Need a dinner that feels homemade but doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all night? This Cheesy Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce is a great way to get a hearty meal on the table with less effort.

Cheese-filled tortellini, rich meat sauce, and plenty of melted cheese bake together into one cozy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Just add a simple salad or garlic bread; that’s it your dinner is ready.

Table of Contents

Why We Love This Recipe

Ready in under an hour
Loaded with cheesy goodness
Rich, hearty meat sauce
Perfect for weeknight dinners
Great make-ahead meal
Freezer-friendly
Family-approved comfort food

Ingredients

For the Casserole

20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 oz marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Cook Tortellini

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook tortellini in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook ground beef until browned, then add onion and cook until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

Add cooked tortellini to the meat sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Bake at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions.

Variations

Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef
Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers
Mix in ricotta cheese for extra creaminess
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

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