Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce) Recipe

Get ready to meet your new weeknight comfort hero: Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce)! This gloriously gooey casserole layers pockets of cheese-stuffed tortellini with a rich and savory meat sauce, then tops the whole thing with a blanket of bubbling, golden cheese. It comes together with minimal prep, yet looks (and tastes) like a dish straight from your favorite Italian spot. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or treating yourself to an indulgent solo dinner, this one-pan wonder never disappoints.

Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is a building block for flavor and that signature, melty texture. From the plump tortellini to the satisfying stretch of cheese, each one matters — and best of all, nothing on the list is fussy or hard to find.

  • Cheese Tortellini: These pillowy pasta parcels are the star of the show; go with refrigerated for ultra-freshness or frozen for convenience.
  • Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and a beautiful, savory base to the sauce.
  • Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought jar or homemade; this infuses the dish with robust tomato flavor and ties everything together.
  • Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient! Cubed and melted into the sauce, it lends irresistible creaminess and silkiness.
  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that classic gooey, stretchy cheese pull we all crave in baked pasta dishes.
  • Grated or Shredded Parmesan: Someday they’ll bottle the scent of broiled parmesan; until then, it’s essential for deep, nutty flavor and a golden finish.
  • Seasoning: Salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning brighten and boost every other component — customize to taste!

How to Make Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce)

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini until they are just al dente, following the package instructions. You want them perfectly tender but not too soft, since they’ll continue baking in the oven. Drain them well and set aside — the anticipation is real!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, brown your ground beef. As the beef cooks, liberally sprinkle in your chosen seasonings: think a pinch of salt, a good dash of garlic powder, a hint of black pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. The kitchen will start to smell incredible already. Once browned, drain off any excess grease to keep your dish delicious, not greasy.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Meat Sauce

With the beef perfectly browned, stir in your favorite pasta sauce and those luscious cubes of cream cheese. Let this mixture simmer gently, stirring often, until the cream cheese has melted and become one silky, creamy sauce. It’s this extra-rich step that elevates Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce) to absolute cozy-dinner status.

Step 4: Combine with Tortellini

Now, gently fold your drained tortellini right into the creamy meat sauce in the skillet. Try not to break the delicate pasta as you toss — you want each noodle coated in creamy, flavorful sauce. Pour it all into your prepared, greased 9×13 baking dish, making sure every bite gets its fair share of sauce.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Shower the whole dish generously with shredded mozzarella and then parmesan cheese, spreading it in an even layer. This is where the Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce) magic happens. Bake it uncovered on the center rack of your 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, until bubbly. For that irresistible browned top, switch to broil and bake another 2–3 minutes, keeping a watchful eye so your cheese comes out toasty, not burnt!

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce)

Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce) Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Add a pop of color and freshness with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving. You can also scatter a little more grated parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper for a gentle kick — these tiny touches really make the Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce) sing.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of this cheesy casserole with a crisp green salad dressed simply in olive oil and lemon or balsamic. Warm garlic bread or roasted vegetables round out the meal beautifully — they’re ideal for scooping up every last bit of saucy, cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, portion the Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce) into individual ramekins before baking for a dinner-party-worthy presentation. Or, serve it family-style straight from the bubbling baking dish for cozy, help-yourself vibes everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce) stores beautifully! Let it cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. It actually gets even more flavorful as the sauce and cheese mingle overnight.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Assemble the dish completely, up to the baking step, then cover with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. You can also freeze leftovers in airtight containers. To prevent freezer burn, press parchment or wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a 350°F oven (covered with foil until warmed through). Add an extra sprinkle of cheese if you like — it will revitalize that melt-in-your-mouth top layer!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of tortellini?

Absolutely! While classic cheese tortellini adds that creamy, cheesy bite, feel free to substitute spinach, mushroom, or even chicken-filled tortellini for your own riff on Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce).

What protein can I use instead of ground beef?

Try Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a mix of beef and pork for a fun twist. Each brings its own flavor profile and keeps this dish hearty and satisfying.

Can I make Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce) ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed (allowing a few extra minutes if cold) and enjoy stress-free entertaining or meal prep.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

If you’re out of cream cheese, swap in an equal amount of ricotta or even mascarpone for a similar creamy effect. Your Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce) will still be deliciously rich and luscious.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Only boil the tortellini just until al dente, since it will finish cooking in the oven. Draining it promptly and not overbaking are key for the perfect, tender (never mushy) bite every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an irresistibly cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner with very little fuss, give Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce) a go. It’s a joy to make and even more fun to eat — don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly tradition in your kitchen!

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Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce) Recipe

Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce) Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

Indulge in this mouthwatering Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce recipe that combines the richness of cheese tortellini, flavorful meat sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Tortellini:

  • 1 (20oz) container of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini

Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 (24oz) jar of pasta sauce
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 12 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan
  • Seasoning to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Tortellini: Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
  2. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F, grease a 9×13 baking dish.
  3. Brown the Beef: In a skillet, brown ground beef with seasoning. Drain excess grease.
  4. Make the Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce and cream cheese, simmer until well mixed.
  5. Combine and Bake: Mix cooked tortellini with sauce, transfer to baking dish, top with cheeses, bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  6. Broil: Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is golden brown.
  7. Serve: Enjoy with salad, vegetables, or garlic bread!

Notes

  • This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Cheesy Baked Tortellini, Meat Sauce, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe

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