Name: Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef (97/3); 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 28 oz can crushed tomatoes (or whole peeled tomatoes crushed by hand); 8 oz can tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 24 oz package fresh cheese tortellini; 3 cups freshly grated mozzarella cheese

If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that’s packed with melty cheese and hearty flavors, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how it combines fresh cheese tortellini with a rich homemade meat sauce and a blanket of gooey mozzarella cheese. When I first made this, it quickly became a family favorite — perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a ton of fuss. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything to get this baked casserole just right every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy and Quick: It comes together fast, especially if you grab fresh tortellini from the store.
Comfort Food at Its Finest: That cheesy, baked goodness hits the spot after a long day.
Great for Feeding a Crowd: This casserole scales easily and always gets rave reviews at gatherings.
Minimal Fuss, Maximum Flavor: A simple homemade sauce shines alongside tender tortellini and plenty of mozzarella.

A black baking dish holds a layered tortellini pasta bake with a rich tomato sauce. The top layer is melted white cheese, bubbly and slightly browned in spots, mixed with twisted yellow tortellini filled pasta visible underneath. The sauce is deep red with bits of herbs and small chunks of meat mixed in. Scattered green herb leaves add color contrast across the top. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a folded striped cloth nearby and a wooden-handled black spoon on the right edge of the frame, creating a cozy kitchen feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole, cheesy tortellini casserole, baked tortellini recipes, comforting pasta dishes, easy baked pasta

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe plays an important role—from juicy ground beef for richness to fresh tortellini for that pillow-soft bite—and choosing the right versions will make all the difference. I recommend fresh tortellini when you can find it; it really elevates the texture over dried pasta.

Flat lay of a mound of fresh cheese tortellini, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a white ceramic bowl holding three whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small pile of finely diced white onion, a portion of raw lean ground beef shaped neatly, a white ceramic bowl filled with bright red crushed tomatoes, another white ceramic bowl with smooth red tomato sauce, a small heap of dried Italian seasoning herbs, coarse kosher salt crystals scattered lightly, a few twists of freshly ground black pepper, and a small white ceramic bowl heaped with freshly grated mozzarella cheese, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole, cheesy tortellini casserole, baked tortellini recipes, comforting pasta dishes, easy baked pasta

Olive oil: A good quality extra virgin gives your sauce a smooth start when sautéing onions and garlic.
Lean ground beef: I use 97/3 for less fat, which keeps the casserole hearty without feeling greasy.
Small onion: Dice finely for even cooking and a subtle sweetness that builds the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh and minced to infuse the meat sauce with warm flavor.
Crushed tomatoes: Whether canned crushed or hand-crushed whole tomatoes, make sure they’re good quality—they’re the heart of the sauce.
Tomato sauce: Adds extra tomato richness and smoothness to balance the chunks in crushed tomatoes.
Dried Italian seasoning: A blend that brings herbal dimension—don’t skip or substitute this for plain oregano.
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning that brightens all the flavors.
Fresh cheese tortellini: I highly suggest fresh over dried for soft, luscious pasta pockets.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly grated gives the best melt and stretch—cheese from a block beats pre-shredded every time.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe is — over time, I’ve played around with different cheeses and added veggies to make it suit different moods and seasons. Feel free to adjust and make it your own.

Vegetarian: Swap out beef for sautéed mushrooms and spinach—still delicious and hearty without the meat.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat I personally enjoy.
Cheese variations: Try mixing mozzarella with provolone or using parmesan on top for a sharper finish.
Extra veggies: Toss in chopped zucchini or bell peppers with the onion for added texture and nutrition.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté your aromatics and brown the beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and cook until they’re translucent and soft—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until fragrant; be careful not to let it burn. Next, add your lean ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it browns. I like to cook mine until there’s no pink left—this helps develop deeper flavor in the sauce.

Step 2: Build the sauce with tomatoes and seasonings

Once your beef is cooked through, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir everything together, then season with kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. This combo gives the sauce that classic herby, savory flavor that so nicely complements the cheese and pasta. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes while you prep the next step.

Step 3: Mix in fresh tortellini and cheese, then transfer to casserole dish

Here’s the fun part: stir the uncooked fresh cheese tortellini right into the sauce—you’ll find that the tortellini cooks beautifully inside the casserole as it bakes, soaking up all those flavors. Add 1 ½ cups of the shredded mozzarella into the mix and give it another gentle stir, then pour everything into your casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 4: Bake it low and slow

Cover your casserole tightly with foil to keep moisture in—this helps the tortellini cook evenly and keeps the cheese melty and luscious. Bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes, or until everything is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is lightly golden. If you want a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe

Use fresh tortellini: I discovered fresh pasta bakes more tenderly and tastes far superior, so it’s worth seeking out at your local grocery or Italian market.
Don’t overcook before baking: Remember that the tortellini cooks in the oven, so avoid pre-boiling it — that way it doesn’t get mushy.
Cover tightly with foil: This keeps the steam in so the dish stays moist and melty; trust me, your family will notice the difference.
Grate cheese fresh: Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting, so always grate your mozzarella fresh when you can.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe

A black baking dish filled with a baked tortellini casserole showing about three layers: a bottom layer of red tomato sauce with herbs, a middle layer of creamy white melted cheese mixed with tortellini pasta, and a top layer of bubbly melted mozzarella cheese sprinkled with green chopped herbs and black pepper. The tortellini pieces are golden with visible sauce and cheese patches. A wooden spoon rests on one corner of the dish, which is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole, cheesy tortellini casserole, baked tortellini recipes, comforting pasta dishes, easy baked pasta

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley on top right before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese can also elevate the dish even more.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread on the side is a classic move, especially when you want to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins or cast-iron skillets, which makes for a lovely personal presentation. Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top before serving adds a touch of elegance and balances the cheesy richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftovers snugly in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully without losing that melty cheesy quality if you gently warm it in the oven or microwave.

Freezing

I’ve also found this recipe freezes well. Just assemble the casserole but don’t bake it yet, then freeze it covered with foil. When you want it, bake covered from frozen, adding some extra time until it’s hot and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the portion with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This helps retain the texture better than the microwave alone, though the microwave works fine for a quick fix—just watch it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, you can, but I recommend thawing the frozen tortellini before mixing it into the sauce. Because frozen tortellini is often pre-cooked, it won’t need as much baking time and may become mushy if baked too long.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap out regular tortellini for a gluten-free variety. Make sure to check your canned tomatoes and sauces for any hidden gluten ingredients. The cooking method remains the same.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace the ground beef with plant-based protein crumbles or simply double up on vegetables like mushrooms and spinach to keep that hearty texture without meat.
What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from drying out?

Covering the casserole tightly with foil while baking traps steam and keeps the tortellini moist. Avoid removing the foil too early unless you want to brown the cheese at the end.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s just so reliably delicious and simple. It warms you from the inside out with its gooey cheese and rich sauce, and it’s surprisingly quick to pull together—even when I thought I was too busy to cook. If you give it a try, I’m sure you’ll find it’s one of those dishes you keep coming back to, whether for busy nights, potlucks, or cozy family meals. Trust me, once your oven timer dings and you get that first cheesy forkful, you’ll understand why I’m so hooked!