This is an easy and quick meal to prepare.
You can cut this recipe in half to make a 9 x 9-inch pan to serve 4.
I prefer using ground Italian turkey sausage instead of ground beef.
1 t. olive oil
1 lb. ground Italian turkey sausage or beef
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1/2 c. onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 t. dried oregano
1 t. dried thyme
2 t. dried parsley
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1/4 c. fresh basil, sliced
2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1-1/4 lb. cheese tortellini, cooked and drained
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian turkey sausage or beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried parsley, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
While sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to package directions.
When sauce is done simmering, stir in the fresh basil, then remove the skillet from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained cheese tortellini with the sauce, stirring until the tortellini is evenly coated.
Transfer the tortellini mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Serves 8