Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
This Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The tender cheese tortellini is smothered in a rich, hearty meat sauce and topped with melty mozzarella for an irresistible finish.
With minimal prep and just a few key ingredients, this dish comes together quickly, making it an easy, no-fuss meal that everyone will enjoy. The combination of savory beef, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese creates a flavorful, satisfying experience.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together, this baked tortellini is sure to be a hit. Serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete, mouthwatering meal.
Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce Ingredients
Cheese tortellini forms the heart of this dish, offering a rich, creamy bite that perfectly complements the savory meat sauce. Ground beef adds depth and flavor, while marinara sauce provides the essential tangy base. Fresh onion enhances the overall aroma, and mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a golden, bubbly topping. A sprinkle of parsley at the end offers a fresh, vibrant finish to this comforting dish.
Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
This Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is an effortless yet indulgent dish that brings together the richness of cheese tortellini, the savory depth of ground beef, and a bubbling, golden layer of melted mozzarella. It’s a perfect choice for a busy weeknight meal or a family-friendly gathering. Here’s everything you need to know to elevate this recipe to its full potential.
Recipe Tips
- Use Freshly Shredded Mozzarella: While pre-shredded mozzarella may seem convenient, freshly shredded mozzarella will melt better and provide a creamier texture. The anti-caking agents found in store-bought shredded cheese can affect the melt, resulting in less-than-ideal gooeyness. For a truly indulgent topping, shred your own mozzarella right before baking.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: To avoid mushy pasta, make sure you cook the tortellini just until al dente. Since the pasta will cook further in the oven, it’s important not to overcook it in the boiling water. A perfect al dente texture will hold up better in the bake and give the dish a more satisfying bite.
- Customize the Meat Sauce: Feel free to get creative with your meat sauce! If you want to add more flavor, try incorporating garlic, red pepper flakes, or Italian seasoning. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish. Adding a splash of red wine to the sauce will also enrich the flavor, giving it a more complex, robust taste.
What to Serve with Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
- Garlic Bread: A classic side to pair with baked pasta dishes, garlic bread adds a crispy, buttery element to your meal. The garlic butter and herbs perfectly complement the richness of the meat sauce, and the toasted bread is great for dipping into any leftover sauce.
- Side Salad: Balance out the richness of the dish with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the cheesy, meaty pasta. The acidity of the dressing also enhances the flavors in the tortellini and marinara sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: To add some extra nutrition and flavor, serve this baked tortellini with a side of roasted vegetables. Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers offer a sweet, slightly charred contrast that pairs wonderfully with the savory, cheesy pasta. The caramelized edges of roasted veggies bring a deeper flavor profile to the meal.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! While cheese tortellini is ideal for this dish, you can swap it for other pasta shapes such as ravioli, penne, or rigatoni. Keep in mind that different pasta shapes may require slightly adjusted cooking times, so check the package instructions.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.
- Can I use a different meat in the sauce? Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for the meat sauce. Each option will provide a different flavor, so feel free to experiment with what you prefer. For a more decadent flavor, you could also add a little bit of Italian sausage to the ground beef for extra richness.
- How do I store leftovers? Leftover baked tortellini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If you want to prevent the cheese from drying out, cover the dish with foil while reheating.
Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- 18 ounces cheese tortellini two 10-ounce packages or one 20-ounce family-size package
- 1 15- ounce jar of marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1 pound ground beef preferably 90% lean
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a 6-cup or larger baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, for approximately 4-5 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, heating the mixture until the sauce is warmed through and fully combined with the beef.
- Drain the cooked tortellini and return it to the pot. Pour the prepared sauce over the pasta, tossing gently to coat the tortellini evenly.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and started to brown. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
For a leaner option, 90% ground beef provides robust flavor without excess grease.
Ensure the tortellini is well-coated with both sauce and cheese prior to baking for the best texture.
For optimal melting, shred your own mozzarella cheese, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the melt.
