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If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that’s also incredibly simple to pull together, this Baked Tortellini with Tomato & Meat Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining tender cheese-filled tortellini with a rich, savory meat sauce and a blanket of melty mozzarella and cheddar, this dish delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this baked tortellini, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients, but each one plays a vital role in bringing the dish to life. From the aromatic onion and garlic that build the flavor base, to the tender cheese tortellini that soaks up all the delicious sauce, every component works in harmony to create something truly special and satisfying.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for sautéing the onion and beef, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and a depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Brings hearty protein and savory richness to the sauce.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses warm, aromatic notes that elevate the meat sauce.
- 3 cups marinara sauce (one 24 oz. jar): The tomato base that ties it all together with bright, tangy flavor.
- 2 (9 ounce) packages uncooked refrigerated cheese tortellini: Soft, cheesy pasta pockets that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts into gooey, stretchy bliss on top.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar: Offers a sharper, robust cheese punch for extra flavor complexity.
How to Make Baked Tortellini with Tomato & Meat Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F, making sure to place the rack in the top third of the oven. This positioning helps achieve the perfect melting and browning of the cheese later on.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Aromatics
In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm your tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent—this releases sweetness that forms a flavor foundation for the sauce.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef and Garlic
Next, add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook while breaking up the meat with a spoon, stirring frequently until the beef is fully browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. If there’s excess fat pooling, spoon some out for a leaner sauce. Once browned, transfer the meat to a 9×13-inch casserole dish, ready to be combined with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Sauce, Tortellini, and Seasoning
Pour in the marinara sauce and add the uncooked cheese tortellini directly into the casserole dish with the beef. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then toss everything together well, spreading it into an even layer. This step ensures every tortellini will be flavorful and perfectly coated.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Cover
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top. This cheesy crown will melt into a golden, bubbling topping that makes this dish so inviting. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture during baking.
Step 6: Bake and Optional Broil
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the tortellini is tender and the cheese has fully melted. For a gorgeous golden finish, remove the foil and broil for a few minutes—you’ll get that irresistible slightly browned cheese crust everyone loves.
How to Serve Baked Tortellini with Tomato & Meat Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a pop of green and a burst of freshness that complements the rich meat sauce beautifully. A light dusting of grated Parmesan also amps up the cheesy goodness and adds an extra layer of savoriness.
Side Dishes
This baked tortellini pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, making sure no bit of this delicious meal goes to waste.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at gatherings, serve the baked tortellini in individual oven-safe ramekins for perfectly portioned, cozy servings. Alternatively, layer it with roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers in the casserole for an extra veggie boost that adds color and nutrition to your plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this baked tortellini freezes well. Place it in a freezer-safe dish or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel for quicker meals, though oven reheating preserves the texture best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the pasta cooks through perfectly.
Is this recipe easily doubled or halved?
Yes, this recipe is very flexible for scaling. Just adjust the baking dish size and cooking time accordingly—larger quantities may need a bit longer to bake through.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Definitely. Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage can be great alternatives, each bringing its own unique flavor to the sauce.
Do I have to use two kinds of cheese?
Nope! Feel free to use just mozzarella or cheddar if that’s what you have on hand, but the combination gives a delicious balance of gooey stretchiness and sharp flavor.
What side dishes go best with Baked Tortellini with Tomato & Meat Sauce Recipe?
Simple sides like a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread help balance the richness of the baked tortellini and round out the meal nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about this Baked Tortellini with Tomato & Meat Sauce Recipe that makes it a standout comfort food. It’s easy to make, full of rich flavors and textures, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—it might just become your new weeknight favorite!
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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-American
Description
This Baked Tortellini with Tomato and Meat Sauce is a comforting and hearty Italian-American dish perfect for family dinners. It combines tender cheese tortellini with a savory ground beef and marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for a rich, satisfying casserole baked to bubbly perfection.
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
Tortellini & Cheese
- 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 place the rack in the top third position to ensure even baking and browning.
- Sauté Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent, which builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Cook Beef and Garlic: Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spoon as it browns evenly. Remove excess fat if necessary. Then transfer the cooked beef mixture to a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the marinara sauce over the beef in the casserole dish. Add the uncooked refrigerated cheese tortellini, season with salt and pepper, and gently toss all ingredients to mix well and spread into an even layer.
- Add Cheese and Cover: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top of the tortellini mixture. Cover the casserole tightly with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake and Brown: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the tortellini are tender and the cheese is fully melted. Optionally, remove the foil and broil for a few minutes to brown the cheese slightly for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use refrigerated cheese tortellini for best texture and even cooking.
- If excess fat accumulates during beef cooking, spoon it out for a leaner dish.
- Broiling at the end is optional but gives a nice golden-brown cheese crust.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by assembling it and refrigerating before baking. Just add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute.
