Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe

Introduction:

Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a hearty, cheesy meal.

This dish combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with a rich tomato-based meat sauce, topped generously with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

It’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with your favorite ingredients, such as Italian sausage, ground beef, or vegetables like spinach and mushrooms.

The tortellini’s tender pasta and cheesy filling pair perfectly with the robust flavors of marinara and melted cheese, creating a baked pasta dish that’s flavorful and satisfying.

The best part? It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead, making it a convenient option for busy nights.

Serve this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete, Italian-inspired meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole:

1 lb (450 g) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen

1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mixture of both for extra flavor)

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large, deep baking dish to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Cook the Tortellini:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or 7-9 minutes for frozen. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Sauce:

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.

Stir in the marinara sauce and diced tomatoes, then add the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Combine the Tortellini and Sauce:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked tortellini and meat sauce, stirring gently to coat the tortellini evenly without breaking them apart.

Assemble the Casserole:

Pour half of the tortellini mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese over the layer.

Add the remaining tortellini mixture on top, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to create a gooey, cheesy layer that will melt and brown in the oven.

Bake the Casserole:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps to heat everything through without over-browning the cheese.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. If you prefer a more browned, crispy top, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent burning.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, adding a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot, spooning the cheesy, saucy tortellini onto plates. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion:

Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the best of Italian flavors in a simple, hearty bake.

Each bite offers tender, cheesy tortellini smothered in a rich meat sauce, topped with a blanket of melted cheese.

This casserole is not only delicious but also versatile – feel free to add your favorite vegetables or substitute the ground meat with a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option.

It’s an ideal recipe for feeding a crowd, making weeknight dinners easier, or serving as a satisfying potluck dish.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheat beautifully, making this casserole even better the next day.

Enjoy the cozy, delicious flavors of this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole and make it a regular in your meal rotation!