Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until deeply browned and no longer pink.
  2. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper, cooking for another 60 seconds.
  3. Carefully tilt the pan and spoon out any excess fat. Note: Leaving too much oil makes the Beef Tortellini Casserole greasy.
  4. Pour in the marinara sauce and sugar. Stir well, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Lower the heat to medium low and stir in the softened cream cheese. Stir vigorously until the sauce is a uniform, creamy color and smooth.
  6. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini for 2 minutes less than the package instructions, then drain.
  7. Combine the par boiled tortellini with the creamy beef sauce and transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  8. Top the Beef Tortellini Casserole with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.