Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce
This baked tortellini recipe features tender cheese tortellini enveloped in a savory meat sauce, topped with a generous layer of melted mozzarella. The dish is then baked to perfection, resulting in a comforting, flavorful meal that's perfect for a family dinner.
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
You may choose to use store-bought marinara sauce or opt for homemade sauce to personalize the dish’s flavor.
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.
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.