Name: Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (20 oz) container of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini; 1 lb ground beef; 1 (24 oz) jar of pasta sauce; 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed; 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese; Salt, to taste; Garlic powder, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Italian seasoning, to taste

If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings cheesy decadence and hearty flavors together in one pan, this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a warm, inviting meal that effortlessly combines tender cheese tortellini with a rich meat sauce, all smothered in ooey-gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this casserole feels special without demanding a ton of time or fancy ingredients. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become a favorite that everyone asks for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and cheesy richness, making the final dish irresistible. These basics come together to create something that feels homemade yet special.

Cheese tortellini (20 oz): The star of the dish offering a delightful pillowy texture and cheesy filling that complements the sauce perfectly.
Ground beef (1 lb): Adds robust flavor and hearty protein, making the casserole satisfying and filling.
Pasta sauce (24 oz jar): Brings tangy tomato goodness and balances the richness of the cheeses and beef.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, cubed): Adds luscious creaminess that blends beautifully into the meat sauce for a velvety finish.
Mozzarella cheese (1-2 cups shredded): Melts into a stretchy, golden topping that’s simply irresistible once baked.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated or shredded): Provides sharp, savory notes and a lovely crusty top when broiled.
Seasoning to taste: Salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning enhance the depth of flavor and give the meat sauce that classic comforting aroma.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Begin by cooking your cheese tortellini according to the package directions until al dente—it’s important not to overcook, so the tortellini hold their shape in the casserole. Once done, drain and set them aside; you’ll thank yourself later when the casserole maintains a perfect texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

While the tortellini cooks, heat a large skillet and brown the ground beef with your choice of seasonings—salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning are my go-tos. Once the beef is nicely browned, drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from getting too oily.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base

Into the browned beef, stir the jar of pasta sauce and add the cubed cream cheese. The cream cheese melts into the sauce, giving it a smooth, velvety texture that’s the heart of this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce Recipe. Let it simmer gently until fully incorporated, and your kitchen will be filled with an incredible aroma.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Gently toss the cooked tortellini into the sauce mixture, ensuring every piece is coated beautifully. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 baking dish and spread evenly. Then, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top, creating that golden, bubbly crust you’ll love.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole uncovered at 350° F for about 20 minutes on the center rack. Once the cheese is melted and bubbling, switch your oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to get that irresistible, lightly browned cheesy crust. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn—this final step makes the flavor and presentation shine.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce Recipe

A white rectangular dish filled with a baked food dish that has a rough, crumbly texture on top. The top layer is golden brown with melted light cream-colored shredded cheese spread evenly across the surface, showing some small browned spots. The edges of the dish reveal a hint of an orange or light brown savory base underneath the cheese, suggesting a layered dish. The white marbled surface underneath the dish is visible, giving a clean and simple background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a lovely burst of color and fresh herbaceous aroma to the casserole just before serving. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little gentle heat to balance the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast, or serve alongside garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious meat sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans also make wonderful complements, adding freshness and texture to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on presentation, serve this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets to impress guests or family members. Layered with fresh herbs and extra cheese on top just before broiling turns this simple casserole into a beautiful centerpiece dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions into airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay good and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Just make sure it is fully cooled, then wrap it well in plastic and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm the whole casserole in a 350° F oven until heated through and bubbly again. If you want to refresh that cheesy top, a quick broil for a minute or two will bring it back to life in no time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cheese tortellini works just fine—just be sure to cook it until al dente to prevent the pasta from becoming overly soft after baking.

What type of pasta sauce works best?

A good-quality marinara or Italian pasta sauce adds great flavor here. If you prefer a spicier dish, try a tomato sauce with some added chili flakes or herbs.

Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?

Yes, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives if you want a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese?

The cream cheese adds a lovely creaminess that makes the sauce silky and rich, but if you’re in a pinch, you could substitute with ricotta or a splash of heavy cream, though the texture will vary slightly.

How can I make this dish lower in calories?

Try using lean ground beef or turkey, reduced-fat cheeses, and a low-sugar pasta sauce. Also, consider using less cheese on top to reduce calories without compromising too much on flavor.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats a cozy dish like this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce Recipe when it comes to comforting weeknight dinners. It’s straightforward to make, packed with flavor, and hits that perfect balance between cheesy, meaty, and saucy. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends—or just treating yourself—this casserole is a delicious hug on a plate that’s well worth making time for. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love!

Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need