Baked Tortellini – Easy Recipe

Craving something hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly easy to make? This baked tortellini recipe is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner dilemmas. Loaded with cheese, rich marinara meat sauce, and tender tortellini, it’s a one-pan wonder that goes from prep to plate with minimal effort — and maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a hungry crowd, baked tortellini is the kind of comfort food that everyone can agree on.

Why Baked Tortellini Is a Weeknight Hero

When dinner needs to be both fast and filling, baked tortellini is a standout. Unlike traditional pasta dishes, there’s no need to boil the tortellini first — it cooks right in the oven. That means fewer dishes, less cleanup, and more time to relax. The combination of melty cheddar and mozzarella on top of savory marinara and beef makes this baked pasta feel indulgent, but it’s made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have on hand.

This cheesy baked tortellini is also perfect for meal prepping — it can be assembled in advance and baked later, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy nights or unexpected guests.

What You’ll Need for This Cheesy Baked Tortellini

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the onion and adds richness
• Onion: Provides a sweet, savory flavor base
• Ground Beef: Adds protein and hearty flavor — lean is best
• Garlic: Deepens the flavor; use extra if you’re a garlic lover
• Marinara Sauce: The tomato base that brings it all together
• Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: No need to pre-boil — just toss and bake
• Shredded Mozzarella: Melts beautifully for that stringy, gooey cheese pull
• Shredded Cheddar: Adds a sharp, cheesy bite
• Salt & Pepper: To season and enhance every bite

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Ground Meat: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based meat for dietary needs or flavor preferences.
• Tortellini: Frozen tortellini works well too; just increase baking time by about 10 minutes.
• Cheese: Use a mozzarella-cheddar blend, or try provolone, parmesan, or even a little ricotta mixed in for extra creaminess.
• Marinara: Replace with any tomato-based pasta sauce or make your own for a from-scratch twist.

How to Make Baked Tortellini: Step-by-Step

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.
2. Sauté the onion in olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes.
3. Add ground beef and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned (about 8–10 minutes). Drain excess fat.
4. Transfer beef mixture to a 9×13 casserole dish.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and uncooked tortellini, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until evenly combined.
6. Top with cheese, sprinkling mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the surface.
7. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the tortellini is tender and the cheese is melted.
8. Broil uncovered for a few minutes at the end to brown the cheese for that irresistible bubbly crust.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Tortellini

• Use refrigerated tortellini — it bakes perfectly without boiling. Dried varieties must be pre-cooked.
• Don’t skip the broil — that golden-brown top adds flavor and texture.
• Drain excess grease from the beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
• Add extra garlic or red pepper flakes for more depth and heat.
• Rest for 5 minutes before serving to let everything settle and become easier to serve.

What to Serve with Baked Tortellini (Plus Variations)

Pair this comforting dish with:

• Garlic Bread: Classic and perfect for soaking up extra sauce
• Caesar Salad: A fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta
• Steamed Veggies: Broccoli or green beans add a light balance
• Crusty Dinner Rolls: Ideal for a full comfort-food spread

Variations to Try:
• Spicy Baked Tortellini: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit meat and bulk up with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure your marinara is certified gluten-free.
• Make-Ahead Meal: Assemble the full dish ahead and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready, adding 10–15 extra minutes.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Tortellini

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to retain moisture.
• Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.
• Avoid freezing cooked pasta — it can become mushy when thawed. If you want to freeze, do so before baking.

Baked Tortellini: A Comforting Classic With Endless Possibilities

Whether you’re feeding your family, prepping for the week, or just craving something indulgent and cozy, baked tortellini delivers every time. With a short ingredient list, minimal prep, and tons of cheesy satisfaction, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite for busy home cooks.

Try it once, and you’ll be coming back to this baked tortellini recipe again and again — it’s comfort food at its easiest and cheesiest.

Bringing It All Together

Baked tortellini is the ultimate one-dish dinner that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy a deeply satisfying meal. With layers of flavor from rich marinara, juicy ground beef, and plenty of melted cheese, this pasta bake is always a hit — whether you’re feeding a crowd or savoring leftovers the next day.

Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable. You can prep it ahead, freeze it before baking, or spice it up with your own signature twist. For comfort food that’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and full of cheesy goodness, this baked tortellini recipe is a keeper.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Tortellini

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