Cheese Tortellini in Meat Sauce: A Hearty and Delicious Italian Dish
Cheese tortellini in meat sauce is a classic Italian dish that combines the creaminess of cheese-filled pasta with the richness of a slow-cooked meat sauce. The dish is made by wrapping cheese-filled tortellini in a flavorful meat sauce, typically made with ground beef and tomato sauce, and serving it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, cheese tortellini in meat sauce is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the meat sauce:
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
* 1 cup beef broth
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the cheese tortellini:
* 1 package (12 oz) cheese-filled tortellini
* 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
For the sauce:
* 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the chopped onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
5. While the sauce is cooking, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, meat sauce, and grated mozzarella cheese. Toss to combine, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well coated.
7. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
8. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations:
* Spinach and Feta Version: Add 1 cup fresh spinach leaves and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese to the sauce and toss to combine.
* Mushroom and Provolone Version: Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms and 1/2 cup grated provolone cheese to the sauce and toss to combine.
* Italian Sausage Version: Replace the ground beef with 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed, and add 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper to the sauce.
* Vegetarian Version: Omit the ground beef and add 1 cup cooked and drained ricotta cheese to the sauce, along with 1 cup sliced mushrooms and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese.
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