Baked Tortellini Casserole.

This baked tortellini casserole is a classic comfort dish that combines tender cheese-filled pasta with a hearty meat sauce and generous layers of melted cheese. The technique is simple—parboiled tortellini are folded into a savory beef and marinara base, then baked until bubbly and golden. The result is a rich, satisfying oven-baked pasta that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Weeknight Friendly – Straightforward steps and familiar ingredients make this ideal for busy evenings.
Hearty & Filling – Cheese tortellini and ground beef create a protein-rich, satisfying meal.
Make-Ahead Convenience – Can be assembled in advance and baked when ready to serve.
Family-Approved Flavor – Mild, cheesy, and comforting flavors appeal to all ages.
Customizable Base – Easy to adapt with different proteins, sauces, or vegetables.
Excellent Leftovers – Reheats well without drying out, making it great for meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta & Protein

1 pound cheese tortellini – Forms the creamy, filled pasta base of the casserole.
1 pound ground beef – Adds richness, structure, and savory depth to the sauce.

Sauce & Aromatics

24 ounces marinara sauce – Provides moisture, acidity, and classic Italian flavor.
2 garlic cloves, minced – Enhances the meat sauce with aromatic intensity.
Italian seasoning, to taste – Adds herbal balance and warmth.

Cheese Layers

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Creates stretchy, melty layers throughout.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, nutty flavor and promotes browning.

Garnish

Fresh basil, chopped – Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes before serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with minced garlic, breaking it into crumbles, until fully browned. Drain excess fat and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Tortellini
Boil the tortellini in salted water until just al dente, about 2–3 minutes less than package directions. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Combine the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine tortellini, cooked beef, and marinara sauce. Stir in half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan, mixing until evenly coated.

Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake Until Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes if deeper browning is desired.

Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil for a finishing touch.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Undercook the Pasta – Slightly firm tortellini prevent a mushy texture after baking.
Drain Beef Well – Removing excess fat keeps the casserole rich but not greasy.
Cheese Balance – Mozzarella provides melt, Parmesan adds flavor and structure.
Broiling Carefully – Watch closely to avoid burning the cheese topping.
Make-Ahead Option – Assemble up to 24 hours ahead; add extra baking time if chilled.
Season in Layers – Season both beef and sauce for a more developed flavor.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 generous portions
Calories: ~520 per serving (estimate; varies by tortellini and cheese brands)

Perfect Pairings

Simple Green Salad – Adds freshness and contrast to the rich casserole.
Garlic Bread – Ideal for scooping up extra sauce.
Roasted Vegetables – Broccoli, zucchini, or carrots balance the meal.
Light Red Wine – Such as Chianti or Pinot Noir for adults.

Ideal Occasions

Family Dinners – Comforting and filling for shared meals.
Potlucks – Easy to transport and universally appealing.
Meal Prep Days – Stores and reheats exceptionally well.
Casual Entertaining – Low-stress dish that feeds multiple guests.

Storage & Serving Tips

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing – Freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating – Warm covered in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual servings.
Serving Texture – Let rest briefly after baking for cleaner portions.

Creative Variations to Try

Lighter Protein – Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
Vegetarian Version – Use plant-based meat or add mushrooms and zucchini.
Spicy Twist – Add red pepper flakes or spicy marinara.
Extra Creamy – Stir in ricotta or cream cheese for a richer texture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Dry Casserole – Add extra marinara or cover loosely while baking.
Watery Texture – Ensure tortellini and beef are well drained.
Uneven Browning – Rotate dish halfway through baking if needed.
Overcooked Pasta – Reduce boiling time further before baking.

Why This Recipe Works

Parboiling the tortellini ensures they finish cooking gently in the oven without absorbing too much moisture. Browning the beef develops savory depth through caramelization, while marinara provides acidity to balance the rich cheeses. Baking uncovered allows excess moisture to evaporate, concentrating flavor and creating a golden cheese crust. While indulgent, the calorie content reflects a balanced, filling main dish suitable for a complete family meal.

Final Thoughts

Baked tortellini casserole is a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that delivers comfort and flavor with minimal complexity. Its flexible structure allows for endless variations, while its hearty ingredients make it satisfying and nourishing. For a lighter approach, lean proteins or reduced cheese can be used—but even in its classic form, this dish earns its place as a go-to family favorite.