This tortellini casserole bake is absolutely delicious, flavorful and comforting. In this dish I combine cheese-filled tortellini, seasoned lean ground beef (or turkey), fresh spinach, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This meal is so easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This casserole bake is a crowd-pleaser filled with savory flavors and gooey melted cheese on top. To garnish, I topped it with shredded fresh basil for a burst of freshness which offers a delightful balance of indulgence and wholesome ingredients.
This Tortellini Casserole Bake is versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. It is also a great dish to prepare ahead of time and deliver to friends and family in times of need! I have made this for several of my friends during tough seasons and they absolutely loved it!
If you love this recipe, you will love my Tortellini Bake with Boursin and Tomato and my One Pan Chicken Lemon Orzo.
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Ingredients
- Cheese Tortellini: I chose cheese tortellini but feel free to substitute for spinach and cheese. If you want to double this recipe, choose a family size portion.
- Lean Ground Beef (90/10): Feel free to choose ground turkey or chicken instead.
- Avocado Oil: or high quality olive oil.
- Salt: Salt helps to balance and bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients in the dish.
- Pepper: Pepper, specifically black pepper, adds a pungent and mildly spicy flavor to dishes, adding depth to the flavor profile of the pasta.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic essence to dishes without the need for chopping or mincing cloves.
- Marinara Sauce: choose your favorite sauce. Rao's and Primal Kitchen are some of my favorites.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds flavor, color and nutrients to this dish.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Use skim or low fat for a more health conscious option.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh and aromatic flavor to dishes, infusing them with a hint of sweetness and a subtle peppery undertone
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 F and set your rack to the middle position.
- Cook the tortellini according to the instructions on the packaging.
- In a large pan on medium high heat, add in your avocado oil, followed by your lean ground beef and seasonings, to taste. Use a meat masher to break apart the beef and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until your beef is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 160F.
4. Add your cooked tortellini into a ceramic casserole dish followed by your cooked ground beef, 6 ounces of marinara sauce and your fresh spinach. Mix until everything is well combined.
5. Add an additional 6 ounces of marinara sauce on top in an even layer followed by your shredded mozzarella cheese in an even layer.
6. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until your cheese is melty and then broil for 1-2 minutes on high until the cheese becomes browned and bubbly. Remove from the oven, garnish with shredded fresh basil, serve and enjoy!
Hint: Make sure that you don't overcook the tortellini before assembling the casserole. Cooking the tortellini to al dente (firm to the bite) will help it maintain its texture during baking, resulting in a perfectly tender yet slightly chewy bite in the finished dish.
Substitutions
- Tortellini: If you prefer a different type of pasta or don't have tortellini on hand, you can substitute it with other pasta varieties such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Choose a pasta shape that will hold up well in the casserole. You can also choose a gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Lean Ground Beef: You can substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even vegetarian ground meat alternatives. You can also omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian version of the casserole.
- Avocado Oil: You can substitute avocado oil for olive oil.
- Spinach: If you're not a fan of spinach or don't have it available, you can skip the greens altogether if preferred.
- Marinara Sauce: Feel free to use your favorite marinara sauce for this recipe, or substitute it with other pasta sauces such as tomato basil sauce, arrabbiata sauce, or Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Mozzarella Cheese: If you prefer a different type of cheese or don't have mozzarella on hand, you can substitute it with other varieties such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan cheese. Just make sure the cheese melts well and complements the other flavors in the casserole.
- Fresh Basil: If you don't have fresh basil available for garnish, you can substitute it with dried basil or other fresh herbs such as parsley, oregano, or thyme. Alternatively, you can omit the garnish altogether if desired.
Variations
- Creamy Tortellini Bake: Add extra cheese to the casserole by mixing in ricotta cheese or blended cottage cheese with the tortellini and ground beef mixture.
- Mediterranean-Inspired Tortellini Bake: Use Mediterranean flavors by adding ingredients such as diced tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese to the casserole. Garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a burst of flavor.
- Spicy Tortellini Bake: Add some heat to the casserole by incorporating diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or spicy Italian sausage into the dish. You can also use a spicy marinara sauce or add hot sauce to the mixture for extra kick.
- Pesto Tortellini Bake: Instead of marinara sauce, toss the cooked tortellini with basil pesto sauce before assembling the casserole. Mix in roasted cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese for a vibrant and flavorful dish.
This recipe is already toddler and kid-friendly!
Equipment
Prepare your tortellini bake in a ceramic baking dish for the best results. The dish evenly distributes heat and retains moisture.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you choose to purchase through qualifying links.
Storage
Once the tortellini casserole has cooled to room temperature, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe because the texture of the cheese and cooked pasta becomes altered in the freezer.
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave. For longer storage, reheat over medium-low heat until warmed through.
Top tip
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This brief resting period will allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to slightly set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish.
FAQ
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. Just be sure to cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef or substitute it with plant-based ground meat alternatives. You can also add extra vegetables or tofu for added protein and texture.
Yes, feel free to customize the casserole by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, or cherry tomatoes. Just be sure to cook them until tender before adding them to the casserole.
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used as a substitute for fresh tortellini. Just follow the cooking instructions on the packaging before adding them to the casserole.
More Pasta Recipes
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Tortellini Casserole
Equipment
- 1 Ceramic Baking Dish
- 1 Medium pot
- 1 Large Pan
Ingredients
- 9 Ounces (1 container) Cheese Tortellini
- ½ Pound Lean Ground Beef 90/10
- 1 Tablespoon Avocado Oil
- Salt To Taste
- Pepper To Taste
- Garlic Powder To Taste
- 12 Ounces Marinara Sauce of Choice Divided
- 2 Cups Fresh Spinach
- 1.5 Cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Basil Shredded (Optional: To Garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 F and set your rack to the middle position.
- Cook the tortellini according to the instructions on the packaging.
- In a large pan on medium high heat, add in your avocado oil, followed by your lean ground beef and seasonings, to taste. Use a meat masher to break apart the beef and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until your beef is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 160F.
- Add your cooked tortellini into a ceramic casserole dish followed by your cooked ground beef, 6 ounces of marinara sauce and your fresh spinach. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Add an additional 6 ounces of marinara sauce on top in an even layer followed by your shredded mozzarella cheese in an even layer.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until your cheese is melty and then broil for 1-2 minutes on high until the cheese becomes browned and bubbly. Remove from the oven, garnish with shredded fresh basil, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Scroll up to see substitutions and variations of this recipe as well as how to store this recipe.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Ann says
Good recipe! I used ground turkey and Kite Hill dairy free spinach ravioli. My husband loved it and said to keep this one!