Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. It’s hearty, delicious, and filled with flavors that come together effortlessly. Plus, who can resist that bubbling cheese topping? Trust me, it’s hard to mess this one up.
Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce
A comforting Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole filled with creamy cheeses and savory meat sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) container of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar of pasta sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until fully cooked.
- Drain excess grease and stir in the pasta sauce and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Carefully fold the cooked tortellini into the beef mixture.
- Spread the mixture in the greased casserole dish and top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Broil for an extra crispy top for 2-3 minutes if desired.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Add veggies like chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Experiment with different sauces or cheeses for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Why This Tortellini Casserole Never Fails
When it comes to weeknight dinners, this Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce is a surefire winner. The blend of creamy cheeses and savory meat sauce makes it a family favorite, and it’s a breeze to make. Let’s dive into how to make this dish your own culinary masterpiece.
Your Ingredient Lineup
- 1 (20 oz) container of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (24 oz) jar of pasta sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated or shredded parmesan
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Cooking Method Made Simple
- Start by cooking the tortellini according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside — no one likes mushy pasta.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and get a 9×13 baking dish, greasing it well. We want this casserole to come out easily.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. While it’s browning, season it generously with salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until it’s fully cooked. This adds a great depth of flavor.
- Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then stir in the pasta sauce and cream cheese. Keep stirring until it’s smooth and creamy — don’t be afraid to get in there with a spatula!
- Carefully fold the cooked tortellini into the beef mixture, making sure every piece is well-coated. We want every tortellini to be a little package of joy.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish. It should look inviting already.
- Generously top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese; go big or go home!
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Want an extra crispy top? Broil it for the last 2-3 minutes — just keep an eye on it.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set a bit and prevents burned tongues.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
Balanced and filling, this casserole is the comfort you need without feeling heavy afterward.
How to Serve It Best
This Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends. Pair it with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. You can even turn it into a potluck favorite — it travels well and always steals the show.
Smart Reheat Tricks
If you have leftovers (or if you’re lucky enough to make extra for another day), here’s how to store and reheat it right. Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 40-50 minutes, or until heated through. Want it faster? Microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Expert Tips
- Choose Your Cheese Wisely: Don’t just grab any cheese; use a good quality mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella will give you that gooey pull that’s Instagram-worthy.
- Add Some Veggies: Sneak in some chopped spinach or mushrooms into the meat mixture for added nutrition without compromising flavor.
- Experiment with Sauces: If you’re feeling adventurous, try a pesto or Alfredo sauce instead of the traditional marinara for a different twist.
- Herb It Up: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top just before serving elevates the dish visually and adds a fresh burst of flavor.
Easy Variations
- Seasonal Twist: In the fall, add roasted butternut squash to the mix for a seasonal touch.
- Flavor Bomb: Swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier kick that’s oh-so-delicious.
- Unexpected Idea: Try adding a layer of sautéed spinach or kale for a hidden veggie surprise that complements the cheese perfectly.
Quick Questions, Straight Answers
Can I use store-bought tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought tortellini saves time and can be just as delicious.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute sour cream or ricotta for a similar creamy texture and flavor.
How long will it last in the fridge?
This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, perfect for leftovers.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble everything, cover it, and store it in the fridge up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
There you have it—a Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole With Meat Sauce that’s not only straightforward but delivers on flavor and satisfaction every single time. Enjoy the cooking, and more importantly, enjoy the eating!