There’s something about a cheesy, baked pasta dish that just hits the spot. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor—the ultimate cozy meal for any night of the week. This Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is exactly that kind of dish. It’s quick to prepare, uses minimal ingredients, and is totally foolproof, even for beginners in the kitchen.
The secret to this recipe is how all the ingredients work together to create a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of savory goodness. The rich meat sauce coats the pillowy cheese-filled tortellini, while the cream cheese adds an extra layer of smoothness, making every bite melt in your mouth. Then, it’s all topped with a generous amount of gooey mozzarella and crispy parmesan, creating that golden, bubbly cheese crust we all love.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry crowd. Plus, it’s so easy to customize! You can add veggies, swap out the protein, or even make it vegetarian. With this simple yet delicious recipe, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal in just 35 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini Recipe
- Minimal ingredients – Only five main ingredients plus seasonings.
- Super easy to make – Just a few simple steps and into the oven it goes!
- Incredibly creamy and cheesy – The combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan creates the perfect texture.
- Great for meal prep – Reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
- Kid-friendly – Even picky eaters love it!
Preparation Time and Servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: ~450
Ingredients of this Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini Recipe
- 20 oz tortellini (fresh or frozen) – Cheese or spinach and cheese varieties work best.
- 1 lb ground beef – You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- 24 oz jar of pasta sauce – Marinara or any tomato-based sauce you love.
- 8 oz cream cheese – Adds a rich and velvety creaminess to the sauce.
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For that perfect gooey cheese pull!
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese – Helps create a crispy, golden top.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the flavor of the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for extra depth.
- Salt and black pepper – To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish will bake evenly and at the right temperature. While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil. This step prevents the pasta from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
2. Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions. If using fresh tortellini, it will only take about 3-4 minutes. If using frozen tortellini, cook for about 5-6 minutes, but slightly undercook them since they will continue to cook in the oven.
After cooking, drain the tortellini and immediately toss them with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set them aside while you prepare the sauce.
3. Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon. Sprinkle in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to build flavor. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and no pink remains.
Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming too oily. This step helps keep the sauce rich and creamy instead of greasy.
4. Add the Pasta Sauce and Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the jar of pasta sauce. Stir well to combine with the beef. Then, add the cubed cream cheese and stir continuously as it melts into the sauce. This might take a couple of minutes, but don’t rush—let it fully blend in for a smooth, creamy texture.
Once the sauce is fully mixed and creamy, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a bit of spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
5. Mix the Tortellini and Sauce
Now, add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Gently stir everything together, making sure every piece of pasta is well-coated. Be careful not to break the tortellini, as they are delicate and can easily burst if overmixed.
6. Transfer to the Baking Dish
Pour the tortellini and sauce mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes consistently.
7. Add the Cheese Topping
Now for the best part—the cheese! Sprinkle 1-2 cups of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, followed by ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese. The parmesan will help create a crispy, golden-brown top while the mozzarella melts into a gooey, irresistible layer.
8. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully while the flavors meld together.
9. Broil for a Crispy Top
For that perfect golden-brown, slightly crispy cheese crust, turn on the oven broiler and broil the dish for 2-3 minutes. Watch it carefully—cheese can go from golden to burnt very quickly! Once it’s bubbling and lightly browned, it’s ready.
10. Let It Rest and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and ensures you get the best texture in every bite. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Serve this Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini Recipe
- With a fresh side salad – A simple arugula or Caesar salad balances out the richness.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks – Perfect for scooping up all the extra cheesy sauce.
- Steamed vegetables – Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus make a great side.
Additional Tips for the Best Baked Tortellini
- Use fresh tortellini if possible for the best texture.
- Slightly undercook the tortellini to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Try a different cheese blend – A mix of mozzarella, gouda, and cheddar adds even more depth.
- Make it ahead of time – Assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage and Freezing
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freeze before baking – Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake straight from the freezer at 350°F for 40-45 minutes.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is truly a game-changer when it comes to quick, satisfying comfort food. With its creamy, cheesy texture, rich savory meat sauce, and perfectly tender tortellini, it’s one of those dishes that instantly brings warmth to the table. Whether you’re making it for a casual family dinner, meal prepping for a busy week, or even preparing a hearty dish for a potluck, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
What makes this recipe even more special is its simplicity and versatility. You don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced cooking skills—just a handful of pantry staples and 35 minutes to create something absolutely delicious. Plus, the customizable nature of this dish means you can switch up the protein, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses to make it exactly how you like it. Want a little spice? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Prefer a vegetarian version? Skip the meat and add mushrooms or spinach. The possibilities are endless!
Another great thing about this baked tortellini is how well it stores and reheats. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they taste just as good—if not better—the next day. You can also make a big batch and freeze it for a future meal, making it perfect for those nights when you just don’t feel like cooking but still want a home-cooked meal.
I hope this recipe becomes a go-to favorite in your home, just like it has in mine. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, making mealtime feel extra special. If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or tag me on Instagram with your delicious creation. Happy cooking and enjoy every cheesy bite! 😊
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Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce)
- Total Time: 35 minutes35 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini is a rich, creamy, and satisfying comfort meal made with just five simple ingredients. A quick and family-friendly baked pasta dish with a savory meat sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a golden parmesan crust—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions, slightly undercooking if using frozen tortellini. Drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, seasoning with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in marinara sauce and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the tortellini gently to coat with the sauce.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy, golden cheese topping.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage: Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and add mushrooms or spinach.
- Spicy variation: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired