Description

Craving comfort food that’s rich, hearty, and ridiculously easy to make? This Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce is your go-to recipe! Layers of cheese-filled tortellini, savory marinara meat sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese all come together in a warm, bubbling dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Perfect for quick dinners, cozy family meals, or meal prepping ahead of time. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner idea, a satisfying comfort food recipe, or a new family favorite, this dish checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb cheese-filled tortellini (fresh, frozen, or dried)
1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, turkey, or plant-based meat crumbles)
24 oz marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (8×8-inch or 9×13-inch) and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onions and garlic to the beef, sautéing until onions are translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
Layer half of the tortellini in the prepared baking dish. Top with meat sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes