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A hearty pasta bake mixing cheese-filled tortellini with flavorful ground beef and tasty sauce, all covered in gooey melted mozzarella.
Key Ingredients:
- Cheese tortellini: Grab frozen or refrigerated
- Lean ground beef: Makes a filling base
- Boursin cheese: Hidden taste enhancer
- Marinara sauce: Pick a good brand
- Fresh mozzarella: Gives the ultimate gooey top
- Seasoned salt: Kicks up the meat flavor
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Step-by-Step Cooking:
- Prepare Components
- Boil tortellini until just tender
- Cook ground beef until no pink remains
- Add spices to meat mixture
- Set oven to 350°F
- Create Sauce
- Pour marinara over cooked beef
- Mix in Boursin until completely smooth
- Combine with tortellini
- Fold everything together carefully
- Assemble Casserole
- Pour mixture into dish
- Scatter mozzarella on top
- Make sure cheese covers everything
- Don't forget the corners
- Bake Until Bubbly
- Bake for 15-20 minutes
- Keep an eye on the cheese color
- Let rest briefly
- Serve while still warm
Keeping Leftovers:
Stays good for 4-5 days in the fridge. Warm up with foil on top at 350°F.
Tasty Combos:
Enjoy with buttery garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
Pro Pointers:
- Skip pre-shredded cheese packs
- Add flavors throughout cooking
- Be gentle when mixing the pasta
- Use foil if top browns too quickly
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I've learned from countless casserole attempts that cooking pasta just right and layering ingredients carefully makes all the difference for a family-pleasing dinner.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Why use fresh cheese?
- It melts better since pre-shredded varieties have added powders.
- → What can replace Boursin?
- Try cream cheese mixed with Italian herbs.
- → How to prep it ahead?
- Put it together earlier but add 5–10 minutes in the oven if it’s cold.
- → Can I freeze it?
- Yes! Freeze before cooking and defrost in the fridge overnight.
- → Any meat swaps?
- Turkey or Italian sausage would be great alternatives.