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Baked Tortellini Casserole Recipe

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3.8 from 43 reviews

This Baked Tortellini Casserole is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring tender cheese tortellini tossed in a creamy, savory ground beef and marinara sauce, then baked to perfection under a gooey layer of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s an easy and delicious meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 24 ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup diced onion

Cheeses

  • 1 8 ounce cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 24 ounce jar marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
  3. Add Seasonings and Cream Cheese: Stir in the diced onion, salt, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it melts completely and incorporates into the meat mixture, creating a creamy sauce.
  4. Combine with Marinara: Pour in the marinara sauce and mix well with the beef and cream cheese mixture. Allow it to simmer gently to blend the flavors.
  5. Cook Tortellini: While the sauce simmers, cook the refrigerated cheese tortellini according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the tortellini well to remove all water.
  6. Mix Tortellini and Sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the beef and sauce mixture. Stir gently to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy marinara beef sauce.
  7. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the tortellini mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and then dust with grated parmesan cheese for added flavor and a golden crust.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is fully melted and slightly browned.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding chopped garlic or fresh basil to the sauce.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
  • Make sure not to overcook the tortellini before adding to the casserole to avoid mushiness.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.