There’s something so satisfying about a big, bubbling pasta bake fresh from the oven—especially when it’s packed with cheesy tortellini, seasoned beef, and layers of gooey melted cheese. This Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake is exactly that kind of dish. It’s hearty, cozy, and so simple to throw together that it practically begs to be added to your regular dinner rotation.
This is the kind of recipe I pull out when I need a win. The kind of meal that makes everyone around the table go quiet because they’re too busy going back for seconds. It’s also incredibly flexible—you can prep it ahead, switch up the protein, or toss in some extra veggies if you’ve got them. But at its core, this bake is all about comfort. That warm, familiar combo of beef, tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese never fails.
Now, I’ll walk you through how to make this delicious dish, starting with the base of it all—cheese tortellini and savory ground beef.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake, here’s what you’ll need:
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
24 ounces marinara or pasta sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
This recipe makes about 6 servings, and the total time to bring it all together is just 35 minutes. Quick, satisfying, and totally crowd-pleasing.
STEP 1: Preheat and Prep the Tortellini
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that’s heating up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. You’ll want to cook the cheese tortellini for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. That way, they finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy. Once they’re cooked, drain them and set them aside for later.
Quick tip: Refrigerated tortellini works great here because it’s fast and convenient, but frozen tortellini can be used too—just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
STEP 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This usually takes around 6 to 8 minutes, depending on your stove and the size of your pan.
Once the beef is browned, go ahead and drain any excess fat. This step helps keep the final dish from getting too greasy.
STEP 3: Add Garlic and Simmer the Sauce
Once the beef and onions are cooked and the fat is drained, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or so—just until it’s nice and fragrant. Then, pour in your marinara or pasta sauce and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
At this point, give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If your sauce is already salty, go easy on the extra seasoning. I love to throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes here for a little kick, but that’s totally optional.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families
This recipe is a weeknight dream because it’s fast, affordable, and super filling. The tortellini adds a little cheesy richness, and the beef sauce brings that savory comfort food vibe that hits the spot every time. Plus, kids usually devour this without question, which is always a huge win in my book.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers for lunch the next day, this bake does the trick beautifully. And if you’re planning a casual dinner with friends, it pairs perfectly with garlic bread and a simple salad.
Baking and Serving Your Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake
Now that you’ve got your tortellini cooked and your beefy tomato sauce simmering, it’s time to bring everything together in one cozy, cheese-covered dish. This next part is where the magic happens. Once you bake it all to golden, bubbling perfection, you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in.
Let’s get into assembling and baking your tortellini masterpiece—and I’ll share some helpful tips along the way to make sure your dish turns out amazing every single time.
STEP 4: Combine Tortellini with the Sauce
With your beef and marinara sauce ready, it’s time to fold in the cooked tortellini. Gently stir them into the skillet with the sauce until everything is nicely coated. Be careful not to overmix—tortellini are delicate little pockets of cheese, and you want to keep them intact.
If your skillet is oven-safe and large enough, you could bake everything right in it to save on dishes. Otherwise, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or similar size.
STEP 5: Add the Cheese Topping
Once the beef and tortellini mixture is spread evenly in the dish, sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Then add ½ cup of grated Parmesan for that extra punch of flavor and melty goodness.
This cheesy topping is what gives the bake its irresistible golden crust, so don’t skimp! You can even mix in some Italian blend cheese if you want to get fancy.
STEP 6: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Pop your baking dish into the preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the edges are slightly golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it around the 15-minute mark—every oven runs a little differently.
If you like that slightly crispy, golden-brown top, you can broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end. Just make sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
STEP 7: Let It Rest and Garnish
Once the bake is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken up a bit and makes it easier to scoop. For a pop of color and freshness, you can garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, but that’s totally optional.
Serve it hot with some crusty bread or a simple green salad and you’ve got a meal that checks all the boxes: easy, hearty, and full of flavor.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Tortellini Bake
Make it ahead: You can assemble the entire dish (minus the baking) earlier in the day, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Switch up the meat: Italian sausage or ground turkey both work beautifully in place of beef.
Add veggies: Stir in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the sauce for an extra boost.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicy Italian sausage for a little heat.
This is one of those forgiving recipes that’s easy to adapt to your tastes or whatever you’ve got in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes! Just adjust the boiling time according to the package instructions. Be sure to undercook it slightly, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the entire bake, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze this tortellini bake?
Yes, it freezes well. You can freeze it before or after baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Definitely! If you’ve got a favorite homemade sauce, feel free to use it. Just aim for about 3 cups total.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Very! Most kids love the cheesy tortellini and mild tomato sauce. You can even sneak in some finely chopped veggies if needed.
How do I keep the tortellini from overcooking?
Undercook the tortellini slightly before baking, and avoid baking it too long. Just 15–20 minutes in the oven is enough to finish cooking it perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Again and Again
This Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake is a total lifesaver on busy nights. It’s comforting without being complicated, and everyone always comes back for more. With just a handful of ingredients and under 40 minutes start to finish, this is the kind of recipe that makes it easy to get a hearty, home-cooked meal on the table—no stress required.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Did you make any changes or add a twist of your own? Drop a comment below and let me know! And if you’ve got leftovers, lucky you—this bake is just as delicious the next day.
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Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake
Description
This Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, all baked under a golden layer of melted cheese. It’s a satisfying, family-friendly dinner that comes together quickly and bakes to bubbling perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this meal delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
24 ounces marinara or pasta sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini for 2 minutes less than the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3
Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
4
Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the beef and sauce mixture. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish.
5
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
6
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef if preferred. For added depth, stir a splash of red wine into the sauce while simmering. This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Leftovers reheat well and are perfect for lunch the next day. Add a side salad or garlic bread to round out the meal.
