Description
This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender cheese tortellini with a rich ground beef and creamy tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, this hearty casserole pleases even picky eaters with minimal effort and affordable ingredients.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini
- 1 (20oz) container of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (24oz) jar of pasta sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- Seasoning to taste (salt, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning recommended)
Cheese Topping
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Boil the cheese tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray for easy removal after baking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with your choice of seasonings such as salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Make the Meat Sauce: Stir the pasta sauce and cubed cream cheese into the browned beef in the skillet. Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese has melted thoroughly and the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the meat sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is coated evenly with sauce.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole on the center rack of your oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
- Broil for Browning: Switch the oven to broil and continue baking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cheese on top becomes golden brown and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it alone or with a side of salad, vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use refrigerated tortellini for best texture; frozen works fine but may require slightly longer boiling time.
- Adjust seasoning according to your preference for salt and herbs.
- If you want a thicker sauce, simmer longer before combining with tortellini.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
