fresh Herbs: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish. It adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Prevent Sticking: To prevent the bake from sticking to the baking dish, grease it well with butter or cooking spray.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 650-750
- Protein: 35-45g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on Alfredo sauce)
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef & Tortellini Alfredo Bake is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender tortellini, and savory beef, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve to guests, this bake is sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
A: While fresh tortellini is preferred for its texture, you can use frozen tortellini in a pinch. Be sure to thaw the tortellini completely before cooking, and reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from becoming mushy. It is very important to drain the tortellini well.
Q2: Can I make this bake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This bake is perfect for making ahead of time. Assemble the bake as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
Q3: Can I substitute the ground beef with something else?
A: Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage. If using sausage, be sure to remove it from its casings and crumble it well before browning.
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to add more nutrients and flavor to this dish. Some good options include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or zucchini. Add the vegetables to the skillet along with the garlic and Italian seasoning.
Q5: What if I don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish?
A: If you don’t have a 9×13 inch baking dish, you can use a smaller baking dish, such as an 8×8 inch or 9-inch round dish. The baking time may need to be adjusted slightly. Keep an eye on the bake and remove it from the oven when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
