If you're looking for a warm, comforting, and ultra-cheesy dish that comes together effortlessly, this Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is the perfect recipe! With tender cheese-filled tortellini, a rich and savory meat sauce, and layers of melty cheese, this meal is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep.
With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish delivers maximum flavor while keeping things easy in the kitchen. Plus, it’s kid-friendly and can be made ahead of time for stress-free dinners!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🧀 Cheesy Goodness – Layers of mozzarella and Parmesan make every bite indulgent.
🍝 Hearty & Satisfying – Packed with cheese tortellini, ground beef, and rich marinara sauce.
⏱️ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
🥘 One-Pan Wonder – Bakes in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze!
🍽 Perfect for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
🌿 Customizable – Swap proteins, add veggies, or make it vegetarian!
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the Meat Sauce:
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 700g (24 oz) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 500g (1 lb) fresh cheese tortellini (refrigerated section)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for boiling tortellini)
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 250g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 50g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat Sauce
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula (about 5 minutes).
- Add the diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes while you prepare the tortellini.
Step 2: Cook the Tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook 2 minutes less than the package instructions (it will finish cooking in the oven).
- Drain the tortellini and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a 9x13 baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add the cooked tortellini and pour the remaining meat sauce on top. Gently mix to coat the pasta.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
(Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
Tips & Tricks for the Best Baked Tortellini
✔️ Use Fresh Tortellini – Fresh, refrigerated tortellini cooks faster and holds up better in the bake.
✔️ Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for extra heat.
✔️ Swap the Protein – Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter version.
✔️ Add Veggies – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
✔️ Make it Extra Creamy – Mix ½ cup ricotta or cream cheese into the sauce for extra richness.
✔️ Make Ahead – Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Storage & Reheating
🔹 Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔹 Freeze: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 45 minutes.
🔹 Reheat: Warm in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
What to Serve with Baked Tortellini
🥗 Garlic Bread or Focaccia – Perfect for soaking up the delicious meat sauce.
🥦 Steamed Vegetables – Lighten up the meal with roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus.
🥗 Side Salad – A simple Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad complements this dish beautifully.
🍷 Wine Pairing – A glass of Chianti, Merlot, or Sangiovese pairs wonderfully with the rich tomato sauce.
Variations & Customizations
🍅 Vegetarian Baked Tortellini – Omit the meat and use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
🧄 Four Cheese Baked Tortellini – Swap the meat sauce for a blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella with Alfredo sauce.
🌶️ Spicy Arrabbiata Tortellini – Use Arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara for a spicy kick!
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