There’s something magical about gathering in the kitchen at the end of the day and making a meal together—especially when the recipe is easy, comforting, and 100% loved by everyone around the table.
This One-Pan Tortellini Bake has become one of those dinners in our home. You know the kind—requested weekly, licked-clean plates, even my picky eater goes back for seconds. It’s cheesy, saucy, packed with flavor, and comes together in one skillet (less mess = more joy). I mean… what’s not to love?
But the real reason this recipe is special? It’s a “Team Dinner.”
A Little Backstory…
A few years ago, we started this tradition called Let’s Make Dinner Together Night. No phones, no rushing—just music, laughter, and everyone doing their part to get dinner on the table.
My youngest is in charge of stirring the sauce (and taste-testing the cheese, of course). My teen helps brown the beef and sneaks in a handful of mozzarella every time I look away. And I get to soak in the chaos and joy of it all while pretending I’m hosting a cooking show.
This Tortellini Bake was one of the first recipes we made together, and now it’s a permanent part of our meal rotation. It’s hearty, cozy, and makes even an ordinary Tuesday night feel like a celebration.
Easy One-Pan Tortellini Bake Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of crushed red pepper (optional, but so good)
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, divided
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara or pasta sauce (I love @raoshomemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil & parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until beef is no longer pink.
- Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper (if using), then salt & pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and drain any excess fat (I blot with a paper towel—quick and easy).
- Stir in the tortellini, ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and the marinara sauce until well combined.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil and parsley and serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- One-pan dinner = fewer dishes
- Cheesy and comforting—a pasta bake dream
- Kid-friendly AND picky-eater approved
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners
Let’s make dinner together! If you try this recipe, leave a comment or tag me on Instagram @hi.itshollyb—I’d love to see your version
