Beefy Tortellini Bake
This beefy tortellini bake is the kind of easy pasta casserole that disappears fast. It combines cheese-filled tortellini, savory ground beef, and rich marinara sauce, all baked together with plenty of melted cheese. The result is a hearty, comforting dinner that feels like a cross between lasagna and baked ziti, but with far less effort.
Inspired by classic Italian baked pasta (al forno) dishes, this recipe skips complicated layering and long simmering times. Using refrigerated tortellini and jarred marinara, you can have a crowd-pleasing casserole on the table with minimal prep. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, feeding hungry teenagers, potlucks, or anytime you need a reliable family dinner that everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick & easy: No pre-boiling the pasta and no fussy steps
Hearty & filling: Ideal for big appetites and growing teens
Family-friendly flavors: Cheesy, beefy, and familiar
Great for leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch the next day
Perfect for gatherings: A dependable potluck or dinner-party dish
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
1 pound ground beef (80–90% lean)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, if beef is very lean)
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
24 ounces marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
1/2 cup water or low-sodium beef broth
20–24 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, adding olive oil if needed. Cook until no longer pink.
Add the onion and cook until soft, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Stir in the marinara sauce and water or broth. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Place the tortellini in a large bowl. Pour the hot beef sauce over it and mix with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
Transfer to the baking dish and top with remaining cheeses.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish if desired.
Tips & Easy Variations:
Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition
Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey
Stir in a little ricotta or cream for an extra-creamy casserole
Use a smaller dish for a thicker, lasagna-style slice
This cheesy beef tortellini casserole is comfort food at its best simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn seconds and thirds.
