If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender cheese tortellini, savory ground meat, and a creamy tomato sauce, this dish bakes into a bubbly, golden masterpiece that’s perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining friends. It effortlessly combines the heartiness of a pasta bake with the rich flavors of Italian-inspired seasoning, making it an instant favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the soft, cheesy tortellini to the aromatic herbs and the melty, golden cheese topping, every item enhances this casserole’s irresistible appeal.
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini: The star of the dish, providing that pillowy, cheesy bite that makes this casserole so indulgent.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing onions and garlic, adding a smooth and fruity base flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a subtle kick.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds hearty, savory goodness; choose based on your preference for seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers earthy, fragrant herbal notes typical of Italian cooking.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Enhances the sauce with that fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives the casserole a gentle heat if you like a bit of spice.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce: The tomato base that ties everything together with its tangy richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that elevates the sauce to silky perfection.
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully on top, creating the iconic gooey, bubbly crust.
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated: Provides a salty, nutty contrast and richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight all flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh herbal brightness and vibrant color to finish the dish.
How to Make Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Tortellini
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) — this ensures it’s ready to make your casserole golden and bubbly. Meanwhile, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions, drain it carefully, and set it aside. Getting this ready upfront means your assembly will go smoothly.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add your diced onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent — about 5 minutes — releasing that natural sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing its fragrant aroma to infuse the oil, setting a flavorful foundation for your meat.
Step 3: Brown the Meat and Season
Next, toss in the ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. This step caramelizes the meat’s edges, adding incredible depth. Stir in the dried oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes, seasoning with salt and pepper. These herbs bring classic Italian flavors that elevate every bite.
Step 4: Combine Sauce Ingredients and Simmer
Pour in your marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine everything into a rich, velvety sauce. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, getting ready to envelop the tortellini in creamy, tangy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In a large baking dish, combine your cooked tortellini with the delicious sauce mixture, tossing until every piece is generously coated. This ensures each bite bursts with flavor and creaminess. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top to create that irresistible cheesy crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This final step transforms the dish into a warm, inviting bake that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty. Once out of the oven, let it rest a few minutes so it sets slightly for easier serving.
How to Serve Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a pop of color and freshness that brighten every bite. They cut through the rich, creamy texture and add a lovely aromatic finish. Sprinkle them on just before serving to make your casserole look as tempting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
To round out this hearty meal, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also pairs wonderfully, allowing you to scoop up any leftover sauce with every satisfying bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, consider serving individual ramekins filled with the casserole—it makes the dish feel extra special and personalized. You can also top each portion with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a scattering of red pepper flakes if you want to boost some heat for adventurous eaters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply cover any leftovers tightly in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish again without extra effort. Just make sure it’s cooled before storing to preserve freshness.
Freezing
This Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the flavors intact.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or microwave in intervals until piping hot throughout. Adding a sprinkle of extra mozzarella before reheating can help revive that freshly baked cheesy topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this casserole?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook the frozen tortellini according to package directions before combining it with the sauce. Make sure to drain it well to prevent excess moisture in your casserole.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef or sausage for plant-based crumbles or extra veggies like mushrooms and spinach. The rich sauce and cheese will keep it hearty and satisfying.
Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time before baking?
You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready, bake it fresh as directed. This makes meal prep easy, especially for busy weeknights.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Mozzarella and parmesan are classic choices for their melting and flavor qualities. Feel free to experiment with provolone or fontina for a different twist on the cheese topping.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach mix in beautifully and add extra nutrition and color. Just add them when cooking the onions for even cooking and flavor integration.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe has a way of turning a simple weeknight meal into something extraordinary. Its creamy, cheesy, hearty goodness makes it a reliable crowd-pleaser and a comforting favorite to keep in your recipe rotation. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and dive into the joy of making this delicious, crowd-pleasing casserole today!
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Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Baked Tortellini Casserole features tender cheese tortellini baked in a creamy, flavorful sauce with ground beef or Italian sausage, marinara, and a blend of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini, refrigerated
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Brown Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook thoroughly until browned, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
- Season Sauce: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in the marinara sauce and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked tortellini with the sauce mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat the tortellini evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the tortellini and sauce.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage for added flavor.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; add them if you prefer a slight kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cheeses.
- Make sure not to overcook the tortellini before baking to avoid mushiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
