When comfort food calls, this Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is the answer. It’s everything you love about a classic pasta bake—melty cheese, savory meat sauce, and tender pasta—all layered together in one bubbling, golden casserole. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or looking for a no-fuss dinner with big flavor, this dish is always a win. It’s simple, cozy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients
1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh, frozen, or dried—just cook as needed)
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
24 oz marinara sauce (use your favorite store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish (8×8 or 9×13, depending on how thick you want the layers).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add diced onions and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
Pour in the marinara sauce, stir, and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If using dried or frozen tortellini, cook according to package directions. Drain well.
Add half the tortellini to the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon over half the meat sauce, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan.
Repeat with the remaining tortellini, sauce, and cheeses, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and golden brown.
Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like.
Notes
Fresh or refrigerated tortellini work best for quick prep, but frozen or dried are great too—just cook them first
Swap the beef with Italian sausage for more flavor, or use turkey for a leaner option
Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for an extra veggie boost
This dish reheats beautifully—perfect for leftovers or make-ahead meals
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Sure! If you don’t have tortellini, you can substitute with ravioli or any cooked short pasta (like penne or rotini). Just note that the cheesy filling in tortellini adds extra richness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the covered baking time.
Does it freeze well?
Absolutely. After baking and cooling, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15–20 minutes. Or microwave individual servings for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Of course! Skip the meat and sauté your favorite vegetables with the onions and garlic. Use plant-based cheese if needed.