If you are looking for a dish that brings comfort, heartiness, and a splash of Italian flavor all in one, this Baked Tortellini with Tomato & Meat Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with a rich, savory meat sauce and a bubbly, golden cheese topping that bakes to perfection. Whether you are cooking for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple yet impressive, promising layers of flavor that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly yet deliver deep, satisfying flavors. Each element, from the tender tortellini to the zesty marinara, plays a crucial part in creating the perfect balance of texture and taste.
- Olive oil: A tablespoon to gently sauté the onions and beef, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Adds a natural sweetness and aromatic base to the sauce.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a meaty texture to the sauce.
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory depth.
- 3 cups marinara sauce (one 24 oz. jar): The bright tomato base that ties all the flavors together.
- 2 (9 ounce) packages uncooked refrigerated cheese tortellini: Delightfully tender pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully for a gooey, stretchy cheese layer.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar: Adds a sharp, tangy kick and golden color to the topping.
How to Make Baked Tortellini with Tomato & Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and moving the oven rack to the top third. This placement helps the cheese on top brown nicely without burning. Setting everything up first is key for a smooth cooking process and a delicious final finish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Into a skillet over medium-high heat, pour in that olive oil and toss in the chopped onions. Let them sweat and soften for about 4-5 minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant. This simple step starts building the flavor foundation for your meat sauce.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef with Garlic
Add your lean ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Break the meat apart with a spoon as it browns, ensuring it cooks evenly and fully. This should take around 8-10 minutes. If you notice excess fat, don’t hesitate to spoon it out before moving the beef to your casserole dish.
Step 4: Combine Sauce, Tortellini, and Seasoning
Now, pour your marinara sauce into the casserole dish with the browned beef. Add the cheese tortellini right on top, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and toss gently so everything is evenly coated and spread out. This ensures every bite is loaded with that savory sauce and tender pasta.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Cover
Scatter the shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture locked in, allowing the tortellini to cook through and the cheese to melt perfectly without drying out.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the tortellini is cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden, slightly crispy cheese crust, remove the foil near the end and broil for a few minutes while keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn.
How to Serve Baked Tortellini with Tomato & Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled over the top add a burst of color and brightness that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce. A few red pepper flakes can give a subtle spicy kick for those who crave a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This hearty baked tortellini pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia rounds out the meal with a satisfying crunch and extra flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish straight from the baking dish for a comforting, family-style vibe. For a dinner party, plate individual portions in shallow bowls and drizzle with a little extra marinara and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It looks inviting and feels thoughtfully prepared.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats well, making for easy next-day meals that taste almost as good as freshly baked.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked tortellini before baking or after cooking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; just bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time. After baking, cool completely and freeze in portions for quick meals on busy days.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, to maintain moisture. You can also microwave smaller portions, but the oven method keeps the cheese and pasta texture more enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it cooks through properly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or a medley of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a hearty veggie version.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
What kind of cheese works best for topping?
The combination of mozzarella and cheddar in this recipe offers both meltability and flavor. You can experiment with Parmesan or provolone for a different cheesy twist.
How can I make the cheese topping extra crispy?
Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking and switch the oven to broil, watching carefully to avoid burning, to get that perfect golden crust.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about the Baked Tortellini with Tomato & Meat Sauce Recipe. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become one of your favorites to reach for again and again.
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Baked Tortellini with Tomato & Meat Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Baked Tortellini with Tomato & Meat Sauce is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired casserole that features tender cheese tortellini baked in a flavorful marinara sauce and savory ground beef mixture, topped with a melty blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner or weekend meal, it combines the ease of one-dish baking with rich, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce (one 24 oz. jar)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta & Cheese Topping
- 2 (9 ounce) packages uncooked refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the oven rack in the top third of the oven to ensure even baking and cheese browning.
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent, which builds the flavorful base for the sauce.
- Cook Beef and Garlic: Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Add the marinara sauce, uncooked cheese tortellini, and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to evenly combine everything and spread it out in an even layer for uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese and Cover: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the cheese has fully melted. Optionally, remove the foil and broil for a few minutes to achieve a golden brown and slightly crispy cheese topping.
Notes
- Use refrigerated (not frozen) cheese tortellini for the best texture and cooking time.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach.
- Covering the casserole with foil prevents the pasta from drying out while baking.
- Let the baked tortellini rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
