Description
This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole with Meat Sauce is a quick and easy Italian-inspired dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Made with refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini, ground beef, rich tomato sauce, cream cheese, and topped with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, this comforting casserole is sure to please even picky eaters. It combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a savory meat sauce and is baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal warm and hearty meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (20 oz) container refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar pasta sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- Seasoning to taste (salt, garlic powder, black pepper, Italian seasoning)
Cheese Toppings
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Prepare the Sauce: Drain excess grease from the skillet. Stir in the jar of pasta sauce and the cubed cream cheese. Simmer for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is well blended.
- Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Gently toss the cooked tortellini into the meat sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the tortellini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole on the center rack of the oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, until bubbly and heated through.
- Broil to Brown Cheese: Switch the oven setting to broil and continue baking for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy on its own or paired with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.
Notes
- You can use frozen tortellini without thawing; just add an extra minute or two to the boiling time.
- Season the meat sauce to your taste; feel free to add crushed red pepper for some heat or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- For a creamier casserole, increase the amount of cream cheese or add a splash of heavy cream.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use shredded mozzarella and parmesan for the best melting and flavor; pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents affecting texture.
