Using store-bought and homemade ingredients, Baked Tortellini is hearty, comforting, and bursting with flavor. A new family favorite weeknight meal.
Hello everyone, let’s talk about a wonderful comfort food I found recently called Baked Tortellini. Yep, you read that right!
I came across Baked Tortellini while looking for ways to take this beloved ingredient in a different direction. This dish is all about taking those tender little bites of pasta and transforming them into a creamy, cheesy, comforting dinner that the whole family will adore.
This isn’t just any pasta dish, folks. Cheesy Tortellini Bake is like the superhero version of your favorite pasta salad. It’s ready to save busy weeknights with its simple prep and satisfying flavors.
Plus, it’s a one-skillet meal, meaning fewer dishes to clean up after dinner! What’s not to love about that?
I dared to try this one out on my toddler not too long ago. She wasn’t sure what it was, but guess what? She came back and asked for more!
At its heart, this dish features tender tortellini in a robust sauce, blanketed with melty mozzarella cheese, and baked until perfectly golden.
It’s a combo of textures and bold flavors that will make you feel cozy and content. So, let’s embark on this pasta adventure and make the best Baked Tortellini dish ever!
Some of our other favorite pasta recipes we have on our site include: Tortellini Pasta Salad, Pizza Pasta Bake, and The Best Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Easy Dinner: It takes minimal prep and is ready in an hour. Ideal for busy weeknights!
- Comfort Food: Cheesy, hearty and satisfying, this is a dish that feels like a warm hug.
- Leftovers: It keeps well in the fridge and freezer, making it a great recipe for meal prep.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Lean ground beef
- Ground Italian sausage
- Canned marinara sauce
- Refrigerated or fresh cheese tortellini
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
HOW TO MAKE BAKED TORTELLINI:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray an 11×7 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a dutch oven or large saucepot, crumble and brown the ground beef and Italian sausage along with the onions over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up the meat until no pink is left and the onions appear translucent, this will take about 10 minutes. Drain excess grease from the pot.
- Add the marinara sauce and stir it to coat the meat mixture.
- Add the tortellini and continue to cook for another 3 minutes to warm up the tortellini, all while stirring occasionally.
- Add half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and stir it in until combined.
- Place the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheeses.
- Cover with nonstick foil or spray a piece of foil with cooking spray, placing it spray-side down on top of the dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes, uncover, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until warm and bubbly. Serve immediately and garnish with parsley if desired.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT KIND OF TORTELLINI SHOULD I USE?
Fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section is great, but you can also use frozen cheese tortellini.
If you use anything other than fresh, remember to cook it as per the instructions on the bag first.
CAN I USE ANOTHER PROTEIN?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef or Italian sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken or even make it a meatless recipe by omitting the meat altogether.
CAN I USE HOMEMADE SAUCE?
Of course! Homemade marinara sauce is a great way to increase this recipe.
Just make sure to use the same amount as listed in the recipe.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Yes, here are some ideas:
- Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese on top before baking for a golden crust.
- Stir in a handful of ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or cooked mushrooms for added flavor.
- Add a dash of white or red wine to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Top it with fresh basil leaves after baking for a pop of freshness.
- Squeeze some lemon juice on top before serving to cut through the richness.
- Serve with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Toss in some extra veggies: frozen peas or diced bell pepper for extra color and nutrition.
- Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil on top after baking for a glossy finish.
- Add some crispy bacon pieces to your meat sauce for a salty crunch.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Even though this is a simple recipe, there are still a few swaps:
- Swap ground chicken or turkey for the ground beef for a leaner option.
- Substitute vegetarian ground crumbles for a meatless version.
- Use a dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free version.
- Substitute whole grain tortellini for a healthier twist.
- Use gluten-free tortellini if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Swap marinara sauce with a cream sauce like Alfredo for a creamier version.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: You can freeze this cheesy Baked Tortellini in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Don’t overbake the dish to avoid drying it out.
- Experiment with different brands of marinara sauce to find your favorite. Rao’s is my personal favorite store-bought brand.
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for easier melting and flavor.
- Use a wide, shallow baking dish for even baking and easy serving.
This isn’t just a delicious recipe; it’s a reliable companion on those evenings when you need something quick, easy, and absolutely comforting.
With its simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and endless room for customization, Baked Tortellini has everything you need for a successful dinner. So why not give it a shot? It could be your new favorite way to enjoy those tender bites of tortellini. Enjoy, friends!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this BAKED TORTELLINI, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Easy Baked Tortellini Recipe with Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- 24 ounces jarred marinara sauce
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese divided
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray an 11×7 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a dutch oven or large saucepot, crumble and brown the ground beef and Italian sausage along with the onions over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up the meat until no pink is left and the onions appear translucent, this will take about 10 minutes. Drain excess grease from the pot.1/2 pound lean ground beef, 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
- Add the marinara sauce and stir it to coat the meat mixture.24 ounces jarred marinara sauce
- Add the tortellini and continue to cook for another 3 minutes to warm up the tortellini, all while stirring occasionally.20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Add half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and stir it in until combined.3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- Place the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheeses.
- Cover with nonstick foil or spray a piece of foil with cooking spray, placing it spray-side down on top of the dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes, uncover, and bake for an additional 15 minutes until warm and bubbly. Serve immediately and garnish with parsley if desired.Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Notes
- Don’t overbake the dish to avoid drying it out.
- Experiment with different brands of marinara sauce to find your favorite. Rao’s is my personal favorite store-bought brand.
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for easier melting and flavor.
- Use a wide, shallow baking dish for even baking and easy serving.
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