This Easy Tortellini Bake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner made with cheese-filled tortellini, savory ground beef, marinara sauce, and melted cheese. It’s a simple oven-baked recipe that delivers big comfort with minimal prep—perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, family-friendly ingredients
- One baking dish, minimal cleanup
- Cheesy, saucy, and satisfying
- Ready with just a few easy steps
- Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (about 3 cups)
- 20 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend (mozzarella, provolone, parmesan)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef, seasoning with salt and garlic powder.
- Cook the beef, breaking it into small pieces, until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed and set aside.
- Lightly grease a high-sided 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil spray.
- Add tortellini to the dish. Pour in half of the marinara sauce (about 1½ cups) and ¼ cup water. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Spread spinach evenly over the tortellini, then layer the cooked beef on top.
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over everything and sprinkle with the Italian cheese blend.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30–40 minutes, until bubbling and tortellini is tender.
- Optional: Uncover and broil for 5 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned. Serve hot.
Tips & Tricks
- Use fresh refrigerated tortellini for best texture
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat
- Swap spinach with kale if preferred
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
This easy tortellini bake pairs well with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also substitute ground beef with ground turkey if desired.
Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 24 g
FAQ
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, but add an extra ¼ cup water and extend baking time slightly.
Do I need to cook the tortellini first?
No, it cooks directly in the sauce while baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
Can I freeze tortellini bake?
Yes, freeze fully baked or unbaked for up to 2 months.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella-heavy blends melt best, but parmesan adds flavor.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months
- Reheating: Bake covered at 350°F or microwave individual portions
Similar Recipes
Easy Tortellini Bake
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 24 ounces marinara sauce about 3 cups
- 20 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend mozzarella, provolone, parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and ground beef, seasoning with salt and garlic powder.
- Cook the beef, breaking it into small pieces, until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed and set aside.
- Lightly grease a high-sided 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil spray.
- Add tortellini to the dish. Pour in half of the marinara sauce (about 1½ cups) and ¼ cup water. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Spread spinach evenly over the tortellini, then layer the cooked beef on top.
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce evenly over everything and sprinkle with the Italian cheese blend.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30–40 minutes, until bubbling and tortellini is tender.
- Optional: Uncover and broil for 5 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned. Serve hot.
Notes
Conclusion
This Easy Tortellini Bake is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—cheesy, comforting, and incredibly simple. With just one baking dish and a handful of ingredients, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.