Name: Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 3 large cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon dried basil; ½ teaspoon dried parsley; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon dried thyme; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, optional; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara/pasta sauce; 1 (22-ounce) package frozen cheese tortellini; 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated (about 2 cups); 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 23 reviews

Hey friend, if you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both hearty and full of ooey-gooey cheese, you’re going to love this Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe. It’s one of my go-to comfort foods that never disappoints — perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so your family ends up begging for seconds!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The blend of garlic, herbs, and a touch of crushed red pepper wakes up the savory ground beef and complements the cheese beautifully.
Easy One-Dish Meal: Everything cooks together, so cleanup is a breeze—and your oven does most of the work.
Cheesy, Gooey Satisfaction: Mixing mozzarella inside and layering it on top gives you all the melty, golden goodness you want in baked pasta.
Versatile Ingredients: Frozen tortellini means you can whip this up any time without extra prep—no boiling necessary unless you want to!

Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef, cheesy baked tortellini, ground beef pasta bake, comfort food recipes, cheesy pasta casserole - A white dish filled with baked tortellini pasta tossed in a rich red tomato sauce and covered with a thick layer of melted, golden-brown cheese with green herb sprinkles on top. Some tortellini are visible under the cheese, showing their smooth curved shapes and orange sauce coating. A woman's hand holds a silver spoon lifting a portion of the cheesy pasta, with melted cheese stretching slightly. The background shows more pasta inside the white dish on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients combine to create that rich and satisfying “home-cooked” feeling. The mix of dried herbs adds an Italian flair, and the frozen tortellini keeps things super quick—plus, you can easily find everything at your local grocery store.

Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef, cheesy baked tortellini, ground beef pasta bake, comfort food recipes, cheesy pasta casserole - Flat lay of a mound of fresh ground beef, three uncracked brown garlic cloves, small white bowls each containing dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl filled with vibrant red marinara sauce, a handful of uncooked cheese tortellini pasta with delicate folded edges, a small pile of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a small heap of grated Parmesan cheese, all neatly arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic surface, placed 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

Ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and protein; I recommend 85% lean for a good fat balance without too much grease.
Garlic (fresh & powder): Fresh garlic adds vibrancy, while garlic powder deepens the aroma in the meat.
Dried herbs (basil, parsley, oregano, thyme): Classic Italian herbs build complexity and warmth.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but adds a gentle kick that balances the richness.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
Marinara/pasta sauce: Choose a good-quality jarred sauce or your favorite homemade version for saucy goodness.
Frozen cheese tortellini: No-boil convenience plus that melty cheese center everyone loves.
Mozzarella cheese: Use freshly grated for best melting; it’s the star of the cheese show here!
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish on top for that perfect golden crust.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe adapts so well to whatever you might have on hand or your cravings of the day. Sometimes I sneak in veggies, or swap cheeses if I want a different twist.

Veggie Boost: I’ve tossed in finely grated zucchini or shredded carrots into the meat sauce—no one notices, but it ups the nutrition without changing the flavor.
Cheese Swap: Feel free to mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a slightly different melt and taste.
Spice it Up: Adding a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can satisfy a craving for a little heat.
Make it Vegetarian: Try swapping the beef for cooked lentils or crumbled tempeh and it’s just as comforting!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Brown the beef and build that flavor base

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add your ground beef and minced garlic. I like to break up the beef with a wooden spoon as it cooks, stirring often so it browns evenly without steaming. Once the beef’s no longer pink—say about 5 to 7 minutes—drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy. Then add your dried herbs, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. This seasoning step pulls all the flavors together early on, giving you a robust sauce base.

Step 2: Stir in marinara and slightly thaw the tortellini

Pour your marinara sauce right into the browned beef, giving everything a good stir to combine. For the tortellini, I usually pop the whole frozen package into a colander and rinse with warm water for about a minute to loosen them up just a bit—they don’t need to be fully thawed or cooked, just separated and slightly softened. Drain well, then stir the tortellini into the sauce mixture. This way, every nugget is coated and ready for baking.

Step 3: Add cheese, assemble, and bake to perfection

Take your pot off the heat and stir in about half of the shredded mozzarella for creaminess inside the dish. Then move everything to a greased 3-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top—this creates that bubbling, golden crust you’ll swoon over. Cover it with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until it’s simmering and nice and bubbly. Keep an eye on it toward the end so the cheese doesn’t burn but gets that perfect golden brown touch.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that prevent melting perfectly—grating your mozzarella fresh makes all the difference.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking so it sets up and is easier to serve.
Rinse Tortellini Quickly: Running warm water loosens them without starting to cook them, preventing clumps and sticking.
Avoid Overcrowding Your Baking Dish: Using the right size ensures even cooking without sogginess or dry edges.

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe

Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef, cheesy baked tortellini, ground beef pasta bake, comfort food recipes, cheesy pasta casserole - The image shows a white oval baking dish with a layered casserole on a white marbled surface. The top layer is melted, lightly browned cheese sprinkled with green herbs. A section is scooped out, revealing a rich, dark brown meat sauce mixed with whole mushrooms and tortillas shaped like small circles inside the dish. Next to it is a white bowl filled with a serving of the casserole, showing layers of browned meat sauce, mushrooms, and pasta circles, all topped with some grated cheese and chopped green herbs. A golden spoon is partially visible in the bowl. The background includes a white textured cloth and scattered green herb leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love scattering freshly chopped basil or parsley on top once it’s out of the oven—it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that brightens the dish just right. A little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders if you like a touch of richness or heat.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs perfectly with a simple green salad tossed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette, or some roasted garlic bread for dipping. When I’m feeling seasonal, steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts are great veggie companions that add crunch and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I’ve served this for a cozy dinner party is spooning it into individual ramekins and topping them with a little extra cheese and fresh herbs—everyone gets their own personal cheesy bubble of joy! You can also spruce up presentation by garnishing with a parmesan crisp or grilled lemon wedges for a hint of brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it cools, I transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully—just cover loosely with foil or microwave-safe cover to keep the moisture in.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well as long as you skip baking first. Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, bake covered for about 45 minutes, then uncover and bake until bubbly and golden.

Reheating

I find reheating in a 350°F oven works best to revive that fresh-baked texture—about 20 minutes with foil, then 5-10 minutes uncovered to crisp the cheese back up. Microwave is fine for a quick fix but the texture isn’t quite as good.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is delicious and convenient, you can make this recipe with ravioli, cooked dry pasta like penne or rigatoni, or even fresh pasta pockets. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly and cook any dried pasta fully before baking.
Is it necessary to rinse the frozen tortellini?

Rinsing frozen tortellini under warm water helps separate the pieces so they don’t stick together in the sauce. It also slightly softens them, which helps with even baking. It’s a quick step but makes a big difference in texture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.
What if I want to add vegetables?

Great idea! Finely chopped or grated vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers mix well into the meat sauce without overpowering the dish. Cook them briefly with the beef so they soften before combining with the sauce and tortellini.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe has quickly become one of my kitchen favorites because it just hits every note—comfort, ease, and cheesy satisfaction. I genuinely hope you give it a try and see how simple ingredients can combine for something truly special. Trust me, once you taste it, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation, just like it is in mine. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef Recipe