Cheese Tortellini with Meat Sauce stars pasta that has double duty – it’s a vehicle for a hearty meat sauce and it encompasses a combination of Parmesan and Ricotta cheeses. This recipe easily feeds 6 with enough for leftovers, and the leftovers are usually better the next day. This is a recipe I’ve made for years, and it’s versatile enough to be made with different meats or even meatless. The sauce, made from scratch, is...
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Boil tortellini according to package directions, drain and set aside.
Melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat and add onion and garlic, stirring until fragrant.
Add beef and sausage, combine and brown.
Add remaining butter, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, basil, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, red wine, sea salt, and pepper. Combine and bring to a low boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring intermittently. For better flavor, simmer for up to 4 hours.
Combine cooked tortellini and sauce in a large baking dish.
Top with mozzarella and Muenster cheeses.
Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly.
For a quicker version, substitute two jars of your favorite pasta sauce for the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes.
Simmering the sauce longer enhances the flavor, so try to let it cook for as long as possible.
Serve with crusty bread like Rosemary Focaccia and a good wine for a complete meal.
Fresh Parmesan grated over the finished dish adds an extra layer of flavor.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even make it meatless. The recipe is versatile.
What can I use if I don’t have red wine?
You can substitute beef broth or grape juice for red wine, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?
Yes, dried basil works perfectly fine in this recipe. Use 2 tablespoons of dried basil as indicated.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the ground beef and sausage, and use a garlic butter or marinara sauce instead of the meat sauce.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.
A Southern Belle Who's Thinking About What's For Dinner While Eating Lunch
