Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce – This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce is a mouthwatering dish that your whole family will love! It’s easy to make, creamy, and cheesy, with the perfect blend of meaty and tomato flavors. Every bite of this irresistible casserole is filled with the goodness of perfectly cooked tortellini, ground beef, and melted cheese. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of veggies, as it pairs well with salads or roasted veggies. So, let’s get started and make this delicious dish that is sure to become a staple in your household!
Whenever my husband and I are in the mood for some comfort food, we turn to this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce. The recipe was passed down to us by my mother-in-law, who used to make it for my husband when he was a child. This casserole holds a special place in his heart, and we love it because it’s easy to make and feeds a crowd. We even make it for family gatherings, and it’s always a hit! It’s creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of tangy. Every time we make it, we reminisce about the good old days and enjoy the dish with our loved ones.
Why This Casserole is a Must-Try?
This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or for feeding a crowd. It’s a one-dish meal that’s easy to make, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. The dish features perfectly cooked tortellini that is coated in a meaty tomato sauce that’s been infused with cream cheese for added creaminess. The casserole is then baked with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese, giving it a deliciously cheesy crust. The combination of cheese, meat, and tomato flavors make this dish a crowd-pleaser, and you won’t be able to resist its rich and savory taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20oz) container of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini (567g)
- 1 lb. ground beef (453g)
- 1 (24oz) jar of pasta sauce (680g)
- 8 (ounces) cream cheese (cubed) (226g)
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (115-230g)
- 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan (56g)
- Seasoning to taste (Salt, garlic powder, pepper & Italian seasoning)
Directions:
Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet with the seasoning of your choice until it’s fully cooked.
Remove the excess grease from the beef and then stir in your tomato sauce and cubed cream cheese. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is well incorporated.
Gently toss the cooked tortellini with the sauce mixture and then pour it into your greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan on top.
Bake the casserole uncovered in the center rack of your oven for about 20 minutes. Switch the oven to broil and continue baking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese starts to brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
- If you prefer a spicy kick to your pasta, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- You can use any type of ground meat you like instead of beef, such as turkey or chicken.
- To make the dish vegetarian, omit the meat and use a vegetable-based sauce instead.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later consumption.
This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce is the perfect comfort food that will satisfy any pasta lover. The combination of creamy cheese tortellini with savory meat sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, creates a deliciously rich and flavorful dish. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, don’t hesitate to give it a try and let your taste buds be the judge.
FAQ
What kind of seasoning should I use?
You can use any seasoning you like. The recipe suggests using salt, garlic powder, pepper, and Italian seasoning, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the tortellini with any type of pasta you prefer.
What kind of sauce should I use?
The recipe suggests using a jar of pasta sauce, but you can also make your own homemade sauce if you prefer.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later consumption.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 20oz container of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini (567g)
- 1 lb. ground beef 453g
- 1 24oz jar of pasta sauce (680g)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed) (226g)
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese 115-230g
- 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan 56g
- Seasoning to taste Salt, garlic powder, pepper & Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions until it's al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet with the seasoning of your choice until it's fully cooked.
- Remove the excess grease from the beef and then stir in your tomato sauce and cubed cream cheese. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce is well incorporated.
- Gently toss the cooked tortellini with the sauce mixture and then pour it into your greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Bake the casserole uncovered in the center rack of your oven for about 20 minutes. Switch the oven to broil and continue baking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese starts to brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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