Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce! It’s one of those comforting dishes that always hits the spot. I remember the first time I made it after a long day; as soon as it came out of the oven, the whole house was filled with that warm, savory aroma. My husband couldn’t wait to dig in, and you know how hard it can be to get him to try new things sometimes! But this one? Instant favorite for sure.
What I love about this recipe is how creamy and cheesy it is! The tortellini is perfectly tender, and when it’s mixed with the hearty meat sauce and topped with bubbling melted cheese, it’s just irresistible. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! You can throw it together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when friends come over. And guess what? If you enjoy this, you might also love my simple garlic bread recipe to go alongside it! Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
- Hearty and comforting—perfect for family dinners or meal prep
- Rich flavors from the combination of meat, marinara, and herbs
- Golden, bubbly cheese topping that’s irresistible!
- Simple and straightforward recipe that’s ready in under an hour
- Uses easy-to-find ingredients you likely have on hand
- Versatile—swap beef for sausage or add your favorite veggies
- Freezes well for a quick weeknight meal later on
This recipe combines classic Italian flavors into a delightful and satisfying dish that’s sure to please a crowd!
How to Make Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
This Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is a delightful dish that’s perfect for gathering family around the dinner table or for a cozy night in. It’s comforting, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, and best of all—it comes together quickly!
What You’ll Need:
- Cheese tortellini – 1 pound (fresh or frozen). I usually go for fresh if I can find it because it adds a lovely texture!
- Ground beef or Italian sausage – 1 pound. You can’t go wrong with either, but I love Italian sausage for that extra punch of flavor.
- Onion – 1 small, diced. A sweet onion works wonders here!
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic is the way to go for that aromatic boost.
- Marinara sauce – 2 cups. I like Rao’s Homemade Marinara for its rich flavor! But any good jar will do.
- Diced tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz), undrained. They add a nice juiciness; fire-roasted diced tomatoes can also elevate the dish!
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon, for that classic Italian flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 2 cups. I go for whole milk mozzarella because it melts beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup, because more cheese is always better!
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish and a pop of color on your plate.
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for the magic!
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or sausage) and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, just drain it off.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. You want to smell that goodness!
- Stir in the marinara sauce, the undrained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture come to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. This lets all those flavors blend beautifully.
- While that’s simmering, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente; then drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini with the meat sauce. Mix well, making sure the tortellini are all coated in that delicious sauce.
- Transfer this tasty mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly—it’s like a cozy blanket for the tortellini!
- Now, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning, and pop it into the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown—that’s when you know it’s perfect!
- Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve it up and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Enjoy your delicious Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—after all, good food is meant to be shared!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage, turkey, or chicken for a lighter option. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as some leaner meats may require less time to cook through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can add a splash of marinara sauce if it seems a bit dry.
Can I Freeze Baked Tortellini?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and it should keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
What Cheese Can I Substitute for Mozzarella?
If you’re out of mozzarella, you can use provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly! For a creamier texture, consider adding ricotta cheese in layers.
