Name: Cheesy and Creamy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (20oz) container of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini; 1 lb ground beef; 1 (24oz) jar of pasta sauce; 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed); 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese; Seasoning to taste (salt, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 13 reviews

I am absolutely in love with this Cheesy and Creamy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce Recipe because it brings together two of my favorite things: rich, flavorful meat sauce and indulgently melty cheese, all wrapped around tender tortellini. Whenever I make this dish, it feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of creamy cheese and savory beef in a bubbly casserole is something that my whole family looks forward to, and I find it’s the ideal solution when I want to impress with little fuss and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy and Creamy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce Recipe

I have to say, the flavor profile of this casserole is what gets me every time. The ground beef simmers in savory tomato sauce enriched by the cream cheese, making every bite velvety and satisfying. Then, the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses baked on top create this golden, bubbly crust that adds just the right texture balance to the softness of the tortellini inside. It’s like the ultimate comfort food but feels a little elevated thanks to that perfect cheese blend.

What I love most is how incredibly easy this recipe comes together. Aside from browning the beef and cooking the tortellini, it’s mostly about mixing ingredients and popping everything in the oven. That makes it my go-to for busy weeknights when I want a home-cooked meal without spending hours at the stove. Plus, it’s super versatile so you can tailor the seasoning or add veggies if you want. Honestly, I find this casserole is a fantastic crowd-pleaser for casual dinners, potlucks, or just when you want something reliably delicious without any stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a creamy orange sauce, topped with a large serving of tortellini pasta. The tortellini are light yellow and have a smooth, slightly glossy texture. They are piled in the center of the bowl, resting on the thick sauce with some pasta pieces partially covered. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the best part of this recipe. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s building the sauce’s rich depth, adding creamy texture, or contributing to the cheesy topping that we all crave.

Cheese tortellini (20oz): I prefer refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini for their tender, cheesy filling that melts beautifully in this dish.
Ground beef (1 lb): This adds a hearty, savory base to the sauce and balances the creamy cheese perfectly.
Pasta sauce (24oz jar): Using your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce simplifies prep while delivering rich flavor.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, cubed): Cream cheese is the secret ingredient that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and smooth.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1-2 cups): Mozzarella melts into a gooey, stretchy cheese layer on top that’s just heavenly.
Grated parmesan (1/2 cup): Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty contrast that lifts the entire casserole.
Seasoning to taste: I use salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance every bite.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the cheese tortellini until al dente according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Once cooked, drain well and set the tortellini aside so they don’t become soggy later on.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Meanwhile, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little bit of oil or butter to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick.

Step 3: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add your preferred seasonings—salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning work wonderfully. Cook the meat until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 4: Carefully drain excess grease from the skillet. Then, stir in the jar of pasta sauce and the cubed cream cheese. Simmer together for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the cream cheese has melted fully and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce mixture, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated in that creamy, meaty goodness. Pour this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top of the casserole. This cheesy layer will melt and brown beautifully in the oven.

Step 7: Bake the casserole uncovered on the center rack of your oven for about 20 minutes. Then switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye to ensure the cheese browns perfectly without burning.

Step 8: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving so the cheese sets just enough to make scooping easy and keep the layers intact.

Servings and Timing

This Cheesy and Creamy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce Recipe comfortably serves 8 people, making it fantastic for families or when you want leftovers for lunch the next day. Prep time is around 15 minutes, mostly for cooking tortellini and browning the meat. The bake time is approximately 23 minutes total (including the broiling step), bringing your total time from start to finish to just under 40 minutes. I always recommend letting it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly and the casserole is easier to portion.

How to Serve This Cheesy and Creamy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce Recipe

A close-up view of a white baking dish filled with a layered pasta casserole. The bottom layer shows small pasta shapes mixed with a rich red tomato meat sauce that has a chunky texture. Above that is a thick layer of melted, creamy white cheese that is soft and slightly browned in spots. A woman's hand is lifting a spoonful of the casserole, showing melted cheese pulling in strings from the pasta and sauce, with some small green herb bits sprinkled on top. The background has a soft focus with warm, brown tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this casserole, I love pairing it with something fresh to balance all that richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or even some roasted veggies adds a perfect contrast. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are my go-to sides because they’re perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate. Presentation-wise, I like to sprinkle a little extra parmesan and freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

For beverages, I often reach for a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which complements the tomato sauce and beef beautifully. If wine isn’t your thing, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a classic Italian soda also pairs nicely. This recipe shines for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, and holiday occasions where easy, hearty food is appreciated by everyone.

I always recommend serving it warm, right out of the oven, to enjoy the gooey cheese and perfectly tender tortellini. If you’re plating it individually, a generous scoop per serving works well, and I usually recommend about one cup per person, depending on appetite. It’s a dish that feels special but is totally approachable for any meal.

Variations

I love personalizing this Cheesy and Creamy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce Recipe depending on what I have on hand or dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, I swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu, which add great texture and umami. You can also experiment with different meat options like Italian sausage or ground turkey for a flavor twist.

If you want to make it gluten-free, look for gluten-free tortellini options readily available at many grocery stores. I also sometimes mix in spinach or other leafy greens for an added nutritional boost without sacrificing taste. For a dairy-free or vegan adaptation, try using vegan cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives along with plant-based meat substitutes, though the sauce may be less creamy without cream cheese.

For an extra flavor kick, I’ve tossed in some red pepper flakes for heat or swapped the pasta sauce for a creamy Alfredo base to turn this casserole into something more decadent. Cooking methods can also vary – I’ve even tried making it in a slow cooker by layering ingredients, which is perfect for hands-off days and yields tender tortellini infused with sauce flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying this casserole, I immediately transfer any leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will keep well for 3 to 4 days. This makes it easy to plan ahead and have delicious, leftover comfort food ready to heat on busy days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully if you want to make it in advance. I recommend assembling the casserole, then wrapping the dish tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming and maintaining texture.

Reheating

To get that freshly baked texture back after reheating, I love warming individual portions in the oven at 350° F covered loosely with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also use a microwave for convenience, but it may soften the cheese topping. To revive some crispness, I sometimes finish with a quick broil for a minute or two on the stovetop or oven. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen to keep it from becoming too watery or unevenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini work just as well as refrigerated ones. Just be sure to cook them according to the package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly before mixing into the sauce to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.

What kind of seasoning is best for the meat sauce?

I personally use a blend of salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning because it gives the sauce a classic, well-rounded flavor. Feel free to customize with red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like basil and oregano to amplify freshness.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add about 5 additional minutes to the bake time if baking straight from chilled. This makes it a fantastic meal prep or entertaining option.

Is it okay to add vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be sautéed and stirred into the sauce before baking. They add nutrition, color, and flavor complexity without overpowering the cheesy creaminess.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, usually after the 20-minute bake plus 2-3 minutes of broiling. The sauce should be hot and simmering around the edges, and the tortellini tender. If you’re unsure, insert a fork into the center to check for heat.

Conclusion

I really hope you give this Cheesy and Creamy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that never fails to bring comfort and smiles to the table. It’s simple, satisfying, and packed with gooey, cheesy goodness that feels like a celebration every time I bake it. Trust me, once you make it, this casserole will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for family dinners and special occasions alike!