Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 0.5 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz high-quality marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 20 oz refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, crumble the ground beef and Italian sausage. Allow it to sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to develop a mahogany crust. Add diced onions and cook until translucent. Drain excess fat, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  2. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. Toast for 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Stir the cheese tortellini directly into the meat sauce. If using frozen tortellini, flash-boil them for 2 minutes before adding to ensure they remain tender. Ensure all pasta is evenly coated.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan over the top.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Switch to the broiler for the final 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden-brown. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.