Hello and welcome to your next kitchen adventure! Today, we’ll be diving into a recipe that brings the comforting flavors of Italy right to your table—Gratin de Tortellini with Parmesan and Mozzarella. If you’re a pasta lover who can’t resist cheesy, rich dishes, this one is for you. Whether you’re familiar with traditional Italian cuisine or just looking to try something new, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Introduction
The Gratin de Tortellini is a dish that combines the best of two worlds: the heartiness of pasta and the indulgence of a cheesy, baked gratin. Originating from Italy, tortellini are ring-shaped pasta typically stuffed with cheese, meat, or spinach. In this recipe, we pair fresh tortellini with a homemade Bolognese sauce and top it with a golden, bubbly layer of Parmesan and mozzarella. This dish is perfect for a cozy night in and is sure to impress guests at a dinner party. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy authentic Italian flavors without needing too much time or effort.
External resources like Ultimate Cowboy Casserole Recipe can help you find other hearty dishes to serve with this gratin.
Ingredients for Gratin de Tortellini
For four servings, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 500g fresh tortellini (choose your preferred filling: cheese, spinach, or meat)
- 400g ground beef (or your choice of protein)
- 500ml tomato purée
- 200ml water
- 3 tbsp frozen peas
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp Espelette pepper
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (to reduce acidity from the tomato sauce)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- 150g mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
For dietary substitutions:
- Use ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version.
- Replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese for those with lactose intolerance.
How to Make Gratin de Tortellini – Step by Step
Step1: Prepare the Sauce
- Sauté the onion: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Cook the meat: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
- Add peas and seasoning: Stir in the frozen peas, tomato purée, water, salt, basil, and Espelette pepper. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to develop.
Step2: Prepare the Tortellini
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini in a pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them al dente to avoid mushy pasta. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step3: Assemble the Gratin
- Combine tortellini and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked tortellini with the Bolognese sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the tortellini mixture into a large oven-safe dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with cheese: Arrange mozzarella slices on top, and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes across the surface.
Step4: Bake the Gratin
- Bake the gratin: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Helpful Tips for Gratin de Tortellini
- Use fresh tortellini if available; the texture and flavor are much better than dried pasta.
- If your sauce is too acidic, the baking soda will neutralize it, resulting in a more balanced taste.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the Bolognese sauce before mixing it with the tortellini.
Cooking Tips for the Best Gratin de Tortellini
- Gratin Cooking Techniques: For a perfectly gratinated top, finish the dish under the broiler for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Best Gratin Hacks: Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Pecorino for an even more flavorful crust.
- Always let the gratin rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to set.
Serving Suggestions for Gratin de Tortellini
Pair this rich gratin with a light green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the cheese. You can also serve it alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. For beverages, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully, or opt for a sparkling water with a slice of lemon for a non-alcoholic option.
Nutritional Information
This dish offers a satisfying balance of carbs, protein, and fats, making it a hearty meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
Storage and Leftovers for Gratin de Tortellini
To store, place the leftover gratin in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave for a quick fix. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Gratin de Tortellini
1. Can I use store-bought sauce for this recipe?
Yes! While homemade sauce adds a personal touch, store-bought marinara or Bolognese works well if you’re short on time.
2. What can I substitute for beef in the recipe?
Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative can be used as substitutes without sacrificing flavor.
3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Opt for gluten-free tortellini and ensure that your sauce ingredients are free from gluten.
4. Can I make the gratin ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the gratin and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. Simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Related Recipes for Gratin Lovers
If you enjoyed this dish, why not try:
Conclusion
There you have it—Gratin de Tortellini with Parmesan and Mozzarella, a simple yet indulgent dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving this for a cozy family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it’s bound to impress. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—feel free to share your own twists and variations in the comments!
Enjoy and happy cooking!
Print
Gratin de Tortellini with Parmesan and Mozzarella Recipe
Description
- 500g fresh tortellini (choose your preferred filling: cheese, spinach, or meat)
- 400g ground beef (or your choice of protein)
- 500ml tomato purée
- 200ml water
- 3 tbsp frozen peas
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp Espelette pepper
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (to reduce acidity from the tomato sauce)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- 150g mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
For dietary substitutions:
- Use ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version.
- Replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese for those with lactose intolerance.
Ingredients
- 500g fresh tortellini (choose your preferred filling: cheese, spinach, or meat)
- 400g ground beef (or your choice of protein)
- 500ml tomato purée
- 200ml water
- 3 tbsp frozen peas
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp Espelette pepper
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (to reduce acidity from the tomato sauce)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- 150g mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
- 10 cherry tomatoes, halved
For dietary substitutions:
- Use ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version.
- Replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese for those with lactose intolerance.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- Sauté the onion: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Cook the meat: Add the ground beef to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
- Add peas and seasoning: Stir in the frozen peas, tomato purée, water, salt, basil, and Espelette pepper. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortellini
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini in a pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them al dente to avoid mushy pasta. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Gratin
- Combine tortellini and sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked tortellini with the Bolognese sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the tortellini mixture into a large oven-safe dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with cheese: Arrange mozzarella slices on top, and scatter the halved cherry tomatoes across the surface.
Step 4: Bake the Gratin
- Bake the gratin: Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
Buy Now →
Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
Buy Now →Notes
- Use fresh tortellini if available; the texture and flavor are much better than dried pasta.
- If your sauce is too acidic, the baking soda will neutralize it, resulting in a more balanced taste.
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the Bolognese sauce before mixing it with the tortellini.
