Beef & Cheese Tortellini Bake with Marinara is a cozy, hearty, family-style pasta dinner that brings together the comfort of baked pasta, the richness of seasoned ground beef, the creaminess of cheese-filled tortellini, and the bold flavor of marinara sauce. This casserole is a satisfying weeknight staple that tastes like a dish you might find at a rustic Italian trattoria. With its golden-brown cheesy top, tender pasta, and savory beef layered throughout, this bake offers all the pleasure of lasagna without the time-consuming assembly.

This dish is wonderfully customizable, extremely forgiving, and always crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re feeding a full household, meal-prepping for the week, or preparing a comforting dinner to bring to someone in need, this tortellini bake is the kind of recipe you’ll keep returning to again and again.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it checks all the boxes of a truly great comfort meal—flavor, texture, aroma, and convenience. The tortellini delivers soft, cheesy bites; the marinara provides brightness and acidity; and the seasoned beef enriches every forkful with savory depth. The entire dish can be assembled quickly and finished in the oven, making it ideal for busy nights and picky eaters alike.

Another reason this dish stands out is its incredible versatility. You can make it creamier, spicier, meatier, or veggie-packed without compromising its essence. It’s one of those recipes that feels indulgent while still being simple and approachable.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This tortellini bake is a must-try because:

• It transforms minimal ingredients into a restaurant-quality dinner.
• It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
• It feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully.
• It’s customizable and adaptable to pantry staples.
• It strikes the perfect balance between comforting and flavorful.

If you love baked pasta dishes like baked ziti or lasagna, this recipe will become an instant favorite.

Preparation Time, Cooking Time, Servings, Calories, Course, Cuisine

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 480 calories per serving (varies by brands used)

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Tortellini Bake:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz (680 g) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (optional for extra texture)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 20 oz (about 5 cups) cheese tortellini, refrigerated or frozen
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
3. Add onions and cook until softened. Stir in garlic until fragrant.
4. Season the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
5. Add marinara sauce and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
7. Combine tortellini with the meat sauce mixture.
8. Transfer everything to a baking dish and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Heat your skillet and brown the beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Add onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook until fragrant and soft.
3. Stir in seasonings and marinara sauce. Let simmer briefly.
4. Cook your tortellini just until tender.
5. Toss the tortellini into the meat sauce mixture.
6. Spread evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Add mozzarella and Parmesan evenly across the top.
8. Bake until the cheese has melted into a light golden crust.
9. Remove from the oven and allow a few minutes for the dish to set before serving.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve warm with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
• Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or extra Parmesan.
• Pair with a light Italian red wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Recipe Tips

• Undercook the tortellini slightly so they don’t become mushy after baking.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
• Add ricotta to the layers for a creamy lasagna-like texture.
• Make it spicy by adding extra red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage.

Variations

Three-Cheese Version:

Add ricotta and fontina for an extra-rich, gooey casserole.

Sausage Tortellini Bake:

Swap the ground beef for sweet or spicy Italian sausage.

Veggie-Loaded:

Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a balanced meal.

Creamy Tomato Version:

Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or mascarpone into the sauce.

Pesto Marinara:

Mix 2 tablespoons of basil pesto into the marinara for herby depth.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
Freeze unbaked or baked tortellini bake for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or microwave in portions.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just boil it a minute or two longer than refrigerated tortellini.

Can I prepare this bake ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until baking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, but tortellini provides the best texture and richness.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the beef and add more vegetables or plant-based meat crumbles.

Conclusion

Beef & Cheese Tortellini Bake with Marinara is an irresistible combination of rich flavors, tender pasta, and satisfying cheesiness. Easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for entertaining, this recipe is the kind of hearty comfort food that brings people together around the table. No matter how you customize it, this one-pan baked pasta is sure to become a favorite in your home.