This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole. It's the ultimate comfort food that's sure to become a family favorite. The combination of savory beef, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cheese is an explosion of deliciousness in every bite.
This crowd pleasing dish is an absolute breeze to whip up. No need to boil the pasta separately the tortellini bakes right in the casserole, soaking up all those incredible flavors. Just a few simple ingredients and some easy assembly is all it takes.
Why You Will Love This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
Here are just a few reasons you’ll flip for this dish:
Convenience and Ease: This is an incredibly easy recipe that only requires a few simple ingredients - tortellini, ground beef, marinara sauce, and lots of cheese.
Cheesy Deliciousness: The combination of melty mozzarella, parmesan, and the cheese-filled tortellini itself makes this an ultra cheesy, gooey, and indulgent pasta bake.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With the seasoned ground beef, herby marinara sauce, and blend of Italian cheeses, this dish packs in classic Italian-American flavors that are sure to please the whole family.
Make-Ahead Friendly: this casserole can be prepped ahead of time or even frozen for later, making it a convenient option.
Versatile: While delicious on its own, the recipe lends itself well to adding in extra veggies or serving with simple sides like salad or garlic bread.
INGREDIENTS
Here’s everything you need for this savory sensation:
- Ground beef: This provides the meaty protein component and flavor base for the dish.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth and savory notes.
- Dried herbs (basil, parsley, oregano, thyme): A blend of dried Italian herbs infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: For seasoning to taste.
- Marinara/pasta sauce: A jarred marinara or pasta sauce provides the tomato-based sauce.
- Frozen cheese tortellini: The star ingredient - frozen cheese-filled pasta that cooks right in the casserole.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully over the top for a gooey, cheesy texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan adds a salty, umami richness when sprinkled over the casserole.
How To Make Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe
Making this dish couldn’t be easier:
Step1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 3-quart baking dish and set it aside.
Step2.In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and minced garlic until the beef is browned, making sure to crumble the beef as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
Step3.Season the cooked beef with garlic powder, dried basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
Step4.Pour in the marinara or pasta sauce and stir to combine with the seasoned beef mixture.
Step5.Place the frozen tortellini in a colander and run warm water over them for about 1 minute to partially thaw them. Drain any excess water.
Step6.Add the partially thawed tortellini to the meat sauce and gently stir to coat the tortellini.
Step7.Remove the pot from heat and stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step8.Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top.
Step9.Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Step10.Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Step11.Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.
Tips For The Best Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
With these top tips, you'll be serving up a mouthwatering masterpiece
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for maximum flavor. Look for sauces with simple, recognizable ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
- Don't overcook the tortellini. Partially thawing frozen tortellini before baking prevents it from becoming mushy or falling apart.
- Customize with your favorite add-ins like sautéed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers), sliced olives, or crumbled Italian sausage.
- Use a combination of shredded mozzarella and fresh mozzarella pearls or slices for an extra gooey, melty cheese pull.
- For a crispy, golden-brown top, switch oven to broil for 2-3 minutes after baking (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- Garnish with fresh basil, parsley or oregano for a bright, herby finish.
How To Store
Here’s how to store it
To Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely. Cut into individual portions or freeze the whole casserole. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes until heated through, removing foil for the last 15 minutes.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole
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Ingredients
- 680 g 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 14 g 4 large cloves minced garlic
- 2 g 0.75 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 g 1.13 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 g 0.75 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 g 0.38 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 g 0.38 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 680 g 24 oz jar marinara/pasta sauce
- 625 g 22 oz package frozen cheese tortellini
- 455 g 16 oz / 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 35 g 3 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 3-quart baking dish and set it aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef and minced garlic until the meat is browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the cooked beef with garlic powder, dried basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine with the seasoned beef.
- Place the frozen tortellini in a colander and run warm water over them for 1 minute to partially thaw. Drain excess water and add the tortellini to the meat sauce, stirring gently to coat.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in half of the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the tortellini mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle the Parmesan over the top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 20 more minutes until hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Fresh herbs can be substituted for the dried herbs at 3x the amount.
- Grated veggies can be added to the meat sauce if desired.
- Refrigerated tortellini can be used instead of frozen, no need to thaw first.
- For dried tortellini, boil and drain it first before adding to the recipe.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option that works well in this recipe.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and use extra veggies or meat substitutes.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make tasty accompaniments.
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