Cheesy Baked Tortellini utilizes fresh or frozen cheese tortellini and a savory meat sauce. Everything is baked together creating a delicious casserole.
Baked cheese tortellini
Cheese tortellini is one of my go-to items from Costco, and I always keep a stash in the freezer. It’s a versatile option that makes preparing dinner any night of the week a breeze. One of my favorite ways to use tortellini is by transforming it into a hearty baked tortellini casserole.
This casserole begins with a rich meat sauce. While I usually use my homemade spaghetti sauce, a jar of your favorite store-bought sauce works just as well. You can choose any ground meat to suit your preference—lean ground beef, ground turkey, or even wild game. Since we always have elk burger in the freezer, that’s my top choice. Italian sausage is another flavorful option that pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Key ingredients for baked tortellini
- Tortellini - Use fresh or frozen tortellini, not dried tortellini. I use cheese-filled, but you can use your favorite filled tortellini.
- Spaghetti Sauce - Use store-bought or homemade. You'll need one 24-ounce jar or 3 cups of sauce.
- Burger - Use lean ground beef, ground turkey or wild game. I use ground elk burger.
- Mozzarella - I like to use fresh mozzarella that I crumble into the casserole. You can also shred the mozzarella or cube it.
- Parmesan - Added to the casserole just before baking. Serve extra Parmesan at the table for each person to add a bit more to their serving.
- Onion and Garlic - Sauteed with the burger to add extra flavor.
- Seasoning - Salt, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. I l like to use fresh basil sprinkled on top of the baked tortellini as a garnish.
How to make baked tortellini
In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.
- Saute onions until soft.
- Add burger and cook until fully cooked.
- Add seasoning and mix well.
- Pour spaghetti sauce over meat and mix well.
- Stir in tortellini.
- Pour half the tortellini mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Add remaining tortellini, and mozzarella cheese, and then sprinkle on Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes in a 375°F oven. Remove foil and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Baked tortellini tips
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini, not dried. If using frozen, remove them from the freezer when you begin this recipe. They will begin to thaw slightly. Simmer frozen tortellini in sauce over low heat for 5 minutes.
- If you prefer more sauce, add an additional cup.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can assemble this casserole ahead of time and then bake when ready. Cover and store unbaked casserole in the refrigerator up to 24 hours ahead of time. Increase baking time by 10-15 minutes.
Serving suggestions
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Check out all my delicious pasta recipes!
Baked Cheese Tortellini
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 pound burger (lean ground beef, ground turkey or ground wild game)
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 cups spaghetti sauce (one 24 ounce jar)
- 25 ounces cheese tortellini
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (shredded or broken into small pieces)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- 3-4 leaves fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ cup chopped onion
- Add burger and cook until no longer pink.1 pound burger
- Stir in garlic, salt, and seasoning.3 teaspoons minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon dried basil, ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Stir in spaghetti sauce.3 cups spaghetti sauce
- Add tortellini and stir to coat.25 ounces cheese tortellini
- Add half of the tortellini mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with half the mozzarella. Add remaining tortellini and then top with the remaining mozzarella. Sprinkle with Parmesan.8 ounces fresh mozzarella, ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Cover with foil and bake in preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue cooking until heated through 10-15 minutes.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil as a garnish.3-4 leaves fresh basil
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini, not dried. If using frozen, remove them from the freezer when you begin this recipe. They will begin to thaw slightly. Simmer frozen tortellini in sauce over low heat for 5 minutes.
- If you prefer more sauce, add an additional cup.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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