Name: Jen's Italian Tortellini Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Cheese tortellini; Marinara sauce; Ricotta cheese; Mozzarella cheese, shredded; Parmesan cheese, grated; Italian seasoning; Garlic cloves, minced; Fresh spinach

For a hearty and comforting meal that's sure to please the whole family, look no further than Jen's Italian Tortellini Bake. This delightful recipe brings together cheese-filled tortellini, robust marinara sauce, savory ground beef, and a medley of cheeses, all baked to perfection. It’s a quick, delicious way to satisfy those Italian cuisine cravings without having to leave your home kitchen.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce
1 (19 oz) package of frozen cheese tortellini
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup ricotta cheese
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the oven is ready for your casserole as soon as the assembly is complete.

2. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. As the beef cooks, break it into small pieces. Halfway through, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This not only cooks the meat but also layers the base flavors for your bake.

3. Combine Sauce and Meat: Drain any excess grease from the skillet and return it to the heat. Pour in the marinara sauce and add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Allow this to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

4. Cook Tortellini: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5 minutes, then drain. The tortellini should be just shy of al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.

5. Assemble the Bake: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked tortellini with the marinara and meat sauce. Spread half of this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Dot spoonfuls of ricotta over the tortellini layer, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layers, ending with a generous topping of cheese.

6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

7. Garnish and Serve: Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh basil before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.

Conclusion:

Jen's Italian Tortellini Bake is more than just a meal; it's a comforting experience that brings a little piece of Italy into your dining room. It's perfect for a bustling family dinner, a cozy date night at home, or even when you're tasked with bringing a dish to a potluck. This recipe is designed to impress with its layers of flavor, satisfying textures, and cheesy goodness. Simple, delicious, and utterly satisfying, this tortellini bake is a surefire way to warm hearts and bellies alike.