If you’re a fan of comforting pasta dishes loaded with cheesy goodness, this Baked Tortellini with Tomato and Meat Sauce is a must-try! Learn how to make the easiest and most flavorful baked tortellini, featuring a rich meat sauce and gooey cheese. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a warm, hearty meal.
Why You’ll Love This Perfect Pasta Recipe
- Comforting & Hearty. Packed with savory tomato sauce, ground meat, and three kinds of cheese.
- Easy to Make. Ready in about 40 minutes with minimal prep time.
- Family-Friendly. A dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
- Great for Leftovers. Perfect for meal prep or reheating the next day.
Whether you’re making a quick dinner for your family or preparing a dish to impress guests, this Baked Tortellini recipe will deliver on flavor and comfort. Let’s dive into the recipe!
What Does Baked Tortellini Taste Like?
Baked Tortellini with Tomato and Meat Sauce is absolutely delicious! The combination of tender tortellini, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese makes for a dish that’s indulgent and satisfying. It’s the ultimate comfort food for pasta lovers.
Do You Boil Tortellini Before Baking It?
Yes, you typically boil tortellini before baking it. Boiling the tortellini ensures that it is cooked through and tender before it goes into the oven. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the Tortellini . Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until they are al dente.
- Drain Well . Drain the tortellini thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Combine with Sauce and Bake . Mix the boiled tortellini with your sauce and other ingredients, then transfer to a baking dish and top with cheese before baking.
This step helps prevent the tortellini from being undercooked or dry when baking. However, if you’re using refrigerated or fresh tortellini, it may not need to be boiled for as long since it’s softer than frozen tortellini.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cheese Tortellini- Use fresh or frozen tortellini.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage - Adds a savory and hearty flavor to the dish.
- Marinara Sauce - Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara.
- Onion - Diced finely for flavor.
- Garlic - Freshly minced for an aromatic touch.
- Mozzarella Cheese - Shredded for a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Parmesan Cheese - Adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Ricotta Cheese - Creates a creamy layer within the dish.
- Olive Oil - For sautéing the meat and onions.
- Italian Seasoning - Adds depth to the tomato sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) - For a little heat, if desired.
- Fresh Basil (Optional) - Chopped, for garnish.
How To Make Baked Tortellini
- Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the Meat. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion and garlic until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Sauce. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Tortellini. While the sauce simmers, cook the tortellini in a pot of boiling water according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Assemble the Dish. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked tortellini, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese. Add more sauce and the remaining tortellini. Top with the rest of the sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy your cheesy Baked Tortellini with Tomato and Meat Sauce!
Tips And Tricks
Making Baked Tortellini with Tomato and Meat Sauce is easy, but these tips will help ensure the best results:
- Cook the Tortellini Al Dente. The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so don’t overcook it while boiling.
- Use a High-Quality Marinara Sauce. For the best flavor, choose a marinara sauce you enjoy.
- Add a Creamy Element. Mix a little heavy cream into the sauce for an extra creamy texture.
- Make It Spicy. Add more red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
Variations
If you love this Baked Tortellini with Tomato and Meat Sauce but want to try different flavors, here are some delicious ideas:
- Vegetarian- Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- White Sauce- Swap out the marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce.
- Baked Tortellini- Add a layer of basil pesto between the tortellini and the sauce for a flavorful twist.
- Three-Cheese- Use a mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyère for a cheesy upgrade.
What To Eat With Baked Tortellini
This baked pasta dish is filling on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make the meal even better. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread - Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad - A classic pairing that adds a refreshing crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables - Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.
- Antipasto Platter - Offer a selection of olives, cured meats, and cheeses as a starter.
How Long Does It Last?
Baked Tortellini with Tomato and Meat Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, this baked tortellini dish can be frozen! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
More Craveworthy Comfort Food
- Keto Stuffing
- Tamale Pie
- Keto Green Bean Casserole
- Shrimp And Corn Soup
- French Onion Soup
Baked Tortellini Recipe | Tortellini With Tomato And Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 pound Cheese Tortellini
- ▢ 1 pound Ground Italian Sausage
- ▢ 2 cups Marinara Sauce
- ▢ 1 Onion , diced
- ▢ 2 cloves Garlic , minced
- ▢ 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
- ▢ 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
- ▢ 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
- ▢ 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- ▢ 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- ▢ Fresh Basil , chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the Meat. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion and garlic until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Sauce. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Tortellini. While the sauce simmers, cook the tortellini in a pot of boiling water according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Assemble the Dish. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked tortellini, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese. Add more sauce and the remaining tortellini. Top with the rest of the sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy your cheesy Baked Tortellini with Tomato and Meat Sauce!
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Baked Tortellini Recipe | Tortellini With Tomato And Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 pound Cheese Tortellini
- 1 pound Ground Italian Sausage
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce
- 1 Onion diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- Fresh Basil chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Cook the Meat. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion and garlic until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Sauce. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Tortellini. While the sauce simmers, cook the tortellini in a pot of boiling water according to package instructions. Drain well.
- Assemble the Dish. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked tortellini, followed by dollops of ricotta cheese. Add more sauce and the remaining tortellini. Top with the rest of the sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy your cheesy Baked Tortellini with Tomato and Meat Sauce!
Baked Tortellini Recipe | Tortellini With Tomato And Meat Sauce https://twosleevers.com/baked-tortellini-recipe/
If you’re looking for an easy, elegant, and absolutely delicious appetizer, these Cranberry Brie Bites are a must-try! They combine the rich, creamy flavor of brie cheese with the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce, all nestled in a buttery, flaky puff pastry. Perfect for holiday gatherings, game days, or anytime you want a bite-sized treat that looks as good as it tastes!
Why You’ll Love This Amazing Appetizer
- Quick & Easy . These bites come together in just 20 minutes, with minimal prep time.
- Flavorful . The combination of tangy cranberry, rich brie, and flaky pastry is irresistible.
- Elegant . Despite how easy they are to make, these bites look like a fancy appetizer straight from a caterer’s kitchen.
- Perfect for Any Occasion . Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual dinner party, Cranberry Brie Bites are always a hit.
With only a few ingredients and the convenience of store-bought puff pastry, you can serve a dish that will impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
What Do Cranberry Brie Bites Taste Like?
Cranberry Brie Bites are the perfect bite-sized appetizer that’s packed with flavor.
The creamy, buttery brie melts beautifully, while the cranberry sauce adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness. When wrapped in puff pastry and baked until golden and crispy, these bites are the ideal combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Puff Pastry - Store-bought puff pastry sheets make this recipe quick and easy. Make sure to thaw them according to package instructions.
- Brie Cheese - A rich, creamy cheese that melts beautifully inside the puff pastry.
- Cranberry Sauce - Use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce. Whole berry cranberry sauce works best for this recipe.
- Pecans - Chopped pecans add a lovely earthy flavor and delightful crunch to each bite.
- Fresh Thyme (Optional) - A sprinkle of fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal note to these bites, complementing the sweet and savory flavors.
How To Make Cranberry Brie Bites
- Prepare the Puff Pastry . Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly flour a surface and roll out your puff pastry sheet. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheet into 2-inch squares.
- Assemble the Bites . Place each puff pastry square into a mini muffin tin. Press the pastry gently into each cup, making sure the edges are slightly overhanging.
- Add Brie . Cut your brie into small cubes, about ½ inch in size. Place a piece of brie into each puff pastry cup.
- Top with Cranberry Sauce . Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
- Bake . Place the mini muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve . Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme and chopped pecans, if using. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Tips And Tricks
Making Cranberry Brie Bites is easy, but here are a few tips to ensure they come out perfect every time:
- Use Cold Puff Pastry . Puff pastry puffs up best when it’s cold. Make sure it’s properly thawed but still chilled when you work with it.
- Don’t Overfill . A small cube of brie and a spoonful of cranberry sauce are all you need. Overfilling can cause the filling to spill over.
- Serve Immediately . These bites are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven. If you’re making them for a party, bake them just before serving.
- Customize the Topping . While cranberry sauce is traditional, you can use fig jam, apricot preserves, or even a drizzle of honey for a different flavor.
Variations
- If you love Cranberry Brie Bites, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe and make it your own:
- Spicy Cranberry Brie Bites: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Nutty Cranberry Brie Bites: Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cranberry sauce before baking for added crunch and flavor.
- Herbed Brie Bites: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme with the cranberry sauce for a more savory bite.
- Apple & Brie Bites: Swap out the cranberry sauce for a small slice of apple and a drizzle of honey for a different take on this classic recipe.
What To Eat With Cranberry Brie Bites
- Charcuterie Board - Serve these bites alongside a charcuterie board with cured meats, cheeses, and crackers.
- Wine Pairing - This appetizer goes wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine, rosé, or even a light red wine like Pinot Noir.
- Salads - Pair with a light arugula or mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the brie.
How Long Do They Last?
Cranberry Brie Bites are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes, you can freeze Cranberry Brie Bites! To freeze, assemble the bites as directed, but don’t bake them. Place the assembled bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to bake, place them straight from the freezer into a preheated oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
More Awesome Appetizers
- Refried Bean Dip
- Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Chicken Wontons
- Potato Skins
- Pretzel Bites
- Spinach Puffs
Cranberry Brie Bites | Baked Brie Appetizer Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 sheet Puff Pastry
- ▢ 4 oz Brie , cut into 12 pieces
- ▢ 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce
- ▢ Fresh Thyme Leaves , for garnish
- ▢ Chopped Pecans , for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Puff Pastry . Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly flour a surface and roll out your puff pastry sheet. Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut the sheet into 2-inch squares.
- Assemble the Bites . Place each puff pastry square into a mini muffin tin. Press the pastry gently into each cup, making sure the edges are slightly overhanging.
- Add Brie . Cut your brie into small cubes, about ½ inch in size. Place a piece of brie into each puff pastry cup.
- Top with Cranberry Sauce . Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the brie.
- Bake . Place the mini muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the brie is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve . Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme and chopped pecans, if using. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
