Easy Tortellini Bake with Cream Cheese

This Tortellini Bake with Cream Cheese is a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole made with tender tortellini, ground beef, and rich sauce baked until bubbly. This easy baked tortellini recipe uses just 7 ingredients and is ready for the oven in under 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

This is one of those dinners I turn to when I need something filling that doesn't require a sink full of dishes after. Everything comes together in one pan, which makes cleanup just as easy as the prep. If your family enjoys baked pasta meals like this, you'll also love my creamy baked ziti for another simple, crowd-pleasing dinner.

This recipe can be doubled for a crowd or halved for a smaller group. Make two 8×8 pans and freeze one for later, it's a flexible, make-ahead meal that fits any schedule.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & Easy: Just 7 ingredients and oven-ready in about 10 minutes.
• Family Approved: Creamy, cheesy pasta that both kids and adults enjoy- just like my Lazy Lasagna.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead or freeze one pan for later.
• Easy to Customize: Swap the meat, add veggies, or use different tortellini flavors.

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions.

• Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or frozen both work. Cheese-filled is classic, but meat or spinach tortellini can be used.
• Ground Beef: Adds heartiness. Italian sausage is an easy swap for more flavor.
• Cream Cheese: The key to the creamy sauce. Let it soften so it melts smoothly. For an even richer sauce, you can mix in a spoonful of ricotta or mascarpone.
• Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce. Garlic or Italian-style sauces work great. Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor if desired.

Variations

• Swap the Meat: Use Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef.
• Make It Vegetarian: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. For another meatless option, try my Amish Noodles.
• Change the Tortellini: Try spinach, meat-filled, or even chicken tortellini for a different flavor.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Add garlic powder, onion powder, basil, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor or heat.
• Extra Cheesy: Mix in ricotta with the cream cheese or add more mozzarella on top before baking.

How to Make Tortellini Bake with Cream Cheese

This recipe comes together quickly using simple ingredients and one pan. Just cook, stir, layer, and bake for an easy dinner everyone will love.

Step 1. Cook according to package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside. (Don't overcook, it will bake more in the oven.)

Step 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any grease, then stir in the Italian seasoning.

Step 3. Add the pasta sauce and softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4. Stir the cooked tortellini into the sauce until evenly coated.

Step 5. Pour everything into a 9×13 baking dish and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 6. Bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly. For a golden top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end if desired. Tip: If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil while baking.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy, cheesy pasta bake pairs well with simple sides that balance the richness and round out the meal.

• Cheesy Garlic Bread – My Black Angus cheesy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
• Fresh Side Salad – A light chopped Caprese salad adds freshness and bright flavor.
• Roasted Vegetables – Garlic Parmesan roasted asparagus makes an easy, flavorful veggie side.
• Pull-Apart Bread – Soft, buttery garlic pull apart bread is always a family favorite with this dish.
• Simple Green Veggie – Steamed broccoli with a squeeze of lemon or a crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.

Storage & Reheating

This pasta bake stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.
• Freezer: Let cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave in short intervals or cover and heat in the oven at 325°F until hot, adding a splash of sauce or water if needed.

Tortellini Bake with Cream Cheese Recipe FAQs

More Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

Give this tortellini bake with cream cheese a try for your next easy dinner. It's creamy, cheesy, and simple to customize, making it perfect for family meals, potlucks, or even a freezer-friendly make-ahead option.

Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and let me know what you think in the comments! You can also follow me on Pinterest for even more easy, family-friendly recipes.