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Cheesy baked tortellini with a rich meaty sauce, featured in a delicious Italian dish.

Irresistible Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meaty Sauce

This ultimate comfort food dish features a delicate balance of rich, creamy cheese and savory, hearty meat sauce, all baked to perfection with a golden, irresistible crust.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Saucepan
  • whisk
  • Baking dish
  • spatula
  • Strainer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the béchamel sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  6. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  7. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  8. In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Top with the cooked tortellini, followed by the béchamel sauce. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
  9. Bake the cheesy baked tortellini for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, allow the meat sauce and béchamel sauce to develop their flavors before assembling the dish. The béchamel sauce is the key to holding the components together and creating a harmonious blend of cheese, meat, and pasta. Enjoy your irresistible Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meaty Sauce!