Description
This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring tender cheese tortellini baked in a rich ground beef and creamy tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines easy stovetop preparation with oven baking to create a deliciously cheesy and satisfying meal in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz pasta sauce (marinara or your favorite tomato-based sauce)
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
Cheeses
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is completely browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Make the Meat Sauce: Add the pasta sauce and cubed cream cheese to the skillet with the browned beef. Stir continuously and simmer the mixture until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy meat sauce.
- Combine with Tortellini: Add the cooked tortellini to the meat sauce mixture and gently toss to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake and Broil: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Then switch to broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden brown and slightly crispy cheese crust. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy baked tortellini casserole warm.
Notes
- You can use either refrigerated or frozen tortellini, just adjust boiling time accordingly.
- Feel free to add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the meat sauce for added flavor.
- If you want a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
- For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
