Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole is here to sweep you off your feet. Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini nestled in a rich, herby meat sauce, all blanketed with two cheeses, then topped off with a bubbling golden crust. This dish is like a warm hug from the inside out and is the ultimate solution to midweek dinner slumps, feeding a hungry family, or wowing guests with comfort food that tastes like a secret family recipe. If you haven’t made a tortellini casserole before, you’re in for a treat—minimal prep, maximum flavor, and plenty of ways to make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole earns its spot, balancing robust Italian flavors with creamy comfort. You won’t need anything fancy or hard to find, but each element plays a role—whether it’s building depth in the sauce, delivering that signature cheesy stretch, or adding pops of freshness at the end.

• Ground beef: Adds savory richness and hearty texture that anchors the dish.
• Dried oregano, basil, and parsley: These classic Italian herbs infuse the casserole with earthy, aromatic flavor.
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Intensify the savory base and round out the flavor without the need for chopping.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors into balance.
• Marinara sauce: The backbone of the casserole; choose a good-quality jar or homemade for best results.
• Fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini: These plump, cheesy pasta pillows make every bite pure comfort—use refrigerated for best texture.
• Shredded mozzarella: Delivers gooey melt and golden-brown topping—dividing it creates layers of cheesiness.
• Cream cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess and richness you can taste in every bite.
• Fresh minced parsley or basil: The finishing touch, adding brightness and a little burst of color right before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks, stirring often until it’s browned all the way through and no pink remains. Make sure to drain off as much grease as possible—this keeps the casserole from becoming oily, letting those flavors shine.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

Toss in the dried oregano, basil, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat the beef evenly. Then pour in the marinara sauce, mixing until everything is combined. Let it cook for another minute so the herbs can bloom, and you’ll start to smell that irresistible Italian aroma.

Step 3: Add Tortellini and Creamy Cheeses

Time for the stars: stir in the fresh cheese tortellini, cubes of cream cheese, and half (1 cup) of the shredded mozzarella. Keep stirring gently until the cream cheese is completely melted and the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious, cheesy sauce. Every tortellini should look glossy and well-loved!

Step 4: Transfer and Top with Cheese

Pour everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. (If your skillet is oven-safe, you’re welcome to bake it right in there—less cleanup!) Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella evenly over the top for a truly cheesy baked tortellini casserole finish.

Step 5: Bake, Brown, and Garnish

Cover the dish loosely with non-stick foil (or regular foil propped up with toothpicks to prevent sticking), and bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes. After that, remove the foil and let it bake another 5-10 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese perfectly. Right before serving, shower it with minced parsley or basil for freshness.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

Garnishes

Nothing brightens up the hearty richness of cheesy baked tortellini casserole like a generous scatter of fresh basil or parsley. For a little zing, you might also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like it spicy. The herbs offer a fresh flavor and pop of color that make this casserole restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Round out your dinner table with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette, garlic bread (for sopping up those saucy corners), or gently roasted veggies like broccoli or zucchini. Each of these sides plays off the indulgent, gooey flavors of the casserole and helps turn dinner into a well-balanced, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, transfer individual portions of the cheesy baked tortellini casserole into small ramekins or oven-safe bowls for personalized servings. Or, bake the casserole family-style right in a beautiful dish and bring it straight to the table, letting everyone scoop out their own hearty helping. Don’t forget a sprinkle of extra herbs or cheese for a little tableside drama!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Cheesy baked tortellini casserole keeps well for up to 3 days, making it an amazing next-day lunch or speedy dinner solution. The flavors meld and deepen with time, too.

Freezing

Want to stock your freezer? Assemble the casserole right to the point before baking, cover tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re craving comfort food fast, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—just allow a few extra minutes for the center to heat through.

Reheating

Reheat generous servings either in the microwave (covered) in 1-2 minute intervals until hot, or in an oven-safe dish at 350 degrees F until the cheese is melted and bubbly again. Add a splash of water and cover with foil if it looks dry; this helps revive that creamy, saucy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini can be swapped in for this cheesy baked tortellini casserole—just add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure the pasta is perfectly tender by the end.

What’s the best marinara sauce to use?

Use a high-quality jarred sauce for ease, or your homemade marinara if you have some on hand. Pick one you love the taste of, since the sauce sets the entire tone for the casserole.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the ground beef and bulk up your sauce with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for lots of flavor and texture. Choose a vegetarian-friendly marinara, and you’ve got a delicious meat-free version.

Is it okay to assemble in advance and bake later?

Definitely. Put your cheesy baked tortellini casserole together in the morning, keep it chilled, then pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. Just add a couple extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I add other cheeses on top?

Get creative! Feel free to sprinkle on some freshly grated Parmesan, provolone, or even fontina with the mozzarella for more depth and an epic cheese pull effect in every spoonful.

Final Thoughts

No matter the occasion or season, this cheesy baked tortellini casserole brings warmth, flavor, and a little magic to your table. It’s simple, satisfying, and might just become your new go-to comfort food. Grab those ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to win over anyone lucky enough to join you for dinner!

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