Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce Recipe
This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce is a quick and easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender cheese tortellini, savory ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses, this comforting Italian-inspired casserole is sure to satisfy even picky eaters with simple, affordable ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) container of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar of pasta sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Italian seasoning, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- 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 heat, cook the ground beef with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease from the skillet.
- Make the Meat Sauce: To the browned beef in the skillet, add the jar of pasta sauce and cubed cream cheese. Stir gently and simmer for several minutes until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined and creamy.
- Combine Tortellini with Sauce: Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the meat sauce mixture to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake uncovered on the center rack of the oven for about 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
- Broil for Browning: Switch the oven to broil and continue baking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden brown and slightly crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Serve alone or with a side of salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini based on preference and convenience.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to your taste.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes during cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Make sure to drain excess grease after browning beef to maintain a balanced fat content.
