Name: Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 large cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, optional; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara/pasta sauce; 1 (22-ounce) package frozen cheese tortellini; 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated (about 2 cups); 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe·5 from 19 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food that’s cheesy, meaty, and downright satisfying, you’re going to fall in love with this Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Beef Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I find myself turning to whenever I want something hearty but easy to throw together. Imagine tender cheese tortellini swimming in a rich, seasoned beef and marinara sauce, baked until bubbly and topped with gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan—pure magic every time. Stick around because I’m sharing tips and tricks you’ll want to know to get every detail just right.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple but Flavorful: The blend of dried herbs with garlic and beef adds incredible depth without any fuss.
One-Pot Magic: Browning the beef and tossing in the sauce and tortellini right in the pot means less cleanup.
Perfect Cheesy Finish: Combining mozzarella inside and on top creates layers of melty goodness you won’t want to share.
Quick to Prep, Comfort Food Results: You’ll have dinner ready in under an hour — perfect for busy weeknights.

Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Beef, cheesy baked tortellini, beef tortellini casserole, hearty tortellini pasta bake, easy cheese tortellini dish - A white dish filled with baked tortellini pasta tossed in a rich red tomato sauce and covered with a thick layer of melted, golden-brown cheese with green herb sprinkles on top. Some tortellini are visible under the cheese, showing their smooth curved shapes and orange sauce coating. A woman's hand holds a silver spoon lifting a portion of the cheesy pasta, with melted cheese stretching slightly. The background shows more pasta inside the white dish on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Beef Recipe lies in its thoughtful yet simple ingredients—each plays a key role in bringing that homestyle Italian-American vibe to your table. Plus, shopping’s a breeze with mostly pantry staples and freezer finds.

Ground beef: Opt for 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and juiciness without too much fat.
Garlic (fresh and powder): Fresh garlic lends wonderful aroma, and the powder boosts that flavor evenly.
Dried herbs (basil, parsley, oregano, thyme): These classic Italian herbs amp up the depth without overpowering the beef.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): I love adding just a pinch for some gentle heat—it wakes up the whole dish.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or even homemade for an extra personal touch.
Frozen cheese tortellini: No need to boil first, a quick warm water rinse is all it takes to prep them for baking.
Mozzarella cheese: The melty star of the show that ties everything together with creamy goodness.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for sharp, nutty flavor and an irresistible golden crust.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m all about making this Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Beef Recipe your own. Over time, I’ve tried a few tweaks that elevate it or adapt to what I have on hand—and I encourage you to do the same. After all, the best recipes are a little personal.

Vegetable Upgrade: Adding shredded zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms right into the meat sauce adds subtle earthiness and sneaks in extra veggies—my family didn’t even notice!
Spicy Kick: I sometimes double the crushed red pepper flakes if I’m craving a bit more heat. Feel free to adjust according to your spice preference.
Cheese Variations: Swapping part of the mozzarella for provolone or fontina lends a different creamy zing I’ve gotten hooked on.
Herb Alternatives: Fresh herbs like basil and parsley can be used if you have them—just triple the quantity since fresh herbs are gentler.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Beef Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle the beef and aromatics

Start by browning your ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. I always add three large cloves of minced fresh garlic right away—it permeates the meat with flavor. Break the beef up with your spatula so there aren’t big clumps. Once it’s cooked through (no pink left), drain any excess fat. Then, sprinkle in garlic powder, dried basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like that hint of heat. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and stir well to blend everything together.

Step 2: Combine sauce and tortellini

Pour your jar of marinara sauce right into the pot with the beef—give it a good stir. Next, grab that frozen cheese tortellini and pop it into a colander. Run warm water over it for about a minute just to loosen it up so it blends nicely with the sauce. Drain it well and add it straight into the beef sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat all the tortellini.

Step 3: Mix in half the mozzarella and prep for baking

Remove your pot from the heat and stir in half of the grated mozzarella cheese — this adds gooey, cheesy pockets throughout. Now, pour everything into a greased 3-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top, then finish with a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese. Cover the whole dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 4: Bake until bubbly and golden

Bake in your preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes covered. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top. Watch it during this step—the tempting aroma will start pulling you closer to the kitchen. Once baked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving so it sets just right and you don’t burn your tongue diving in.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Beef Recipe

Don’t Overcook Tortellini Before Baking: Just a quick rinse to thaw frozen tortellini keeps them tender and prevents mushiness after baking.
Drain Excess Fat Thoroughly: Leaving too much fat can make the dish greasy; I’ve made this mistake before, and it dulls the herbs’ impact.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded mozzarella often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting quality—freshly shredded melts better and tastes fresher.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing 5-10 minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken slightly, making it easier to plate and enjoy.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra fresh basil or chopped flat-leaf parsley on top—it adds that vibrant green pop and fresh aroma I find irresistible. Sometimes a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper finishes it off nicely, especially for guests who like a little bite.

Side Dishes

A simple green salad with vinaigrette is my go-to to cut through the richness, plus some crusty garlic bread or a loaf of warm focaccia makes the meal feel complete. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts work beautifully too if you want to sneak in more greens.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this in individual ramekins topped with a mini basil leaf and a drizzle of good olive oil—makes each guest feel special. Another time, layering it in a cast-iron skillet made for a rustic presentation that everyone loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This recipe reheats beautifully, and I tend to add a splash of water or extra marinara when warming it back up to keep it saucy and fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, cool completely then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. I’ve found that freezing does slightly soften the pasta, but a quick bake in the oven restores that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

Reheat covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through, usually around 20-25 minutes in a single portion. If microwaving, add a small splash of water and cover loosely to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in this Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Beef Recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage. Just adjust seasonings accordingly, especially if using sausage which tends to be more flavorful.
Do I have to use frozen tortellini, or can I use fresh?

You can use fresh or refrigerated tortellini too. If you use dried tortellini, you’ll want to boil it first according to package instructions before mixing it in. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini eliminates that extra step.
Is this recipe suitable to make ahead for a gathering?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. This makes hosting so much easier and lets the flavors meld overnight.
What can I substitute for mozzarella if I don’t have any?

Provolone, fontina, or even a mild cheddar cheese can work in a pinch. Each gives a slightly different flavor, so pick what you love or have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Beef Recipe has become one of my favorite quick comfort dishes because it’s so forgiving yet delivers that crave-worthy, cheesy-meaty satisfaction. Cooking it feels like a warm hug after a long day, and I’m confident you’ll feel the same way after one bite. So grab your favorite baking dish, pull out your freezer tortellini, and give it a go—it’s one of those meals you’ll want to make again and again, trust me on this one!