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
Scale
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
