Easy Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce Recipe

If you’re in search of a quick and easy dinner recipe that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling full, then you’ve come to the right place. This recipe for an easy cheesy baked tortellini casserole with meat sauce is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you need to whip up something delicious in a hurry.

What do you need to make this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole?

• Ground beef: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option. For a vegetarian version, you can use crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.
• Olive oil: Any neutral-tasting oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil can be used instead of olive oil.
• Onion and garlic: If you don’t have fresh onion or garlic, you can use dried onion flakes or garlic powder. However, the flavor won’t be as strong as fresh ones.
• Spaghetti sauce: Use your favorite brand of spaghetti sauce or make your own using canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and seasonings like Italian seasoning, basil, and oregano.
• Frozen cheese tortellini: If you can’t find cheese tortellini, you can use any other pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Any other type of shredded cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby can be used instead of mozzarella.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: You can substitute Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for Parmesan cheese.

The Role of Every Ingredient:

• Ground beef: Provides protein and adds flavor to the meat sauce.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté the onion and garlic, and prevents the meat from sticking to the skillet.
• Onion and garlic: Adds flavor and aroma to the meat sauce.
• Spaghetti sauce: Acts as the base for the meat sauce and adds flavor and richness to the dish.
• Frozen cheese tortellini: Provides the pasta component of the casserole and complements the meat sauce.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a cheesy flavor and stringy texture to the casserole.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty flavor to the casserole and complements the other cheeses.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
• 1 package (19 ounces) of frozen cheese tortellini
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is tender and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, salt, and pepper, and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and add to the meat sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish, and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Why This Recipe is So Good

This easy cheesy baked tortellini casserole with meat sauce is a winner for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Secondly, it’s a crowd-pleaser that is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Finally, it’s a great option for meal prep, as it can be made in advance and reheated throughout the week.

Tips for Making the Best Baked Tortellini Casserole

• Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference in the final outcome of this recipe. We recommend using fresh, high-quality tortellini and mozzarella cheese for the best results.
• Don’t overcook the tortellini: Overcooked tortellini can become mushy and unappetizing. Be sure to follow the package instructions and cook the tortellini until it is al dente.
• Let the casserole rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving will help it set up and make it easier to cut into portions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this recipe for an easy cheesy baked tortellini casserole with meat sauce is a delicious and satisfying dinner option that is sure to become a family favorite. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a great option for those busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast. Give it a try and see for yourself why this recipe is so popular!

Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

Touria

This recipe for an easy cheesy baked tortellini casserole with meat sauce is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you need to whip up something delicious in a hurry.

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Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 jar 24 ounces spaghetti sauce
• 1 package 19 ounces frozen cheese tortellini
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is tender and the garlic is fragrant.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
• Stir in the spaghetti sauce, salt, and pepper, and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
• Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, then drain and add to the meat sauce mixture. Stir to combine.
• Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish, and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will make a big difference in the final outcome of this recipe. We recommend using fresh, high-quality tortellini and mozzarella cheese for the best results.
Don’t overcook the tortellini: Overcooked tortellini can become mushy and unappetizing. Be sure to follow the package instructions and cook the tortellini until it is al dente.
Let the casserole rest before serving: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving will help it set up and make it easier to cut into portions.