Tortellini Baked Pasta

Name: Tortellini Baked Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (90/10); 1 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper,; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 3 cups marinara sauce; 16 ounces frozen tortellini pasta; 1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

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This tortellini baked pasta is the ultimate comfort food, packed with cheesy goodness and rich sauce. With minimal prep and just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a quick and satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.

A spoon pulling a scoop of baked tortellini from the pan with melted cheese stretching.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Tortellini Pasta

If you can’t get enough of simple, no-fuss dinners that deliver big on flavor, this baked tortellini dish is for you. It’s a perfect way to turn store-bought tortellini into a delicious hearty meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a great recipe for using pantry staples like canned tomato sauce, herbs, and cheese.

Similar to my classic Pasta al Forno (Baked Ziti), this casserole is flavorful, gooey, and incredibly hearty. It’s easily customizable, and requires just one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, craving a cozy homemade meal, or looking for an easy meal prep option, this tortellini bake is a comforting choice that everyone will love. Here’s why this recipe is a must-try:

Perfect for busy weeknights
Cheesy, nourishing, and packed with flavor
Customize it with your favorite ingredients
Great for meal prep

Ingredient Information And Substitutions

Ground beef- A hearty protein that makes the dish satisfying. Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Seasonings- Onion and garlic powders add depth of flavor to the sauce. Dried basil adds a subtle herbal note and of course, salt and pepper enhance the dish's flavors. Adjust all to taste.
Tomato sauce- The base of the dish, giving it a rich and tangy flavor. Marinara sauce is my go-to, I always have some in my freezer.
Tortellini- Cheese tortellini works great, but you can use spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled tortellini for a different spin.
Mozzarella cheese- Melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey, golden crust. Swap with smoked mozzarella for a bolder taste.

An overhead image of labeled recipe ingredients.

How to Cook Baked Cheese Tortellini

Step 1- Brown the beef and add seasoning.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Add the ground beef. Break up and brown until cooked, about 5 minutes. Add all seasonings and stir in to coat the meat evenly. Stir in marinara sauce.

Browning ground beef with seasonings in a pan and then marinara sauce added to the pan.

Step 2- Simmer the sauce.

Simmer the sauce for at least 10 minutes to develop flavor. Stir in frozen tortellini and pour the mixture into a 9" x 9" baking pan.

Tortellini mixed into the pan and then the mixture poured into a white baking pan.

Step 3- Bake the pasta.

Cover and bake for 30 minutes.

Uncover the dish, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Let it cool for a few minutes, then dig in!

Foil covered baking dish in the oven and then the uncovered baking dish with shredded cheese on top in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

I'd encourage you to make the sauce ahead and cool before refrigerating. Reheat it before assembling and baking.

Do I need to cook the tortellini before baking?

I do not boil the frozen tortellini before baking. I wouldn't suggest using other types tortellini- the texture never came out right with fresh or shelf stable tortellini when I tested with those options.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

This is exactly why I don't cook the frozen tortellini before adding it to the dish.

A spoon in a pan of baked tortellini in the pan.

Tips For Making Tortellini Casserole

Use frozen for the best texture. I tested this recipe with fresh and shelf stable and the texture just wasn't right.
Make it creamy. Stir in a spoonful of ricotta or a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
Give it some spice by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Shred your own cheese. It melts so much better than the pre-shredded kind!
Ingredients to prep ahead- Make the sauce in advance and shred the cheese.
Leftovers and storage- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the oven, covered with foil or in individual servings in the microwave.

A plate of baked tortellini recipe with fresh parsley behind it.

What To Serve With Tortellini Pasta

This is a rich and comforting dish on its own, but adding the right sides can really complete the meal. A crisp, refreshing salad or lightly sautéed vegetables help to balance it, while a cozy bowl of soup can make it even more comforting. And, of course, no meal is complete without a little something sweet at the end! Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve alongside this cheesy casserole:

Other Pasta Recipes To Try

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