đź§€ Creamy Baked Tortellini with Ground Beef
🍽️ Description
This hearty, cheesy baked tortellini casserole is a comforting one-pan meal that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, smooth cream cheese, and melty mozzarella. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s both budget-friendly and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.​
📝 Ingredients
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1 bag frozen cheese tortellini (about 20 oz)
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1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
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1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage for a different flavor)
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1 jar (24 oz) pasta sauce (marinara or your choice)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Optional: ÂĽ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Optional: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste​
👩‍🍳 Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add the pasta sauce and cubed cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Boil the frozen tortellini according to package instructions, usually about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Combine the cooked tortellini with the meat sauce in the skillet. Mix well.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and optional grated Parmesan.
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Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired
âť“ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
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Yes, fresh tortellini works well. Reduce boiling time by about 1 minute.​
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Is it necessary to boil the tortellini before baking?
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Boiling ensures the pasta is cooked through and absorbs the sauce flavor.​
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Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef?
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Absolutely, both are leaner alternatives.​
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What if I don’t have cream cheese?
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You can use ricotta cheese or a combination of sour cream and cream.​
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Can I make this dish vegetarian?
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Yes, omit the meat and add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.​
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How can I make this spicier?
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Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.​
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Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
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Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake before serving.​
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How do I store leftovers?
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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.​
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Can I freeze this casserole?
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Yes, freeze before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.​
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Is there a gluten-free version?
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Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
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Can I use a different type of cheese?
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Yes, provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses are great alternatives.
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How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
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Cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, then uncover to brown the cheese.
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Can I add vegetables to the dish?
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Yes, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers can be added to the meat sauce.
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What should I serve with this casserole?
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A side salad and garlic bread complement this dish well.
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Can I use homemade pasta sauce?
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Yes, homemade sauce adds a personal touch and rich flavor.
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Is this dish kid-friendly?
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Yes, its cheesy and mild flavors are generally well-received by children.
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How do I reheat leftovers?
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Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
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Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
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Yes, layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
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How can I make this dish lower in fat?
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Use lean ground meat, reduced-fat cream cheese, and part-skim mozzarella.
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Can I add bacon to the recipe?
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Yes, crumbled cooked bacon can be mixed into the sauce for added flavor.
âś… 20 Best Tips for Perfect Creamy Baked Tortellini
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Sauté aromatics first
Before adding beef, sauté onions and garlic for more depth of flavor. -
Use full-fat cream cheese
It melts smoother and makes the sauce richer and creamier. -
Brown the beef well
Let the meat develop a nice crust—it adds a savory, umami boost. -
Drain excess fat
After browning the beef, drain extra grease to prevent a greasy casserole. -
Warm cream cheese before mixing
Let it sit at room temperature or microwave for 20 seconds for easier blending. -
Use a good-quality jarred sauce
Choose a flavorful marinara or tomato-basil sauce as the base. -
Customize the sauce
Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder to enhance store-bought sauce. -
Undercook the tortellini slightly
Boil 1 minute less than package instructions—they’ll finish cooking in the oven. -
Use freshly grated mozzarella
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly. -
Add a layer of cheese in the middle
Sprinkle a little mozzarella halfway through layering for gooey texture throughout. -
Grease your baking dish
Prevent sticking and make cleanup easier with a light layer of oil or cooking spray. -
Add vegetables for variety
Stir in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost nutrients and flavor. -
Try a cheese blend
Mix mozzarella with Parmesan, provolone, or fontina for a more complex cheesy topping. -
Cover with foil during baking
Cover for the first 15 minutes to prevent cheese from over-browning, then uncover to finish. -
Let it rest before serving
Allow it to sit 5–10 minutes after baking so it sets and doesn’t fall apart when serving. -
Make it ahead of time
Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving. -
Use a meat alternative
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground beef or extra veggies instead. -
Don’t skip the salt
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning before combining with tortellini. -
Add fresh herbs after baking
Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and brightness right before serving. -
Use a broiler finish (optional)
For an extra bubbly, golden cheese top, broil the last 2–3 minutes of baking—watch closely!
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