If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, oven-baked dinner that satisfies everyone at the table, this Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake is exactly what you need. Packed with tender cheese-filled tortellini, savory seasoned ground beef, and layers of rich tomato sauce and melty cheese, this casserole is the definition of cozy comfort food.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, meal prep, potlucks, or freezer meals, this recipe is simple, filling, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.
Below you’ll find a fully detailed, SEO-optimized 1500-word recipe article, including variations, tips, make-ahead options, and serving ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake
This dish checks every comfort-food box:
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✔️ One-pan baked pasta dinner
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✔️ Loaded with cheese and beef
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✔️ Easy to prep, easy to bake
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✔️ Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
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✔️ Great leftovers (even better the next day!)
It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast.
What Is Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake?
Beef and Cheese Tortellini Bake is a baked pasta casserole made with:
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Cheese-filled tortellini
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Seasoned ground beef
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Tomato-based sauce
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Layers of melted mozzarella and optional ricotta
It combines the flavors of lasagna, baked ziti, and meat sauce, but with less effort and faster prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
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1 lb lean ground beef
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20 oz refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
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24 oz marinara or pasta sauce
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Creamy Layer (Highly Recommended)
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½ cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
Aromatics & Seasoning
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1 small onion, finely diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish (Optional)
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Fresh parsley or basil
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Extra Parmesan cheese
Best Tortellini to Use
For best results, use:
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Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
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Refrigerated tortellini cooks faster
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Frozen works great—no thawing needed
Avoid overcooking before baking; tortellini should be just tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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