Name: Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of olive oil; 1 pound of lean ground beef (97/3); 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes (or whole peeled tomatoes crushed by hand); 8 oz can of tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning; 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 24 oz package of fresh cheese tortellini; 3 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese, divided

If you’re looking for comfort food that’s cheesy, hearty, and downright irresistible, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels warm and satisfying but doesn’t take all day. I love how the tender tortellini bakes right into a rich, meaty tomato sauce topped with gooey mozzarella—seriously, it’s like a hug on a plate. Keep reading, because I’m going to share all my tips and tricks so you nail it perfectly every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort Food: The creamy cheese and hearty meat sauce make it feel like a cozy meal straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of these ingredients at home, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Hands-Off Baking: Once assembled, the oven does the work while you relax or prep a salad.
Family Favorite: My crew always requests this casserole, and I bet yours will too!

A black baking dish holds a layered tortellini pasta bake with a rich tomato sauce. The top layer is melted white cheese, bubbly and slightly browned in spots, mixed with twisted yellow tortellini filled pasta visible underneath. The sauce is deep red with bits of herbs and small chunks of meat mixed in. Scattered green herb leaves add color contrast across the top. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a folded striped cloth nearby and a wooden-handled black spoon on the right edge of the frame, creating a cozy kitchen feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole, baked tortellini recipes, cheesy pasta casserole, hearty tortellini dinner, easy baked pasta dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here comes from a simple yet flavorful homemade meat sauce combined with fresh cheese tortellini and plenty of mozzarella to get that perfect cheesy crust. Picking fresh tortellini and quality canned tomatoes really helps this dish shine.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh cheese tortellini, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a white ceramic bowl holding three whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small pile of finely diced white onion, a portion of raw lean ground beef shaped neatly, a white ceramic bowl filled with bright red crushed tomatoes, another white ceramic bowl with smooth red tomato sauce, a small heap of dried Italian seasoning herbs, coarse kosher salt crystals scattered lightly, a few twists of freshly ground black pepper, and a small white ceramic bowl heaped with freshly grated mozzarella cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole, baked tortellini recipes, cheesy pasta casserole, hearty tortellini dinner, easy baked pasta dishes

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions without overpowering the flavors.
Lean ground beef: I recommend 97/3 to keep it juicy but not greasy.
Small onion: Diced small for a subtle sweetness that blends into the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh for the best aroma and flavor punch.
Crushed tomatoes: Use good quality canned crushed tomatoes or crush whole peeled tomatoes yourself for freshness.
Tomato sauce: Keeps the sauce smooth and saucy enough to coat every tortellini.
Dried Italian seasoning: Brings herbs like oregano and basil together beautifully without needing fresh herbs.
Kosher salt: Essential to balance and enhance the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth when freshly cracked at the end.
Fresh cheese tortellini: The star of the show—fresh tortellini cooks perfectly in the sauce, no need to boil ahead.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully and browns nicely on top.

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.

Variations

I’m a big fan of mixing things up depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe your own! I like to experiment and sometimes add my personal twist.

Vegetarian version: Swap out ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles; it’s just as hearty and delicious.
Spicy kick: I sometimes stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat that my family loves.
Different cheeses: Mixing mozzarella with fontina or provolone amps up the cheesiness and flavor complexity.
Fresh herbs: Topping with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving adds a lovely bright finish.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic for Flavor

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion and cook gently until they become soft and translucent—that’s about 5 minutes and really builds the base flavor. Then add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute or until fragrant; be careful not to burn it, or the sauce will taste bitter.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add your lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until there’s no more pink showing and the beef is nicely browned. This step caramelizes the meat, giving your sauce that deep, meaty flavor you want in a great casserole.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce and Season

Pour in your crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Now sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir and let the flavors marry for a few minutes. This sauce is super flavorful even before baking, so tasting here is key; don’t be shy to adjust seasonings.

Step 4: Add Tortellini and Cheese Before Baking

Here’s one of my favorite tricks: stir in the fresh tortellini right into the sauce—no need to pre-cook! Toss in about half of the mozzarella cheese, folding it gently into the mixture so the cheese starts melting and binding everything together.

Step 5: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Transfer the entire mixture into a casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly on top. Cover tightly with foil to keep all that moisture in, then bake at 350°F for approximately 40 minutes. When you pull it out, it should be bubbling hot and the cheese beautifully melted. If you want a golden-brown top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe

Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh tortellini absorbs the sauce better and bakes tender without getting mushy like dried pasta can.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spreading the mixture evenly ensures every bite has that perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Cover While Baking: Keeping it covered traps steam, so your pasta cooks through without drying out.
Let It Rest Before Serving: Giving the casserole 5-10 minutes to cool lets it set up, making it easier to serve neat slices.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe

A black baking dish filled with a baked tortellini casserole showing about three layers: a bottom layer of red tomato sauce with herbs, a middle layer of creamy white melted cheese mixed with tortellini pasta, and a top layer of bubbly melted mozzarella cheese sprinkled with green chopped herbs and black pepper. The tortellini pieces are golden with visible sauce and cheese patches. A wooden spoon rests on one corner of the dish, which is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole, baked tortellini recipes, cheesy pasta casserole, hearty tortellini dinner, easy baked pasta dishes

Garnishes

I always sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top before serving. It adds a pop of color and a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also elevate the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some garlicky roasted broccoli. I also like serving it with warm garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad to keep things fresh and balance out the hearty pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this casserole in small individual ramekins for a personal touch. It’s also fun to top each portion with a mini mozzarella ball and a cherry tomato brochette for a little festive flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I like to add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it from drying out and cover with foil while warming.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! I freeze it before baking in a freezer-safe dish with foil on top. When ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. The flavors seem to meld even better after a freeze.

Reheating

To reheat, cover it with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but I prefer the oven method to keep the cheese melty and avoid sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini, but you may want to boil it briefly before adding it to the sauce since frozen pasta takes longer to cook. This helps prevent the casserole from becoming too watery during baking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe is fantastic for meal prep because it holds up well in the fridge and can be portioned easily. Just be sure to store portions in airtight containers and reheat properly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Definitely! Simply replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. The tomato sauce and cheese will keep the dish rich and flavorful.
How can I make the top extra crispy?

For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking and switch your oven to broil for a minute or two. Just watch it closely to avoid burning!

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, delicious, and feeds a hungry crowd without any fuss. When I first made it, my family went crazy over how perfectly the cheese and sauce melded with the tender tortellini. Now it’s one of those go-to dinners I recommend to any friend who wants comfort food that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours on it. Trust me—once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!