If you need a simple, affordable, and delicious dinner that even picky eaters will enjoy, this cheesy baked tortellini casserole is your new go-to meal. It’s packed with tender cheese-filled tortellini, a creamy meat sauce, and loads of melted cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.
Why This Recipe Works
Tortellini is already a favorite thanks to its fun shape and cheesy filling. When combined with a savory ground beef and tomato sauce enriched with cream cheese, it turns into a creamy, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite. Baking it with mozzarella and parmesan cheese creates a golden, bubbly topping that’s pure cheesy bliss.
This casserole is quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. It works equally well with fresh or frozen tortellini, so you can keep it on hand for last-minute dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Ground beef
- Pasta sauce (your favorite marinara or tomato sauce)
- Cream cheese
- Shredded mozzarella
- Grated parmesan
- Seasonings: garlic powder, salt, pepper, Italian herbs
How to Make Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
- Cook the Tortellini: Boil the tortellini until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess grease.
- Make It Creamy: Add the pasta sauce and cubed cream cheese to the skillet. Stir and simmer until the cream cheese melts and blends into the sauce.
- Combine: Gently toss the cooked tortellini into the sauce mixture until well coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, then switch to broil for 2-3 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies and some garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired family dinner. Leftovers heat up beautifully, making it perfect for lunches or easy second dinners.
Tips for Success
- Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Use whatever shredded cheese you like or have on hand — cheddar or provolone work great too.
This cheesy baked tortellini casserole is a lifesaver for busy families who want a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal on the table fast. Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor — what’s not to love?
Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
- Seasonings: salt, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning (to taste)
Instructions:
- Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef with salt, garlic powder, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in pasta sauce and cream cheese; simmer until cream cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Gently toss cooked tortellini into the sauce.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Then broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve warm, optionally with salad or garlic bread.