Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini (With Meat Sauce)
This easy cheesy baked tortellini features savory ground beef in pasta sauce layered with creamy cheese tortellini, cream cheese, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a dish that is rich, satisfying, and absolutely craveable. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.
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Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 (20-ounce) container refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini thawed if frozen for even cooking
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 for optimal flavor and texture
- 1 (24-ounce) jar pasta sauce your favorite brand or homemade
- 8 ounces cream cheese cubed for easy melting
- 1 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided for layers and topping
- 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor
- salt and pepper to taste adjust seasoning to your preference
- Optional: garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra depth of flavor
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for a fresh garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and break it into small crumbles as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes, until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the sauce: Pour the pasta sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef and stir well to combine, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is heated through.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you'd like, tasting as you go to achieve your desired flavor.
- Assemble Your Baked Tortellini
- Prepare your dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the base: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then add half of the cooked tortellini in an even layer.
- Add cream cheese: Scatter half of the cubed cream cheese over the tortellini layer, then top with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the parmesan.
- Final layers: Add the remaining tortellini, then top with the remaining meat sauce, followed by the remaining cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest: Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving, which helps it set and makes plating easier.