Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef , browned
1/2 lb wax bean , snapped
1/2 lb green beans , snapped
1 -2 zucchini , cubed
1 -2 yellow squash , cubed
6 -8 green onions , sliced
1 -2 green peppers ( optional ) or 1 -2 red pepper , diced ( optional )
1 -2 eggplant , diced ( optional )
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary , minced
2 tablespoons fresh basil , minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme , minced
1 tablespoon fresh oregano , minced
2 -3 garlic cloves , minced
4 cups fresh tomatoes , diced ( or substitute 2 , 15 oz cans diced tomatoes )
2 -3 lbs cheese tortellini , cooked according to package directions
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 lb shredded mozzarella cheese , divided
1 -2 tablespoon olive oil
Confetti on a Plate – Italian Garden Tortellini is a cheesy and delicious pasta dish that's loaded with fresh and healthy vegetables and herbs. The dish gets its name from the colorful confetti-like appearance of the vegetables, which makes for a visually striking presentation. This pasta dish is a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while still feeling satisfied and indulgent. It's perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, as it makes a large portion that can feed a crowd.

Instructions

1.Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2.Add the wax beans, green beans, zucchini, yellow squash, green onions, green peppers (if using), eggplant (if using), rosemary, basil, thyme, and oregano. Cook until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
3.Add the garlic and tomatoes. Continue cooking until the tomatoes have broken down and the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.
4.Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to package directions.
5.Preheat the oven to 350°F.
6.In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. Mix well.
7.In a baking dish, spread a layer of the tomato and vegetable sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of cooked tortellini, followed by a layer of the beef and cheese mixture, and then another layer of the sauce. Repeat the layers until all of the ingredients are used up.
8.Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
9.Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

PROS

Confetti on a Plate – Italian Garden Tortellini is a healthy and nutritious meal that’s loaded with fresh vegetables and herbs.
It’s high in protein and calcium, and it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

CONS

This dish is relatively high in calories and fat due to the cheese and ground beef.
It may not be the best option for those watching their weight or looking for a low-fat meal.
Additionally, some may find the prep work for all of the vegetables time-consuming.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Confetti on a Plate – Italian Garden Tortellini is a great source of protein and calcium, which are beneficial for bone health. The dish is also loaded with fresh vegetables, which provide a variety of essential vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes, in particular, are a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers and improving heart health. The fresh herbs used in this dish also provide a variety of health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and aiding in digestion.

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