Cheesy Baked Tortellini

Name: Cheesy Baked Tortellini
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 24 oz pasta sauce; 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp garlic powder; 8 oz ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

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If you're craving something warm, cheesy, and family-friendly, this Cheesy Baked Tortellini hits the spot. It's an easy weeknight dinner that's ready in under an hour, and it uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. This dish brings together pasta, seasoned beef, and lots of gooey cheese in one comforting bite - and trust me, the whole pan will be gone before you know it.

Cheesy Baked Tortellini served on a plate, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan, with ground beef and sauce visible.

This cheesy baked pasta is great year-round but especially perfect when the weather cools down. It's a solid pick for cozy fall dinners, easy Sunday meals, or potlucks. While not tied to a specific holiday, it fits right in on casual family occasions or as a make-ahead freezer meal.

This dish was inspired by my Maple Glazed Bacon Wrapped Brussels, and it pairs perfectly with those sweet-and-savory Brussels sprouts for a cozy, crowd-pleasing combination.

Pasta sauce simmering in a pot as cooked tortellini is added with a spatula.

Ingredients

Ground beef adds protein and richness to balance out the cheesy layers
Cheese tortellini provides the pasta base with a built-in cheesy filling
Ricotta cheese helps create a creamy, melty texture that blends into the sauce
Pasta sauce keeps it all saucy and flavorful
Mozzarella and parmesan melt on top for a gooey, golden finish
Italian seasoning and garlic powder bring in all the familiar flavors

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Tortellini

Ground beef being seasoned, with other ingredients around it on the counter.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning while it cooks.

While the beef is cooking, boil the tortellini just until tender (al dente), following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Once the beef is browned, drain the excess grease.

Add the pasta sauce and ricotta cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and the cheese melts. Gently mix in the cooked tortellini.

Cheese-topped tortellini in a baking dish, ready for baking.

Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish, then pour the mixture into it. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Bake on the middle oven rack for 20 minutes. Switch the oven to broil on high, and cook for 3 more minutes to get the top golden and bubbly.

Take it out of the oven and serve warm.

Hint: Use a wide skillet to give the beef room to brown properly instead of steaming. Also, broil just until the cheese starts to bubble - don't walk away, or it'll burn quickly.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-free Use gluten-free tortellini and check your sauce label
Vegetarian Skip the beef and add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles
Extra cheesy Add a layer of provolone or a sprinkle of feta for a cheesy upgrade
Kid-friendly Mix in chopped pepperoni or mild sausage for extra flavor

💭Crucial Success Tips

Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and texture - bagged shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts. And don't overcook the tortellini or it'll fall apart when baked.

FAQ

What kind of pasta sauce works best?

Use a tomato-based marinara or your favorite pasta sauce - avoid anything too watery or it may affect the texture.

Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.

📖 Recipe

Tina

Cheesy Baked Tortellini

This Cheesy Baked Tortellini is a hearty, comforting dinner made with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and tender tortellini-all baked to perfection in under 40 minutes.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 35

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
24 oz pasta sauce
19 oz frozen cheese tortellini
2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
8 oz ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese
½ cup parmesan cheese

Method

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning while it cooks.
While the beef is cooking, boil the tortellini just until tender (al dente), following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Once the beef is browned, drain the excess grease.
Add the pasta sauce and ricotta cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and the cheese melts.
Gently mix in the cooked tortellini.
Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish, then pour the mixture into it.
Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake on the middle oven rack for 20 minutes.
Switch the oven to broil on high, and cook for 3 more minutes to get the top golden and bubbly.
Take it out of the oven and serve warm.

How to Store Cheesy Baked Tortellini

Let the dish cool, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the entire dish tightly with foil or portion it into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.