Need a simple meal that is sure to impress family and friends? My recipe for easy baked tortellini casserole is sure to be a hit. I’ve tested this over the year to make sure it comes out perfect every time.

 

Cheesy baked tortellini is an easy pasta casserole that is always a crowd pleaser and is perfect for a weeknight dinner idea.

I made this recipe so that it’s easy to assemble and only requires a few ingredients. It’s also a very forgiving recipe so you can add your own take on it with different variations you will find below.

Some other easy pasta casseroles include this tasty baked mostaccioli, taco twist casserole, slumgullion, and buffalo chicken pasta casserole.

Why this is the best tortellini casserole

• Easy – This recipe can be assembled quickly and takes only about 30 minutes to bake.
• Few ingredients – You just need a hand full of simple ingredients.
• Leftovers – Why cook two nights when you can have delicious leftovers!

Baked tortellini ingredients

• Tortellini – Refrigerated tortellini works best. You could also use thawed, frozen tortellini.
• Ground beef – I like using lean ground beef for the sauce.
• Cheese – Mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
• Cream cheese – This adds a creamy consistency and taste to the sauce mixture.
• Onion – Diced onion adds flavor to the meat sauce. It can be left out if you prefer no onion.
• Seasonings – You will need Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Sauce – Choose your favorite marinara sauce, jarred or homemade.

How to make cheesy baked tortellini casserole

Scroll to the bottom for full list of ingredients and printable instructions.

• Prepare – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
• Sauce – Start be browning the ground beef in a large skillet. Make sure to break up the beef as it’s cooking. Stir in diced onion, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Next add in cubed up cream cheese. Stir to allow the cream cheese to melt. Once melted, stir in the marinara sauce.

• Tortellini – While the sauce is cooking, boil the tortellini according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the water and then stir the cooked tortellini into the beef sauce.

• Cheese – Spread the tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and then sprinkle the top with grated parmesan.

• Bake – Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve warm and enjoy.

Heather’s recipe tips

• You can typically find refrigerated tortellini close to the shredded cheese and deli meat in the grocery store.
• If possible, use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best flavor. You can use prepackaged shredded cheese if you have that on hand.
• This also makes a great freezer meal. Cover with plastic wrap and then foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Baked tortellini substitutions

Baked tortellini with meat sauce is super versatile. Try changing a few of the ingredients for another flavorful variation of this meal.

• Meat – Try substituting the ground beef with Italian sausage, ground chicken, ground turkey, or ground bison.
• Cheese – You can substitute shredded mozzarella with shredded Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
• Vegetables – Add in some vegetables like diced bell pepper, sliced mushrooms, or even sliced olives.
• Sauce – Try substituting the marinara sauce with jarred alfredo sauce.

How to store

Store: Store any leftovers by either covering the casserole dish with foil in the refrigerator. You can also transfer to an airtight container.

Freeze: Cover with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave until heated through.

What to serve with this baked tortellini in meat sauce?

Serve this casserole with a simple side salad and garlic bread. Roasted vegetables are also another great option.

Common questions

More easy dinner recipes

If you are looking for another tortellini dish be sure to try this tortellini alla panna. Here are a few more easy recipes the whole family will enjoy:

• Skillet hamburger casserole
• Onion soup meatloaf
• Slow cooker ribs
• Chicken and stuffing casserole