Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake – A Cheesy, Comforting Weeknight Dinner

When the craving for something rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying hits, there’s nothing like a Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake to hit the spot. This dish combines the hearty flavor of seasoned ground beef, pillowy cheese-filled tortellini, and a luscious creamy garlic-parmesan sauce — all baked to bubbling perfection under a golden layer of melted cheese.

It’s comfort food made easy, perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even when you just want to impress the family with something restaurant-worthy that’s actually simple to make at home.

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What Is Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake?

If you’ve never tried a tortellini bake before, think of it as a cross between a pasta casserole and lasagna, but without all the layering hassle.

In this version, we use cheese tortellini — soft pasta rings stuffed with ricotta and parmesan — tossed in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce with seasoned ground beef for protein and flavor. Then it’s all topped with shredded mozzarella and baked until bubbly and golden.

The result? A melty, creamy, garlicky masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation:

1. Quick and Easy: Takes under 45 minutes from start to finish.
2. One-Pan Friendly: Minimal prep, minimal cleanup.
3. Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love it — who can resist cheesy pasta?
4. Rich and Comforting: Packed with hearty beef, gooey cheese, and creamy garlic flavor.
5. Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite veggies or different meats.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything in this recipe is simple and easy to find — no fancy ingredients here!

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
• 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred for creaminess)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

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How to Make Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake

This recipe is straightforward but tastes like it took hours to make. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy and flavorful result.

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Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package directions — usually 3–5 minutes if fresh, or a bit longer if frozen.
Drain and set aside. (Don’t overcook — they’ll finish baking in the oven!)

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Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Add Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then stir well to coat.

Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set aside — you’ll use the same skillet for the sauce.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t let it brown).

Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux — this will thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once smooth, stir in heavy cream and cook until the sauce starts to thicken slightly, about 3–4 minutes.

Reduce the heat and add grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked beef back into the skillet, followed by the tortellini. Gently stir to coat everything evenly in that creamy garlic parmesan sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

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Step 5: Bake

Transfer everything to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking, then sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, garlicky perfection in every bite!

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Tips for the Best Tortellini Bake

• Don’t overcook the pasta. Since the tortellini bake in the oven, undercook them slightly when boiling.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce.
• Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers make excellent additions.
• Want more sauce? Add an extra ½ cup of milk or cream to make it extra creamy.
• Make it spicy: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeño for heat.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Beef: Swap for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Cheese tortellini: Use spinach and ricotta or three-cheese tortellini for variety.
• Cream: Substitute evaporated milk or half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
• Mozzarella: Try provolone or Monterey Jack for different cheesy flavor.

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What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake

This dish is hearty enough to be a full meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are some great sides to serve with it:

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• Simple Caesar salad or mixed greens
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
• Caprese salad for a fresh, colorful contrast

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How to Store and Reheat

This tortellini bake makes fantastic leftovers — if there’s any left!

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat: Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
• Freeze: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Pro Tip: If freezing unbaked, assemble the dish without baking, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45–50 minutes.

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Variations to Try

Want to make your Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake your own? Here are some creative twists:

• Bacon Lovers’ Version: Add cooked, crumbled bacon to the mix before baking.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, kale, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add chili powder and shredded cheddar for a fun twist.
• Four Cheese Bake: Mix Parmesan, mozzarella, provolone, and fontina for extra cheesiness.
• Alfredo Tortellini Bake: Swap the garlic parmesan sauce for a simple homemade Alfredo sauce.

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Make-Ahead Option

This casserole is a great meal-prep dish. Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to have dinner ready with minimal effort.

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Why Garlic and Parmesan Are a Perfect Pair

There’s a reason garlic and parmesan show up together in so many comfort dishes. Garlic adds aromatic depth, while parmesan provides salty, nutty richness. Together, they form a flavor base that turns simple ingredients — like beef and pasta — into something irresistible.

In this bake, the combination is creamy, cheesy, and deeply savory, coating each bite of tortellini and beef with pure comfort.

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Common Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just cook it according to the package instructions before mixing it into the sauce.

Can I make it without baking?
Absolutely. You can skip the oven step and simply serve it straight from the skillet once everything is heated and cheesy.

Is it kid-friendly?
Very! Kids love the creamy sauce and cheesy pasta. It’s an easy way to sneak in extra veggies, too.

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Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini Bake is everything you want in a comforting pasta dinner — creamy, cheesy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family on a chilly evening, it’s the kind of dish that feels special but is simple enough for any night of the week.

Serve it with a side of garlic bread, a green salad, and maybe a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top — because when it comes to comfort food, there’s no such thing as too much cheese.

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