One Pot Tortellini Bake: The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner

One Pot Tortellini Bake is the perfect dinner solution when you’re short on time but craving big flavor. In just 40 minutes, this cheesy, saucy masterpiece hits the table, and the best part? It all comes together in one pot. That means fewer dishes for you and more time spent enjoying dinner with your family.

I’m all about finding shortcuts that don’t sacrifice flavor, and this recipe nails it. Traditional baked pasta casseroles can take over an hour between boiling the pasta, layering it in a baking dish, and waiting for it to cook. But with this simple one-pot method, you’ll skip the boiling entirely. Everything cooks together, which not only saves time but also infuses the tortellini with so much extra flavor. Trust me, you’ll never go back to the long way after making this!

Why This One Pot Tortellini Bake Is a Game-Changer

• Saves Time: Skip boiling the tortellini—you’ll save at least 15-20 minutes compared to traditional baked pasta recipes.
• Fewer Dishes: No extra pots or strainers to wash. Everything cooks in one pot—straight on the stovetop and then into the oven.
• Maximum Flavor: The sauce, spices, and wine simmer directly with the tortellini, making every bite extra flavorful.
• Hands-Off Cooking: While the dish bakes in the oven, you have time to prep a salad, tidy up, or just kick back.
• Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting Italian flavors—what’s not to love?

Equipment You’ll Need for This One Pot Tortellini Bake

To make this easy tortellini bake recipe, you’ll need just a couple of kitchen staples:

• Large Dutch Oven: This is key for both stovetop cooking and transitioning directly into the oven. Look for one that’s oven-safe up to 400°F for seamless use.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for breaking up the ground beef and stirring everything together.
• Oven Mitts: Trust me, it’s easy to forget the handle of your Dutch oven is hot after baking!

If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a deep oven-safe skillet will work too. Just ensure it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.

Simple Ingredients for One Pot Tortellini Bake

This ground beef tortellini casserole is made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Here are a few highlights:

• Premade Tortellini: A 16-ounce package of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini works perfectly. No need to pre-cook it—one less step for you.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought jarred marinara for convenience. Look for one with garlic or basil for extra flavor.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a velvety, creamy texture that takes this dish to next-level indulgence.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Optional but highly recommended. The wine deepens the sauce flavor, making it taste like it simmered all day.

Pro Tip: Keep pre-shredded mozzarella on hand to save even more time, and if you’re out of fresh tortellini, frozen works great—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

One Pot Tortellini Bake at a Glance

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

One Pot Tortellini Bake Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1 (28 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup Cabernet Sauvignon (or other dry red wine)
• 1 (16 ounce) package tortellini
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
• 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make One Pot Tortellini Bake

1. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crumbly, about 5-10 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and granulated garlic. Combine well to season the beef evenly.
3. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with liquid), water, and red wine. Stir everything together and bring to a low simmer.
4. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and stir in the tortellini. Cover and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Stir the cream cheese into the mixture until melted and fully incorporated, creating a luxuriously creamy sauce.
7. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven.
8. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Carefully remove from the oven, and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Jake’s Tips for the Best One Pot Tortellini Bake

• Use a sturdy Dutch oven or oven-safe skillet to avoid spills and ensure even cooking.
• Don’t skip the red wine if you have it—it adds incredible depth to the sauce.
• To save time, buy pre-minced garlic or use garlic paste instead of granulated garlic.
• For a golden, bubbly cheese layer, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes after baking. Keep an eye on it!
• If you’re cooking ahead, refrigerate the unbaked dish (before adding cheese) for up to a day, then finish with the cheese when reheating.

Easy One Pot Tortellini Bake Variations

• Vegetarian Twist: Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or diced zucchini for a meatless option.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinara for some heat.
• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Cheese Overload: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan alongside the mozzarella for extra cheesiness.

One Pot Tortellini Bake FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works great for this cheesy one pot tortellini. Just add a few extra minutes of cooking time before baking to ensure it thaws and heats through.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dish up until the baking step, then refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the cheese and bake as directed.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?

No problem. Use a large skillet for the stovetop cooking, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking.

Can I leave out the wine?

Sure! Substitute the wine with extra water or beef broth if you’d like.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a covered skillet over low heat.

Ready to make your life easier with this One Pot Tortellini Bake? Let me know your favorite kitchen shortcut in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with anyone who loves a quick, delicious dinner!