Name: Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce; 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

A warm and hearty dish, this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole brings together tender cheese tortellini, a rich meat sauce, and loads of melty mozzarella for the ultimate comfort food. I love making it on busy weeknights when I need something quick, filling, and guaranteed to make everyone happy at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I always reach for this recipe when I want something easy but indulgent. It’s a perfect blend of cheesy, savory, and saucy, with a golden bubbly top that smells like an Italian kitchen. The prep is simple — I can throw it together in under an hour, and it’s great for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers. Plus, the combination of beef (or sausage), ricotta, and mozzarella just hits every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 (24 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce

1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet, I brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat, then drain off any excess fat.

Next, I stir in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I let this simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can come together.

While the sauce simmers, I boil the tortellini for 2-3 minutes less than the package says — they’ll finish cooking in the oven. After draining, I set them aside.

In a large bowl, I mix the cooked tortellini with the meat sauce and ricotta (or cottage cheese) until everything is nicely coated.

I pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, I top it with shredded mozzarella.

I cover the dish with foil and bake it for 20 minutes.

After removing the foil, I bake it for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

If I have fresh parsley or basil on hand, I sprinkle some on top just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 hearty servings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: About 415 kcal per serving

Variations

I like switching things up depending on what I have in the fridge. Sometimes I use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick. When I want to lighten it up, I go for cottage cheese instead of ricotta. I’ve also added chopped spinach or sautéed mushrooms to sneak in some veggies. And for extra richness, a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking is always welcome.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When I reheat, I use the microwave for quick servings or pop it in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes if I want to preserve that crispy top. If freezing, I let it cool completely first, then wrap it tightly. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Related Recipes:

Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini

FAQs

What type of tortellini works best?

I use refrigerated cheese tortellini because it’s fast and flavorful, but frozen works too — I just add a few extra minutes to the boiling time.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. I skip the meat and either double the cheese or add veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a satisfying vegetarian version.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the casserole in the morning, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to bake, I let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed.

What’s the best cheese combo for this recipe?

Mozzarella and ricotta are my go-to, but mixing in a bit of Parmesan or provolone gives it a deeper flavor. Sometimes I use a mozzarella blend for extra creaminess.

Can I use a different pasta?

Sure! While I love the bite and cheese filling of tortellini, I’ve tried it with ravioli or even penne when that’s what I had on hand — it’s still delicious.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole is one of those dishes I can count on to bring comfort and satisfaction to the table. It’s cozy, easy, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m feeding my family or saving some for later, it’s a recipe I keep coming back to.

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