Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving the kind of meal that warms your heart and fills your kitchen with cozy, Italian-inspired aromas, this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole delivers in every delicious way. Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini swirled in a savory, herb-laced meat sauce, finished bubbling under a golden blanket of melted mozzarella—every bite rich, gooey, and packed with comforting flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a special gathering, this easy casserole is a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have everyone rushing for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole is how straightforward the ingredients are—each one adds a specific touch, whether it’s creamy, cheesy, herbaceous, or hearty. There are no fancy tricks here, just good, honest flavors coming together for something unforgettable.

• Ground beef: Provides savory richness and satisfying heartiness at the base of your casserole.
• Dried oregano: Adds that classic Mediterranean depth and subtle warmth.
• Dried basil: Infuses the bake with sweet and peppery notes that elevate the sauce.
• Dried parsley: Brings a fresh, grassy flavor that balances out the other robust herbs.
• Garlic powder: For an undercurrent of garlicky flavor without the hassle of mincing cloves.
• Onion powder: Gives a mellow, sweet onion flavor for extra depth.
• Salt: Don’t skip this! It wakes up all the other flavors.
• Black pepper: Provides just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for a luscious tomato base—make sure it’s well seasoned!
• Fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star of the show—pillowy, cheese-stuffed pasta that bakes up perfectly.
• Shredded mozzarella: For that classic bubbly, stringy cheese topping and gooey goodness inside.
• Cream cheese: The secret ingredient for extra creaminess—it melts right in and makes each bite luscious.
• Fresh minced parsley or basil (for garnish): A sprinkle before serving adds freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. Let it sizzle and shuffle it around until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. This not only gives the casserole its hearty backbone but also develops those irresistible, savory bits at the bottom of the pan. Once browned, drain off as much grease as you can—it keeps things rich but not too heavy.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Now comes the magical part: pile in your marinara sauce right over the beef, then sprinkle in all the dried herbs—oregano, basil, parsley—along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. As you stir, you’ll see the sauce come alive with color and aroma. Let it simmer for just a minute so the beef and sauce really get acquainted and the herbs can bloom.

Step 3: Stir in Tortellini and Cheeses

Gently add in the fresh tortellini, dots of cream cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir patiently—the cream cheese will melt into the sauce, making it exceptionally creamy. The tortellini should be nicely coated and nestled into the sauce, ready for their trip to the oven.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

If your skillet is oven-safe, you’re in luck—no need to dirty another dish! Otherwise, pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella liberally over the top—the more cheese, the better for that iconic golden finish.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Cover with non-stick foil (or use toothpicks to keep regular foil from sticking to the cheese), and slide your casserole into a 350°F oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, then remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for another 5–10 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden crust that smells absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When your Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole emerges from the oven, finish it with a handful of fresh minced parsley or basil. This final flourish adds brightness and instantly makes the dish look celebration-worthy!

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil does wonders here—besides adding vibrant color, the fresh herbs lift every indulgent bite. If you like a little extra flair, try a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole is rich and filling, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides. I love a crisp green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette or a bowl of sautéed veggies. For something more classic, a hunk of warm, crusty bread or garlic knots will help you scoop up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, spoon portions of Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole into individual ramekins for a restaurant-style touch. If you’re feeding kids, let them sprinkle the cheese on top before baking—it gets everyone involved and excited for dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits, making for perfect next-day lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the casserole (but don’t bake it yet), then wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This is a lifesaver for busy nights—just bake when you’re ready for a homemade meal without the work.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until hot and bubbly (about 20–25 minutes). You can also microwave individual servings for lunch, but the oven will give you that perfectly melty topping all over again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just add the frozen tortellini directly—no need to thaw. It may need an extra 5–10 minutes in the oven to become tender and delicious.

Is there a vegetarian version of Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole?

Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or a combination of your favorite vegetables. The rest of the ingredients and steps remain unchanged, and the casserole will still be wonderfully hearty and satisfying.

What kind of marinara sauce works best?

Any high-quality store-bought or homemade marinara will work—choose something with rich, balanced tomato flavor. If you like a bit of heat, try a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick!

Can I prepare Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for 24 hours. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.

How do I keep the cheese from sticking to the foil?

If you have non-stick foil, use it to avoid sticking. Otherwise, simply poke a few toothpicks into the casserole before covering it so the foil doesn’t touch the cheese—works like a charm!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a feel-good meal with endless appeal, make this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole your new go-to recipe. I can’t wait for you to try it and see for yourself just how comforting, easy, and downright delicious this dish can be!

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