Description
This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender cheese tortellini combined with a rich meat sauce blended with cream cheese, and topped with a golden layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, it’s baked to perfection for a deliciously cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Tortellini
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese (cubed)
Toppings
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Season if desired with salt and pepper.
- Combine Sauce and Cream Cheese: Stir the pasta sauce and cubed cream cheese into the cooked ground beef. Simmer together, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Tortellini with Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat evenly with the meat sauce mixture.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading 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: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- You can use either refrigerated or frozen tortellini; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or garlic powder when browning the beef.
- Baking time may vary depending on your oven; ensure the cheese topping is nicely browned but not burnt.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time; refrigerate before baking and add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
