Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce
This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce is a weeknight winner. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—yet made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients. Tender cheese tortellini are coated in a hearty meat sauce, blended with cream cheese, and baked under layers of melty mozzarella and parmesan. Even picky eaters can’t resist this cozy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
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1 (20 oz) package refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
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1 lb ground beef
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1 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce
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8 oz cream cheese, cubed
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1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
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Seasoning to taste (salt, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning recommended)
Instructions
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Cook the Tortellini
Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. -
Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with your chosen seasonings. Drain excess grease. -
Make the Sauce
Stir the pasta sauce and cream cheese into the skillet with the beef. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring often, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. -
Assemble the Casserole
Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and parmesan. -
Bake
Bake uncovered on the center rack for 20 minutes. Switch the oven to broil and bake an additional 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is lightly browned and bubbly. -
Serve
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy on its own or with a side salad, vegetables, or garlic bread.
Notes
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Don’t overcook the tortellini—they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
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Use whole-milk mozzarella for extra meltiness.
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Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for bolder flavor.
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Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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This casserole freezes and reheats beautifully.