One Pot Tortellini Bake Recipe

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Italian Beef and Tortellini Bake

This hearty dish brings together ground beef, marinara sauce, and tortellini for a comforting, cheesy casserole. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• teaspoon salt
• teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 (28 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• cup Cabernet Sauvignon (or other dry red wine)
• 1 (16 ounce) package tortellini
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
• 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Once the beef is browned, add the Italian seasoning, salt, and granulated garlic. Stir to combine.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, water, and red wine. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add the tortellini. Let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, until the tortellini is warmed through.
5. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375F (190C).
6. Add the cubed cream cheese to the mixture in the Dutch oven and stir gently to blend.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
8. Transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and serve immediately for a delicious, cheesy, and comforting meal.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (6 servings in total):

• Calories: 783
• Total Fat: 46g (59% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 23g (113% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 153mg (51% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1412mg (61% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 57g (21% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 6g (21% Daily Value)
• Protein: 33g (66% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 666mg (14% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origin

The tortellini bake is a modern twist on traditional Italian tortellini, which originated from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. This delicious pasta has a rich history, often associated with stories from the medieval period. The small, ring-shaped pasta is filled with various ingredients like cheese, meat, or vegetables, and has been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries. The concept of baking tortellini with sauces and cheeses, however, has become a more contemporary innovation, ideal for one-pot cooking and busy weeknight dinners.

Regional Variations

While tortellini itself is most commonly associated with Italy, especially Bologna and Modena, the baking variation used in this recipe adds a touch of practicality and ease that aligns with modern American cooking. In Italy, tortellini are traditionally served in broth or with a creamy sauce, but the one-pot bake introduces a more Americanized style of preparing Italian dishes, combining the flavors of marinara, cream cheese, and mozzarella to create a cheesy, hearty casserole.

What Sets It Apart

The One Pot Tortellini Bake stands out from similar dishes like lasagna or stuffed pasta bakes because of its simplicity and ease of preparation. Unlike lasagna, which requires layering of pasta, cheese, and sauce, this bake incorporates everything into one pot, eliminating the need for excessive prep time or multiple cooking steps. It also uses tortellini, which is a stuffed pasta, adding a unique texture and flavor that is different from the flat noodles in lasagna or other baked pasta dishes. The combination of a rich marinara sauce with creamy cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors that makes this dish comforting and satisfying.

Where Is It Typically Served?

The One Pot Tortellini Bake is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of settings. It's perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or casual gatherings where comfort food is a must. Its commonly served in the United States and is a popular dish for those looking for an easy-to-make, hearty meal. In Italy, tortellini is often seen in more traditional forms such as in broths or light cream sauces, but the Americanized baked version has become a favorite in home kitchens across the world.

Interesting Facts

• The name "tortellini" comes from the Italian word "tortello," which means small cake, likely referring to its rounded, ring-like shape.
• While tortellini is typically filled with meat, the filling in this dish is paired with a creamy, cheesy sauce for a more indulgent taste.
• Its a one-pot dish, meaning it requires minimal cleanup after cookinga bonus for busy families and individuals.
• The addition of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, is a unique touch that enhances the depth of the sauce and adds a slightly tangy flavor to the dish.
• The One Pot Tortellini Bake can be easily customized to include vegetables, different types of meats, or a variety of cheeses, making it an adaptable recipe to suit a wide range of tastes.

FAQ about One Pot Tortellini Bake Recipe

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