Meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: this comforting Easy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce. This recipe brings together tender fresh tortellini, a rich meat sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese.
It’s an incredibly satisfying and easy meal, perfect for busy evenings. You’ll love how quickly this cheesy tortellini casserole comes together for the whole family.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Casserole
This delicious tortellini casserole is a true crowd-pleaser and fits perfectly into a busy schedule:
- Quick to Assemble and Bake: Minimal hands-on time means you can get dinner on the table faster.
- Satisfying, Cheesy Comfort Food: Layers of pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella create an irresistible dish.
- Great for Family Dinners: Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds of this cheesy baked tortellini.
- Perfect for Meal Prep or Gatherings: Prepare it ahead for a party or portion it for lunches.
- Customizable with Various Ingredients: Easily adapt it to your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your fantastic tortellini casserole:
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
- Lean Ground Beef: 1 pound (97/3), forms the hearty base of our sauce.
- Onion: 1 small, diced, adds essential flavor.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for aromatic depth.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 28 oz can, or whole peeled tomatoes crushed by hand, providing a rich tomato foundation.
- Tomato Sauce: 8 oz can, balances the tomato flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon, a classic blend for Italian dishes.
- Kosher Salt: 1 1/2 teaspoons, enhances all the flavors.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Cheese Tortellini: 24 oz package, the star of this pasta bake.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 3 cups, freshly grated, for that perfect gooey topping.
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many of these ingredients. You can easily adapt this baked tortellini dish to your pantry or taste.
- Ground Beef Alternatives: Swap lean ground beef for ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a blend of meats.
- Jarred Sauce vs. Homemade: Feel free to use your favorite 24-ounce jarred marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Other Cheese Options: Mix in Parmesan, provolone, or ricotta for added depth and creaminess in this pasta casserole.
- Frozen or Dried Tortellini: Frozen tortellini works perfectly without thawing. If using dried, boil it according to package directions before adding to the sauce.
- Salt Adjustments: Adjust salt based on your dietary needs or if using pre-seasoned ingredients.
Equipment
You don’t need much special equipment for this easy tortellini casserole.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
Instructions For The Best Tortellini Casserole
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious baked tortellini casserole:
- Preheat Oven and Prep Aromatics: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Do not let it burn.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the pound of lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with your spoon and brown until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes and the 8 oz can of tomato sauce. Stir well. Season the sauce with 1 tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning, 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Add Uncooked Tortellini and Half the Mozzarella: Carefully stir in the entire 24 oz package of uncooked, fresh cheese tortellini directly into the meat sauce. Add 1 1/2 cups of the freshly grated mozzarella cheese and stir until everything is well combined and the tortellini is coated.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Spoon the entire tortellini and meat sauce mixture into your 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly.
- Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the top of the tortellini casserole.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly through the center and the tortellini is tender.
- Remove Foil and Finish Baking (Optional): If you desire a golden-brown, bubbly cheese topping, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the tortellini casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your baked tortellini casserole turns out perfect every time with these helpful tips.
- Ensure Tortellini is Covered: Make sure the tortellini is fully submerged in the sauce before baking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents drying out.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can make the tortellini mushy. Bake only until the pasta is tender and the casserole is bubbly.
- Achieve Golden-Brown Cheese: For a beautifully golden and slightly crispy cheese topping, broil uncovered for 1-2 minutes at the end. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
- Properly Drain Beef: Drain excess fat from the ground beef after browning. This prevents a greasy casserole and keeps the flavors clean.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the meat sauce before adding the tortellini and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
According to USDA food safety standards, ground beef should be cooked to 160°F (71°C) to eliminate harmful pathogens.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This easy pasta bake is versatile for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your tortellini casserole with a simple, fresh green salad tossed with a vinaigrette.
- Pair it with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Garnish individual servings with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage
- Cool the baked tortellini completely before storing to maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
Freezing Instructions
- To freeze, assemble the tortellini casserole but do not bake it.
- Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To bake from frozen, remove plastic wrap and cover with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach (stir in at the end), or diced bell peppers with the onions.
- Swap Proteins: Use Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), ground chicken, or a mix of meats for different flavors.
- Use Different Cheeses: Layer in some ricotta cheese under the mozzarella, or sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Creamy Sauce Addition: Stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream into the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious baked tortellini casserole:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 569 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 49 g |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Cholesterol | 102 mg |
| Sodium | 1386 mg |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 9 g |
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen tortellini. There’s no need to thaw or pre-cook it; just add it directly to the sauce.
Can I use jarred spaghetti sauce?
Absolutely! You can substitute the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce with a 24-ounce jar of your favorite marinara or spaghetti sauce.
Do I need to drain the ground beef?
Yes, it’s best to drain the ground beef after browning, especially if using a fattier blend. This prevents your tortellini casserole from becoming greasy.
How do I make this a freezer meal?
Assemble the casserole completely but do not bake. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for a convenient meal later.
Conclusion
This Easy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce truly is the ultimate weeknight hero. It delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect, cheesy, and satisfying meal for any family.
Get ready to enjoy a warm, comforting dish that everyone will love, whether it’s for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend gathering. Try this versatile and crowd-pleasing tortellini casserole tonight!
Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Dice onion and mince garlic.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Sauté onion for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, brown until no pink remains, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently.
- Add uncooked tortellini and 1.5 cups mozzarella to the sauce. Stir to coat.
- Transfer mixture to a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining 1.5 cups mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes until bubbly and tortellini is tender.
- Optional: uncover and broil for 1–2 minutes for golden top. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use frozen or dried tortellini with cooking adjustments.
- Swap ground beef with turkey or sausage.
- Jarred marinara can replace the tomato base.
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