The Best Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce Recipe Ever

Crafting a delectable cheesy baked tortellini with meat sauce can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.

Pasta lovers find comfort in this hearty dish that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Layers of tender tortellini nestled between robust meat sauce create a mouthwatering experience.

Melted cheese blankets each pasta pillow, offering a golden, crispy top that promises pure deliciousness.

Italian-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly to produce a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will adore.

Simple preparation meets spectacular results in this crowd-winning recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible culinary creation.

What Makes This Baked Tortellini So Delicious

• This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish that requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners and experienced home cooks alike.
• Streamline your meal preparation with this simple skillet-to-oven recipe that minimizes dishes and maximizes flavor, giving you more time to enjoy with family and friends.
• Easily swap ground beef for turkey, add extra vegetables, or experiment with different cheese blends to make this tortellini bake uniquely yours and cater to various taste preferences.
• Packed with cheesy goodness and hearty meat sauce, this tortellini bake guarantees clean plates and happy smiles from kids and adults, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution.

Ingredients for Cheesy Tortellini with Meat Sauce

• Ground Beef: Rich meat base for the sauce.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that forms the core of the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy and flavorful cheese toppings that melt beautifully.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce for depth of flavor.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the meat sauce.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat for sautéing ingredients.

• Fresh Herbs: Adds a bright finishing touch to the dish.

How to Bake Tortellini with Meat Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame.

Toss in ground beef and cook until it transforms into a beautiful golden-brown color.

If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it away.

Step 3: Build Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Create Savory Sauce

Pour marinara sauce into the skillet and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Layer the Deliciousness

• First layer: Half of the tortellini
• Spread meat sauce evenly
• Sprinkle mozzarella
• Dust with Parmesan

Repeat the layering process, ending with a generous cheese topping.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Step 7: Final Cheese Melt

Remove the foil and return to the oven.

Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes.

If desired, scatter fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in!

Tips for a Creamy, Saucy Tortellini Dish

• Choose fresh or frozen tortellini for best texture, and avoid overcooking before baking to maintain a firm bite.
• Sauté onions and garlic until golden brown to develop a richer, more complex taste in the meat sauce.
• Drain excess fat from ground beef thoroughly to create a lighter, less oily dish.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and create a perfect, gooey topping.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful color contrast.

Storing and Reheating Baked Tortellini Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated tortellini stays fresh for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled tortellini to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check temperature reaches 165°F.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tortellini in oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly. Add extra cheese on top for extra flavor.

What Goes Well with Cheesy Tortellini

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich meat sauce and cuts through the cheesy layers, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Serve with Crisp Caesar Salad: Create a zesty side salad with romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing to balance the hearty pasta dish and provide a fresh contrast.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread with herb-infused butter to soak up extra sauce and add a crunchy texture that perfectly matches the creamy tortellini.
• Match with Sparkling Water with Lemon: Offer a refreshing citrus-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites and lighten the richness of the cheesy baked dish.

Tasty Variations for Baked Tortellini Dishes

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable marinara sauce to enhance the flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini. Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi. Use lean ground turkey and reduce cheese quantity for a lighter meal.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes to meat sauce, incorporate jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for extra heat and complexity.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before layering in the baking dish.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based meat or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini to create a vegetarian version.

• What type of marinara sauce works best?

Use a high-quality marinara sauce with rich tomato flavor. Homemade or store-bought both work well, but avoid watery or overly sweet sauces.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting cheesy baked tortellini with meat sauce brings Italian-inspired warmth to dinner tables everywhere. Rich layers of cheese-stuffed pasta nestled in savory marinara create a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Pasta:

• 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, turkey, or plant-based meat crumbles)
• 1 lb cheese-filled tortellini (fresh, frozen, or dried)

Cheese and Sauce:

• 24 oz marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring complete cooking and draining excess fat.
3. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the meat, cooking until aromatics become soft and fragrant.
4. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors for 5 minutes.
5. Create the first layer of tortellini across the bottom of the baking dish, spreading evenly.
6. Distribute half the meat sauce over the tortellini, then sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
7. Repeat layering process with remaining tortellini, meat sauce, and cheese, ensuring the top is completely covered with cheese.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and pasta to heat through.
9. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
10. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps set the layers and intensify flavors.
11. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added brightness and visual appeal before serving.

Notes

• Make this dish vegetarian by swapping ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for a hearty alternative.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat cheeses and lean ground turkey instead of beef.
• Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce or incorporating fresh herbs like basil and oregano during cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg