Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Creamy, cheesy, and full of rich tomato and beef flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 (20oz) container of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 (24oz) jar of pasta sauce
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
• Seasoning to taste (such as salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the tortellini al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with your chosen seasonings. Remove excess grease once cooked.
4. Step 4: Stir in the pasta sauce and cubed cream cheese into the browned beef. Simmer for a few minutes until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is well combined.
5. Step 5: Gently toss the cooked tortellini with the meat sauce mixture, then pour everything into the prepared casserole dish.
6. Step 6: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered on the center rack for about 20 minutes. Then switch your oven to broil and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, alone or with a side salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the meat sauce for extra veggies and flavor.
• For a spicier kick, mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat without losing that melty cheese texture.
• If you prefer a meatless version, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground alternative.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a microwave or oven until heated through. For best texture, cover with foil when reheating in the oven to prevent the cheese from drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini directly in the casserole?

It’s best to cook frozen tortellini before combining it with the sauce and baking. This ensures it cooks evenly and doesn’t become mushy in the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce is a comforting and delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese tortellini baked in a rich meat sauce made with ground beef, cream cheese, and marinara. Topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, this casserole is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Tortellini

• 1 (20 oz) container of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini

Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 (24 oz) jar of pasta sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
• Seasoning to taste (salt, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning)

Toppings

• 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Cook Tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini al dente according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking in the casserole.
2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
3. Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of ground beef. Season with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Cook until no pink remains, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
4. Prepare Meat Sauce: Drain excess grease from the beef. Stir in 24 oz of jarred pasta sauce and 8 oz of cubed cream cheese. Simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
5. Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the meat sauce mixture in the skillet, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
6. Assemble Casserole: Pour the tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered on the center rack of the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
8. Broil to Brown: Switch the oven to broil and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese on top becomes golden brown and slightly crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy alone or paired with a fresh salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread.

Notes

• Using refrigerated or frozen tortellini works well; adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure al dente pasta.
• Feel free to substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
• You can add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
• If you want a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: tortellini casserole, baked pasta, cheesy tortellini, meat sauce casserole, comfort food, easy dinner