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Cheesy and Creamy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This Cheesy and Creamy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce is a quick and easy dinner recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender cheese tortellini mixed with seasoned ground beef in a rich tomato and cream cheese sauce, topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, it’s a comforting and satisfying Italian-inspired meal that even picky eaters will love.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 (20oz) container of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 (24oz) jar of pasta sauce
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
  • 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
  • Seasoning to taste (salt, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning)

Instructions

  1. Cook Tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  3. Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with your preferred seasonings—salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning work best. Cook until beef is fully browned and no pink remains.
  4. Simmer Sauce: Drain excess grease from the beef. Stir in the jar of pasta sauce and cubed cream cheese. Simmer the mixture for a few minutes, stirring frequently until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and well combined.
  5. Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Gently toss the cooked tortellini in the meat sauce mixture ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Add Cheese Toppings: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole to create a cheesy crust upon baking.
  7. Bake the Casserole: Bake the uncovered casserole on the center rack of the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and flavors to meld.
  8. Broil for Browning: Switch your oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese begins to brown and bubble, creating a golden, crispy topping.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Serve alone or with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, try adding sautéed onions or garlic when browning the beef.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter option.
  • Use fresh basil or oregano in place of Italian seasoning for a different herb profile.
  • Make sure to watch the casserole closely during broiling to avoid burning the cheese topping.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://evelynscooking.com/cheesy-and-creamy-baked-tortellini-casserole-with-meat-sauce-recipe/