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Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews
  • Author: Hugo
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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

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Find it online: https://flavorsbyhugo.com/cheesy-baked-tortellini-casserole-with-meat-sauce-recipe/