This Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is the ultimate comfort food. Cheese filled tortellini is baked in a rich, hearty meat sauce, then topped with plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a dish that’s warm, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1Preheat & Cook Meat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
2Sauté Aromatics: Add onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3Make the Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce, stir well, and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4Combine with Tortellini: Add the uncooked tortellini to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce.
5Add Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
6Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes:
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Add ricotta cheese between layers for a creamy twist.
- Use frozen tortellini (just add 5 extra minutes to baking time).
