Creamy Tortellini Bake with Alfredo, Marinara, and Ground Beef

This Creamy Tortellini Bake is a rich, comforting casserole that combines the best of Italian-American flavors into one irresistible dish. Tender cheese tortellini are layered with savory ground beef in marinara, creamy Alfredo sauce, and two kinds of melted cheese, creating a bubbly, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

Creamy Tortellini Bake with Alfredo, Marinara, and Ground Beef

Ingredients:

For the Bake:

Optional Toppings:

Instructions:

1. Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the tortellini well and set aside.
2. Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef Heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage if using) and cook until it’s browned and crumbled, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Season the cooked beef with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir in the 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce and let it simmer with the beef for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
3. Step 3: Assemble the Layers Spread half of the cooked tortellini evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon the ground beef marinara mixture evenly over the tortellini layer. Drizzle the 1 jar (16 oz) Alfredo sauce over the top of the beef layer, using the back of a spoon to spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese over the Alfredo layer.
4. Step 4: Add the Final Layer Top with the remaining cooked tortellini, spreading them out evenly over the cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and remaining Parmesan cheese on top. This will create a delicious, bubbly, and golden crust.
5. Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. If desired, you can broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end to achieve a deeper golden color and crispier cheese, but watch closely to prevent burning.
6. Step 6: Garnish and Serve Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set slightly. Garnish with fresh basil (chopped) and red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick) if desired, for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.